General Motors says that, in response to criticism from customers who bought ex-fleet vehicles from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, it will no longer allow fleet buyers to delete side airbags.
Previously, GM allowed fleets to opt out of the side airbags for a $145 credit. For the 2010 model year, side impact airbags – mounted in front seats or doors – will be required for all retail vehicles weighing under 8,500 lbs. in the United States, although fleet vehicles follow a different standard.
When it came time to retail its ex-rental cars, Enterprise had advertised the vehicles as having the airbags despite the fact that the company deleted the feature. The car rental agency recently came under fire for false advertising. About 200,000 Impala and Cobalt coupes and sedans were ordered by various fleet operators without the airbags.
