Mexico City — Safety advocacy groups are raising alarms over the federal government’s Olinia electric vehicle project, warning that the low-cost urban mobility car may be exempt from mandatory safety standards, potentially endangering drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
According to El Poder del Consumidor, the Coalición Movilidad Segura, and Latin NCAP, there is no public information confirming that Olinia will comply with the requirements of Mexican Official Standard NOM-194 for new vehicles. The groups argue that exempting the vehicle from these standards could increase risks for all road users.
The organizations stress that promoting sustainable mobility should not come at the expense of vehicle safety.
Possible Exclusion of Safety Systems
Among the main concerns is that Olinia may not be required to include anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control, three-point seat belts in all seats, or minimum crash protection criteria. Experts say these features are part of international standards to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.
Allowing vehicles with lower safety requirements would represent a setback in public policies aimed at reducing road crashes, the groups said.
Mexico’s High Traffic Fatality Rate
The organizations noted that Mexico faces a persistent road safety crisis, with about 16,000 deaths and more than 150,000 injuries each year from traffic incidents, resulting in significant human, social, and economic costs. They argue that any mobility policy must prioritize protecting the lives of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Press Conference Scheduled
The groups will hold a press conference on July 14 to present their analysis of the Olinia project and the risks they say would come from allowing the vehicle to operate with reduced safety standards. Participants will include Stephan Brodziak of El Poder del Consumidor, Areli Carreón of Coalición Movilidad Segura, and Alejandro Furas, secretary general of Latin NCAP, who will join virtually.
Federal authorities have not announced that Olinia will be exempt from NOM-194, nor have they released the vehicle’s final technical specifications regarding safety.
