

Video also plays a crucial part in data collection. For each test, Mazda has as many as 20 cameras in action, each recording up to 1,000 frames per second.
With the advent of advanced simulation technology, the number of actual crash tests per new model has decreased. However, Kido’s team still conducts a large number of tests for each model.
“It’s not the case that the more complex the exterior design, the more tests we have to carry out. But each market has its own regulations and requirements for car safety, and in order to accommodate these we usually end up doing up to 100 crash tests per model.”
Independent crash-test bodies provide an assessment as to how safe each new car is. Mazda traditionally does extremely well in these tests, and Kido attributes this to the company setting an exceptionally high bar when it comes to safety.
But, while external recognition is important, it is not the goal. Kido elaborates: “Our aim is not simply to score highly in rankings like the Euro NCAP [European New Car Assessment Programme] or ANCAP [Australasian New Car Assessment Program]. We aim higher. It’s part of Mazda’s philosophy, and can be seen in our ‘multi-load path structure’ technology.”
“WE HAVE MORE THAN 40 DUMMIES, BUT FEW ARE IDENTICAL, AS EACH SERVES A DIFFERENT PURPOSE”
This is the central concept behind Mazda Skyactiv-Body, which disperses impact energy in multiple directions, improving crash safety performance. Kido continues: “Each carmaker has its own set of requirements with regards to road safety, but what sets Mazda apart is the detailed analysis of a variety of possible road accident scenarios, and their impact on the occupants inside.
“The objective of testing is to reduce the impact to occupants and pedestrians in the event of a crash and reduce injury as much as possible. The very basics of crash safety is human-centric, which is at the heart of Mazda’s car development.”
Mazda targets, and is actively working towards, an accident-free world. But is that realistic? The response from Kido is an emphatic yes.
“Tens of thousands of people lose their lives in road accidents annually. It goes without saying that a scenario in which there are no accidents is what we are aiming for. But until we achieve this, our cutting-edge safety features can—and will—save lives. That is why we constantly strive to bring advanced safety solutions to Mazda cars, with the aim of protecting the occupants.”