'Top Tether' matter between Proton, ASEAN NCAP a miscommunication

Kuala Lumpur: Proton Holdings Bhd yesterday announced that there was a miscommunication with Asean NCAP on the ‘top tether’ matter that was mistakenly omitted from the current running Saga model that was crash tested in 2013.

In a statement, Proton said the ‘top tether’ and more than 10 other safety enhancement components were fitted for ASEAN NCAP testing in 2013. These include an additional reinforcement to the front and rear bumpers, front bumper beam, front doors, centre pillars and rear seat back support, front seat belt pre-tensioners, the addition of a front passenger airbag and a rear centre three-point seat belt.

These upgrades and reinforcements had effectively entitled the car to obtain a three-star rating when it was tested in 2013.

The Proton Saga was given only a one-star rating in 2012. After which, it was crash tested again in 2013, with a different safety package equipped in the car. To this, Saga received a improvised three-star rating, which is stayed in place until now.

Top Tether

“The top tether was not a regulatory requirement for OEMs to fit in their cars at the point when the car was tested. Although we had complied with safety regulations and other required conditions in the country, we had overlooked in updating ASEAN NCAP on the omission of the top tether from the current Saga models,” Proton explained over the removal of the top tethers on current Saga models.

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In addition, Proton also pointed out that, “the top tether (or the lack of) does not in any way affect the safety of Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP), as it is meant for the installation of child seats that are fitted with a top tether mechanism. In this case, child seats can still be fitted in the car through normal rear seat belt installation.”

Although Proton had complied with safety regulations and other required conditions in the country, the national carmaker said, it had overlooked in updating ASEAN NCAP on the omission of the top tether from the current Saga models.

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Basically, the issue here is that the Proton Saga was tested with top tether available, thus it was used in the installation of the Britax Duo Plus child seat utilised in the Child Occupant Protection part of the test. The child seat was secured to the car using the vehicle’s seatbelt and top tether. It scored 58% in this test. You can see the results in the table below:

An alternative to top tether is a support leg, which can be commonly seen in cars in Malaysia. A support leg doesn’t require any point on the vehicle to attach to. Instead, it rests against the floor.

Support Leg

At this juncture, Proton is offering its customers a free installation of the top tether as an option for current Proton Saga owners. Customers are advised to call Proton Customer Care Hotline (1 800 88 8398) or email customercare@proton.com to schedule an appointment to do so.

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