The collapsible steering column was invented by GM in the late 60s and GM "gave" the patentable technology to the auto industry because they though it was too important to keep for themselves.
This was the most important safety advancement in the 60's, probably followed by Mercedes inventing crumple zones in the early 60's. Mercedes also "gave" that patentable technology to the auto industry for the same reason GM gave the collapsible steering column to the auto industry. The most important safety advancement of all time probably is the driver side airbags, invented by Ford. Mercedes was the first manufacturer to have driver side airbags as standard equipment & that was in the 300E. But nothing has advanced safety (and the cost) of vehicles than the state of California deciding that they had the right to sue the Federal Government for not imposing high enough safety standards! Now they are attempting the same thing with fuel economy standards. Hope you like driving itty bitty cars with itty bitty engines that get 60 MPG. If California has its way then they will soon be coming to a car lot near you! Thanks, Tom Hargrave www.kegkits.com 256-656-1924 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of R A Bennell Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 5:13 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Volvo- Steering Columns My 68 Chevy has a steering shaft close to 4 feet long and about 3/4 of an inch in diameter. I wouldn't really want it to come poking through the steering wheel and into me. I have to admit that is one reason why I have considered selling it. My wife and one of my sons is opposed as they think it is a classic. Randy -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Peter Frederick Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 4:57 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Volvo Ah, the good old days. Makes you wonder why people insist on driving pickup trucks, which until a few years ago were identical to what they were in 1950 with the exception of a collapsable steering column. I remember the days when a front collision usually resulted in the death of the driver due to chest injuries from the steering wheel and column impaling them. Benz, naturally, had padded and them collapsable steering columns long before they were required in the US, and has always put the steering box way back behind the axle, unlike GM who used to hand the bumper on it. The driver that hit me doing about 60 walked away unscathed, due to the crush zones in both vehicles and his air bags. I just got a serious kick in the ribs and some glass in my arm. I'm quite happy. Peter _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
