Today, Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) has released its highly anticipated annual Year in Numbers report. This report encapsulates the achievements and highlights of the organisation in the past year, as well as shedding light on some of the significant themes that have emerged in the automotive industry.
Euro NCAP’s mission is to improve car safety for the benefit of all European citizens. Since its inception in 1997, it has become the leading authority in the assessment of new car safety performance. Over the years, Euro NCAP has undoubtedly saved countless lives by pushing car manufacturers to improve their safety standards and technology. This year’s Year in Numbers report is a testament to their continued commitment towards making our roads safer.
So, let’s dive into the highlights of this report and see why it is an essential read for all car enthusiasts and safety advocates alike.
First and foremost, the report proudly presents Euro NCAP’s 5,000th test result. This significant milestone marks the rigorous testing and evaluation of over 1,800 cars in the past 20 years. This achievement is a testament to Euro NCAP’s unwavering dedication towards advancing vehicle safety and pushing car manufacturers to strive for excellence in their safety features.
In addition to this, the report highlights some of the key themes that have emerged in the automotive industry in the past year. One of them being the rise of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in cars. With the increasing popularity of technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, Euro NCAP has made it a priority to test and evaluate these features to ensure their effectiveness in making our roads safer. This year alone, Euro NCAP has tested over 45 vehicles with ADAS capabilities, demonstrating their dedication towards staying up-to-date with the latest safety trends.
Another notable theme that has emerged is the growing awareness and focus on the safety of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Euro NCAP’s testing protocols include assessments of pedestrian and cyclist safety features, and they have also introduced a new test this year that evaluates the effectiveness of reversing sensors and automatic emergency braking in preventing collisions with child-size dummies. This serves as a reminder to car manufacturers that the safety of all road users, not just those inside the vehicle, is of utmost importance.
In terms of ratings, the report highlights that over 85% of new cars tested this year have achieved a 5-star rating, with some models receiving higher scores than ever recorded before. This goes to show that car manufacturers are continuously striving towards better safety performance for their vehicles, thanks to the influence and impact of Euro NCAP’s tests and assessments.
Moreover, the report emphasises the collaboration between Euro NCAP and the automotive industry to promote vehicle safety. This includes the engagement of car manufacturers in the development of new testing protocols and standards, as well as the implementation of safety features on a wider scale. This partnership is vital in driving the industry forward and making significant strides towards vehicle safety.
On top of these achievements, the report also highlights Euro NCAP’s expanding role in promoting safer mobility beyond just cars. This includes the assessment of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems for trucks, as well as supporting the European Commission’s goal to make autonomous emergency braking systems a standard feature in passenger cars by 2022.
Furthermore, Euro NCAP’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the game is evident in its development of new assessment protocols. One of the most notable ones being the introduction of the ‘Dual Rating’ system, which will test and rate vehicles in both standard and advanced safety criteria. This will help consumers make more informed decisions about the safety features of the car they are purchasing and encourage car manufacturers to continue to advance their safety technology.
In conclusion, Euro NCAP’s Year in Numbers report is a testament to the organisation’s unwavering dedication towards advancing vehicle safety and making our roads safer for all. With their milestone achievements and continuous evolution in testing protocols, Euro NCAP has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the automotive industry, making our cars safer than ever before. So, let’s celebrate their success and continue to support their mission towards improving car safety for everyone.
