Korea establishes standard for automobile 'black boxes'
Novermber 7, 2007

Korea has established an industrial standard for automobile "black boxes" in an effort to make inroads into the growing business area, a standardization agency said Wednesday (Nov.7).

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (ATS) said the new guideline sets uniform rules and could boost domestic demand.

Black boxes installed in automobiles are designed to record speed, direction, brake operations and the use of seat belts.

The boxes could be used to automatically inform police and rescue workers if an accident takes place as well as help determine the cause of accidents.

"The functions are similar to those of black boxes used on airplanes, and they could make drivers more cautious about driving since their every move will be recorded," said Song Yang-hee, an official at the ATS.

The system has already been installed in 1,000 buses in Korea. In the U.S., black boxes have been installed in 15 percent of the 200 million smaller-sized cars on the road, and in 80 percent of all passenger cars produced since 2004.

Japan currently has the system installed in 40,000 commercial vehicles and 20,000 passenger cars, and is taking steps to expand its use.

The standard setting agency under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said it has become more important to enter the field because the European Union (EU) and the United States are moving to require the installation of black boxes in all cars in the near future.

The EU said all cars must have the device starting in 2010, while the U.S. is pushing for similar steps in 2011.

"If Korea can develop the technology and acquire the necessary operating skills, it could become a major player in the global black box market," Song said.