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RSV Research Reports AT ASRI

    In the 1970's, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted research to assess trade-offs between high levels of safety, good fuel economy, low emissions, competitive costs to consumers and good consumer acceptance.  Experimental cars were developed by Volkswagen, Calspan/Chrysler, and Minicars.  The VW car achieved 60 miles per gallon with good safety features.  The Calspan/Chrysler RSV had air bags and automatic air belts, and a front bumper that survived a high speed crash with virtually no damage.  The Minicars RSV had automatic radar braking and air bags that protected occupants in a 50 mile per hour cash.  These are only a few of the features demonstrated by the program.  The final research reports have been included on the ASRI website to preserve the research findings.

Click on the links below to see summaries of each vehicle's features and the final research reports.