While most
new car models these days are being equipped with a reversing camera, one car manufacturer has decided to go against
the flow. Many expected that the entry level Neo model of the popular Mazda3 to
have a built-in camera system when it went on sale locally after the car maker
announced a pricing adjustment as a result of a free trade agreement between Australia
and Japan. However, it seemed that Mazda has decided to omit the popular car
accessory.
Instead, the
car maker made rear parking sensors and alloy wheels standard on the Neo. In
contrast, some of the cheapest cars on the market, including the Toyota Yaris
and Honda Jazz, now have cameras as standard equipment.
Martin
Benders, head of Mazda Australia, defended the car maker’s decision, saying
that drivers shouldn’t be solely relying on camera systems to guard against driveway
accidents involving young children. “I expect that people who drive cars take
care and attention about how they drive their cars. Reversing cameras are not
infallible. They're more an aid but so are reverse parking sensors and they
will pick up obstacles in the same way,” he said.
Benders added
that he hasn’t received any complaints from Mazda customers about the lack of a
rear view camera system in their
cars. “It might surprise you, but
I don't have a string of customer complaints or comments saying, 'where's my
reversing camera?”
Benders’ comments raised some eyebrows at the media conference when
Mazda announced the launch of the new Mazda3. However, the Mazda Australia boss
later clarified the point he was making, explaining that he didn’t mean to
downplay the role of cameras as a safety aid. What he was merely trying to say
is that drivers must also have to take responsibility for their actions and not
just rely on crash-avoidance technology.
But whether you agree with Benders or not, you cannot deny that cameras
indeed make excellent driving safety aids. Previous studies in the United
States have shown that reversing cameras
can help minimise driveway accidents and potential collisions when
reversing your car.
So if you have bought yourself a new Mazda3 Neo, it certainly helps to
purchase a camera system for your vehicle. Not only does it help you prevent
driveway accidents, which can be a huge help if you have small children at
home, it also makes your car more manoeuvrable.
If you’re looking for quality cameras for your vehicle, be sure to visit
Elinz Electronics. We offer a wide range of versatile and durable camera
systems, including caravan 2 camera systems,
designed for different types of vehicles.
