New automotive door latch standard adopted

Safety officials from over 20 nations have agreed to adopt a uniform standard for door latches on vehicles sold throughout the world. The new door standard is just the first in an expected series of international regulations that will boost vehicle safety around the world, according to a report carried by Automotive News. Uniform standards for lighting, brakes and window glass are expected to follow.
In addition to improved safety, the standards are expected to lower vehicle development and production costs. Variations in standards, multiplied over millions of units, add significant costs to vehicles, manufacturers say.