In a potential cultural shift away from high-technology driver-assist systems and static safety features, Indian car buyers are increasingly identifying front and rear dash cams as their most sought-after mandatory feature in new vehicles.
According to a recent study by Park+ Research Labs, out of the 3,000 car owners surveyed in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, this was overwhelmingly shown.
The results of this study challenge many long-held assumptions of modern car buyer preferences. Although the industry movements seem to be concentrating on ADAS technologies and 6 airbags, it seems like Indian consumers value real-life safety tools, in this case, dashcams that can potentially provide more evidence as to the cause of accidents or unsafe behaviours on the roads.
Dashcams Over Airbags?
According to the survey, 48% of respondents think front and rear dashcams should come standard in all new cars. This notable present bias indicates real concern about road rage, hit-and-run, and insurance fraud in urban India.
Dashcams provide irrefutable video evidence that not only improves driver accountability, but also provides a common basis for rapid resolution of legal and insurance issues.
Bharat NCAP Ratings Come Second
Approximately 32% of car owners trusted Bharat NCAP 5-star safety ratings, which shows small, yet continued awareness of crash protection. However, structural safety is beginning to be viewed as less of a unique selling feature, and is more of an assumed minimum.
Dropping Demand for Airbags and Disc Brakes
Remarkably, only 10% of participants thought the minimum should be six airbags.
Despite government focus and the manufacturers 'push' towards it as a standard feature, it is no longer a unique selling feature. However, the best part is that still being a standard safety feature, it is offered by leading automobile manufacturers and that too in the affordable range.
The same is true for all-disc brakes, which provide better performance and stopping power, yet attracted only 8% of buyers.
The Bottom Line: Safety Through Smart Technology
The survey highlights a change in buyer preference—from passive safety to active, tech-enabled protection. With only 2% of buyers placing features outside the core (safety) set first, it is clear modern Indian drivers are after features that offer protection, proof, and the peace of mind on chaotic roads.
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