Mazda has announced it will make automatic emergency braking standard on most models in 2018. Torque News has confirmed that most 2018 Mazda Models will have the technology for the new model year as standard equipment.
Toyota Leads In Standard Safety
In January of 2016, Toyota joined nine top automakers in agreeing to make forward collision prevention with automatic emergency braking standard by 2022. However, shortly after the meeting, Toyota announced it would start immediately with all new model year cars and now most 2017 Toyotas include the technology at no added cost to the consumer.
Nissan and Mazda Follow Toyota's Lead
Toyota's safety leadership is now resulting in a follow-the-leader game by other brands. Nissan was the first to follow Toyota, and now Mazda has also apparently done so as well. Honda and Subaru still offer base model cars without automatic emergency braking on popular models Like the CR-V and Forester.
Why Automatic Emergency Braking Matters
In real world studies of the exact same model with and without automatic emergency braking, the cars with the technology have shown to have up to 40% fewer rear end collisions. Most owners love the technology, while a few do not.
Related Story: Mazda Increases Standard Safety Across the Lineup, But Skips Miata