Cartalk puzzler? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 02-06-2006, 08:10 PM

Interesting cartalk puzzler this week:

from www.cartalk.com

Quote:

This Week's Car Talk Puzzler:

A Most Curious Rule Change

RAY: Some of you may know that the NHTSA—that's the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—is the government agency responsible for, well, the administration of highway traffic safety. They're the folks who mandate recalls. They also make the rules and regulations regarding things like seatbelts, energy absorbing bumpers, airbags, headlights, and so on.

Well, in 1971, the NHTSA instituted a new rule for all automobile manufacturers, foreign and domestic. Every manufacturer selling cars and trucks in this country was required by law to comply with this new safety rule. It unquestionably made cars and trucks safer to drive. However, in the last few years, several manufacturers began selling certain models that could not comply with this rule. The NHTSA chose not to enforce compliance. Instead, they re-wrote the rule for these few manufacturers.

The question is: Can you name two of the companies involved? And, if you can, name the rule.

I'm going to give you a hint. Two of the companies that are involved are Honda and General Motors.

skiier3_9 · #2 02-06-2006, 08:40 PM

Perhaps rule #216:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/RoofCrushNotice/216NPRM-to-FR.html
http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?did=1183&scid=174

I didn't have time earlier to expand, if that rule is indeed the one they're referring to, I would guess that the cars in question are the Pontiac Solstice convertible (perhaps the Corvette convertible as well) and the Honda S2000 convertible