The car companies for a long time were not concerned of the driver or passenger safety. In India people want low priced cars and the car companies in order to attract customers have left aside the safety aspect. Even now cars like Ambassador and M800 do not come with any driver or passenger safety features. It has been proved, that car drivers who has fitted airbags and seat belts fastened to their body, suffer the least injuries on face, spine and chest.
Now low cost car like Nano is likely to have airbags which is rare in the cars of such price range. Today the air bags are being offered as an option and are standard in premium small car segment. The scenario is slowly changing, as Indians are ready to pay more and want more from car companies.
Nowadays, Indians are very much concerned about their safety. The cars which have a built in safety system give less injury during the impact. Small segment cars like nano and the car for indian roads-ambassador, are coming out with models which have these systems, and customers want these from the makers and are are willing to pay for the cause!!
Low-cost air bags for low-cost car. Hope Tata's don't compromise with the safety features and the airbags have quality.