And after a faltering start, the Asians, particularly Nissan and Toyota, are beginning to make inroads into the market for light trucks and SUVs, and have a load of new products ready for launch.

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So, in an effort to find out what exactly is going on and, it is hoped, make cars safer, researchers at universities, hospitals and auto companies around the world are beginning to cobble together a new dummy.

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It is beginning to integrate a new generation of bought-in designers, Americans and Europeans, to make up for this one area of deficiency.

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