Carmakers Want Multi-Angle Option for Backup Cameras

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is asking the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a more flexible version of the U.S. regulation that will require backup camera systems in new vehicles by 2018, Automotive News reports.

The lobbying group wants a standard that would permit them to use multiple cameras if necessary to create an image of the area behind the vehicle. That option, AAM says, would allow more vehicle design flexibility, such as mounting the spare tire on the tailgate of an SUV.

The group also is asking NHTSA to change annual phase-in steps from May 1 to Sept. 1 to better match traditional model-year shifts.