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The Pinto debuted in September 1970, marketed as “the little carefree car.” Initial sales were strong, and by 1974, Ford had sold over half a million units. Positive reviews celebrated its economy and configuration compared to competitors, making it seemingly a winner in the marketplace.
A Crossroads in Automotive Safety
However, the Pinto was introduced during a significant shift in automotive safety standards in the United States. The book "Unsafe at Any Speed" by consumer advocate Ralph Nader ignited public concern regarding the safety of American cars. This ushered in new regulations aimed at improving crash survivability.