Volkswagen will make its Electronics Stabilization Program (ESP) standard fare on all of its vehicles starting in the 2009 model year, the company announced Thursday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires all vehicles sold in the U.S. to be equipped with a similar system by no later than 2012, and VW is the first non-luxury maker to do so.
According to NHTSA estimates, nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if all new vehicles came with an active safety feature such as and electronic driving aid, which is why it’s mandating it.
The ESP system in VW’s cars helps to avoid oversteer and understeer conditions and keep the driver in control, by braking individual wheels thanks via the ABS and its sensors, regulating engine power via VW’s ASR electronic traction control system, as well as the company’s Electronic Differential Lock system, another form of traction control in split-traction conditions.
“ESP has been available on all Volkswagen s in the US for several years. Now, making ESP standard across our entire line reinforces Volkswagen’s commitment to safety for all our customers,†said Volkswagen of America, Inc. CEO, Stefan Jacoby.
