Euro NCAP to Reassess Crash Test Rating System

In a move that is more than welcome, European car safety testing body Euro NCAP announced today that it will revaluate its crash test rating system to take into account pedestrian safety and electronic stability controls with the results for the first vehicles to be tested under this new rating system due to be released in February 2009. Euro NCAP says that the reason behind these changes is that most manufacturers set out to achieve five-star ratings for adult occupant protection to attract consumers, but compromise safety investment in other areas.

While the the maximum rating in the new system will continue to be five stars, the new overall rating will reflect the protection offered to adult and child occupants as well as pedestrians and, for the first time, the fitment of systems such as electronic stability control (ESP). Moreover, the assessment of adult occupant protection will be expanded to include whiplash testing. -Continued

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP says “I am delighted that more and more manufacturers are achieving five stars in our crash-tests, but it is imperative that Euro NCAP continues to set higher benchmarks for car makers to aspire to. Our new rating system will do this.”

“I have no doubt that manufacturers will step up to the challenge, just as they did when we first started. The creation of new technologies means enhanced safety performance and a potential reduction of fatalities on our roads,” added Michiel van Ratingen. “We intend to reward those manufacturers that make this their ultimate goal.”