When did power steering become standard?
The advent of power steering revolutionized the automotive industry, making driving more comfortable and less strenuous for drivers. The question of when power steering became standard in vehicles is a topic of great interest for car enthusiasts and historians alike. This article delves into the timeline of power steering’s integration into the automotive mainstream.
Power steering was first introduced in the early 20th century, but it was not until the 1950s that it began to gain widespread adoption. The first production vehicle to feature power steering was the 1951 Studebaker Champion. This innovation was a result of the collaboration between Studebaker and Clessie Lyle Cummins, who developed the hydraulic power steering system.
However, it took several more years for power steering to become a standard feature in most vehicles. In the 1960s, power steering started to become more common, particularly in luxury cars and higher-end models. It was during this decade that manufacturers began to recognize the benefits of power steering in terms of driver comfort and safety.
The turning point for power steering becoming standard came in the 1970s. As environmental regulations became stricter and fuel efficiency became a priority, automakers started to focus on making their vehicles more accessible to a wider range of drivers. Power steering was seen as a way to improve the driving experience for both new and experienced drivers, regardless of their strength or age.
In 1971, the U.S. government passed the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, which required automakers to include a list of standard equipment in their vehicles. This act helped to accelerate the adoption of power steering as a standard feature. By the early 1980s, power steering had become a standard feature in most new vehicles in the United States.
The trend of power steering becoming standard extended beyond the United States. In Europe, power steering became more common in the 1970s and 1980s, with most manufacturers offering it as a standard feature by the early 1990s. In Japan, power steering became standard in the late 1980s, and in other parts of the world, the adoption rate varied depending on local market preferences and regulations.
In conclusion, power steering became a standard feature in most vehicles in the early 1980s, thanks to the efforts of automakers, government regulations, and the growing demand for improved driving experiences. This innovation has since become an integral part of the automotive industry, making driving more accessible and enjoyable for millions of people worldwide.
