The National Highway Safety Administration is required to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), which are specific safety regulations that all motor vehicle and mobility manufacturers must conform to in order to ensure vehicle safety for consumers. The FMVSS are put in place not only to protect the public but also to provide a ratings system for consumers to use when making buying decisions about vehicles and equipment.
For a manufacturer’s vehicle(s) to be in compliance, documents must be reviewed against specific sections of the FMVSS and then be classified. A “Pass” indicates that the standards in effect at that time have been met. The reviews are conducted by a panel of independent engineer consultants under the supervision of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). All submissions to the NMEDA Compliance Review Program are voluntary.
NMEDA posts all compliance information for consumers to use as reference only.
Recently, VMI authorized the release of their safety test ratings to NMEDA for inclusion as part of the Compliance Review Program.
During their FMVSS testing, VMI received the rating “Pass” on the Odyssey, Town & Country, and Grand Caravan on the following:
- 50 mph rear-impact collision, which tests floor structure and fuel-system integrity
- 33.5 mph side-impact collision, which tests side-impact protection and fuel-system integrity
- 35 mph front-impact, which tests steering control rearward displacement, occupant crash protection, windshield mounting and zone intrusion and fuel system integrity (The 2011 Dodge/Chrysler van is being scheduled for this test.)
- Pull-testing: seating systems and seatbelt assy. anchorages including wheelchair.
For more information, visit NMEDA FMVSS Compliance Review Program.