Some (historic) arguments that may have influenced the styling of today’s vehicles’ exterior shapes
16. Mr Kinsky presented a document that highlighted some historic arguments for today’s front end designs (document TF-BTA-03-09). He explained that these references were found when privately checking some old files and that they should neither be seen as an extended research on this subject nor as a position paper of industry. The intention is just to provide some information as requested by the group.
17. Mr Kinsky explained that obviously in early times of pedestrian safety discussion it was assessed to be beneficial for pedestrians deflecting them to the vehicle sides where possible. The contact with the vehicle front end was seen to create higher risks for severe injuries than the contact with the ground. This may have initially caused design changes as they are seen today more often. However, it remains to the task force to assess these details.