JAKARTA - Russia has been hit by massive sanctions from western countries for its invasion of Russia. Even though Russia has always denied that the sanctions have any implications, the latest production cars from Russia cannot lie.
Avtovaz, a Russian car company that has been subject to international sanctions, is now resuming production. But there is a big difference. The manufacturer was forced to remove key safety features, including airbags, on the latest version of its popular sedan, the Lada, quoted by NBC News, Tuesday, June 14.
Avtovaz actually stopped production of the Lada brand in March and laid off many of its workers because they could not get certain spare parts due to sanctions. But, after the Russian government's decision to cut safety regulations, the assembly line came back to life.
Now the favorite four-door car, the Lada Granta, will not embed airbags, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, or emergency retraction locks on the seat belts. That is, the car failed to meet the emission standards of the 21st century.
“This is a very backward step,” said David Ward, executive president of the Global New Car Assessment Program, a group that aims to develop car safety standards around the world.
He was saddened to learn that Russia had removed the safety feature. Because Russia is the deputy chair of the World Forum for the Harmonization of United Nations Vehicle Regulations.
VOIR éGALEMENT:
“How can they claim to be at the forefront of road safety globally?” quipped Ward.
Foreign policy expert interviewed by NBC News, Jeffrey Edmonds called it a classic move to appear undisturbed by Western economic sanctions. Russia is forced to make its people sacrifice essential conveniences, such as car safety features, to ensure it maintains its economic illusion.
"This clearly shows the willingness on the part of the Russian government to really sacrifice quality goods and security in the name of this invasion," he said.
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