The campaign, organised by the FIA and FIA Foundation, was launched in May at the Bridgestone European Testing ground near Rome. Commissioner Reding was joined on the conference programme by Max Mosley, FIA President, Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, James Ports, Deputy Administrator of the US National Highway Administration, and Claes Tingvall, Chairman of Euro NCAP.

The event attracted over 150 key stakeholders from motoring organisations, consumer groups, motor industry and related suppliers, national authorities from EU member states and automotive media. 

FIA President Max Mosley called for immediate action to increase the take-up of ESC worldwide. He revealed details of a new study which shows that as many as 4,000 lives could be saved each year and 100,000 injuries avoided by the mandatory use of ESC.

Mosley said: “Clearly we must do everything we can to promote such an important life saving system.”

Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher also gave his endorsement to the campaign via a video statement aired during the event. 

This was followed by the release by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) of an EU wide ESC availability survey which demonstrated the relatively low take-up of this life-saving technology across Europe.

It showed, for instance, that British motorists have a choice of less cars fitted with ESC than, say, Latvia or Lithuania. Just 55 per cent of new cars sold in the UK have ESC fitted as standard, compared to 76 per cent in Denmark, and 65 per cent in Latvia and Lithuania.

A technical workshop was also organised during the ChooseESC! event with presentations from the US, Australia and Canada. 

The FIA recently ratified a policy position recommending all vehicle buyers choose an ESC-equipped model and that FIA member clubs worldwide promote and support consumer awareness campaigns highlighting its safety benefits.

Click here (www.chooseesc.eu) for further information about the ESC campaign.