The Saleen S7 could be lost from the U.S. market due to the advanced air
bag requirement that takes effect September 1. Saleen has submitted an
application for temporary exemption with NHTSA which, if approved, would
enable the S7 to be produced and sold in the U.S. for three (3) more
years. (To view the full application, search for Docket Number 25323 at
http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchFormSimple.cfm)
Until July 20, 2006, public comments are now being solicited and accepted
regarding this application for exemption. If you want to help save the
S7, you may submit your comments electronically via the web site,
http://dms.dot.gov. Click on the tab marked "Comments/Submissions" at the
top of the screen. Enter the following information:
Docket Number: 25323
Operating Administration: NHTSA.
Docket Type: check the Adjudicatory option
Docket Existence: check the Does Exist option
Fill in the rest of the requested information, then follow the
instructions for submitting your comments.
In addition to your own thoughts, a few other arguments in favor of
approving the request for temporary exemption include:
1. The inherent design, materials and construction of the S7 provide
safety well beyond that of other passenger vehicles. The S7 employs a
fully welded roll cage, aluminum honeycomb passenger compartment and
carbon fiber bodywork to protect its maximum of two occupants. The
design, materials and construction have proven to be safe in racing
applications at speeds more than three times the maximum speed limit for
public roads.
2. The S7 is built in extremely limited numbers and driven very few miles
per year. Statistically, as compared to the total passenger miles driven
per year, the S7 mileage is inconsequential to overall saftey on U.S.
roads.
3. The S7 is built in the U.S. by American workers using parts that are
primarily sourced from other U.S. companies. Jobs would be lost at Saleen
and critical suppliers should the exemption application not be approved.
4. Saleen would suffer severe economic hardship should the exemption
request not be granted.
5. The S7 is an American icon that competes with the most exotic supercars
in the world. The S7 represents American ingenuity, engineering
capability, craftsmanship and manufaxturing excellence.
Thanks for considering submittal of comments in favor of the S7 air bag
exemption. If you want to know more about this, please call Alan at 949-307-4735.
Alan@AliveMotorsports.com
http://www.alivemotorsports.com