In a move that could only be described as outrageously stupid, Hyundai has decided to remove Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side curtain airbags as standard features on its Santa Fe SUV. This comes despite ESC and a full complement of airbags having been fitted standard when Hyundai launched the CM-series Santa Fe in May 2006.

As GoAuto rightly point out on their website today, the Hyundai decision comes after highlighting the importance of ESC upon the Santa Fe's release last year.

At that time, Hyundai issued a press release pointing to studies by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that “show ESC-equipped SUVs have 63 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes”.

The Hyundai release also claimed ESC is “reckoned by experts to be the car industry’s most effective life-saving technology since ABS and especially relevant in SUVs with their taller stance and higher centre of gravity”.

Not surprisingly, Australia's peak motoring bodies have been highly critical of Hyundai's about face.

RACV chief engineer Michael Case criticised HMCA for moving away from fitting ESC across the entire Santa Fe range.

“If ESC was standard, to then make it available only on selected models is a backward step,” Mr Case told GoAuto. “We are calling on all manufacturers to make ESC available, ideally as standard equipment, and if not then at least an affordable option.”

So, what does this all mean?

Hyundai have gone on public record to state that they recognise the safety benefits associated with fitting ESC to their products. In fitting ESC to their Santa Fe range of SUV's their customers are at a significantly lower risk of being killed in a single vehicle crash.

Just over 12 months later Hyundai, having previously acknowledged the life saving benefits of ESC, make the decision to remove ESC as standard from it's Santa Fe range.

In simple terms, Hyundai can be seen as removing a safety feature, in the knowledge that in doing so, they are making their vehicle "less safe" for their customers.

Hopefully people see this for what it is. A disgraceful example of opportunistic cost cutting at the expense of driver and passenger safety.

The question needs to be asked, at what point will car companies be held accountable for the decisions they make? Should a car company be held liable for knowingly placing their customers at increased risk?

Hyundai have now chosen to produce and market a vehicle that they realise more of their customers are likely to die in. That's the bottom line.

Would you order yourself a new Hyundai Santa Fe?

Note: If you disagree with Hyundai's decision, I would strongly urge you to Digg this story, and start spreading the message.

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