The European Commission (EC) has given the clearest indication yet that anti-skid technology will be compulsory on new cars from 2012.
David Ward, the director general of the FIA Foundation, stated at the recent Fleet Research conference that he anticipates the EC “will mandate the fitment of ESP (anti-skid tech) for new cars sold within the European Union from 2012 onwards”.

Currently, manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi offer anti-skid as standard across the range, while Ford and Vauxhall only offer it on selected models.
Anti-skid control has also been said to have a direct positive impact on a fleet’s finances, by avoiding accident costs. ACFO research has shown these costs account for 13% of a fleet’s total ownership cost.
Despite these benefits, results of research run by Bosch shows that while 66% of fleet decision makers claim to have heard of ESP, only 31% could describe the physical safety advantages.
“In 2007, 56% of new car sales were funded by the corporate sector, so in making their fleet choices, fleet managers need to be aware of vehicle safety technologies,” said Julie Jenner, chairman of ACFO.

Further details of plans to make anti-skip technology mandatory are expected to be revealed by the EC this summer.