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More Auto Companies Installing Rear Seatbelts

Feb. 10, 1965 - Three leading automobile companies, responding to growing concern about auto safety, today announced plans to install rear seat belts in their new cars.

The Ford Motor Company said this morning that it would make two rear belts standard equipment, beginning this fall with its 1966 models.

Chrysler Corporation, which has been studying the matter, quickly announced it would install rear belts starting April 1.

American Motors Corporation announced later in the day that it would follow Ford in installing belts for 1966 models.

General Motors Corporation declined to comment, but industry sources expected the company to follow the lead of its competitors.

The industry’s decision was an important gesture in response to increasing Government pressure on auto producers to make their cars safer.

Dr. Bobbie Campbell, head of the accident research branch of the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory in Buffalo, said the move was “a very clear-cut and important step in the right direction.” But he observed that the Cornell organization also had been calling upon the industry to make improvements in steering assemblies, seating, and dashboard design.

The cost of the rear seat belts will be passed along to customers. Those who do not want the belts will have to ask the dealer to omit them when the car is ordered, as is the case with the front seat belts, which the industry made standard at the start of 1964.



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