Euro NCAP#Euro NCAP Advanced
{{Short description|Car safety assessment programme}}
{{Use dmy dates|cs1-dates=yy|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox company
| name = European New Car Assessment Programme
| logo = Euro NCAP.svg
| logo_size = 250px
| logo_caption = Euro NCAP logo
| native_name =
| type = Voluntary non-profit
| industry = Automotive safety
| founded = December 1996
| hq_location = Leuven, Belgium
| num_locations = 8 facilities
| area_served = Europe
| services = Consumer information
| homepage = {{URL|https://euroncap.com}}
}}
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European voluntary car safety performance assessment programme (i.e. a New Car Assessment Program) based in Leuven, Belgium. Formed in 1996, the first results were released in February 1997.{{Cite web|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/|title=Timeline {{!}} Euro NCAP|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601064333/https://www.euroncap.com/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/|url-status=dead}} It was originally started by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport but later backed by several European governments, as well as by the European Union (EU).{{Cite book|last1=Morello|first1=L.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wSYKNX5vUnwC&pg=PA54|title=The Automotive Body: Volume II: System Design|last2=Rossini|first2=Lorenzo Rosti|last3=Pia|first3=Giuseppe|last4=Tonoli|first4=Andrea|date=4 March 2011|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-94-007-0516-6|pages=54|language=en}}{{cite web| first= Pernille | last= Larsen |url= http://www.fiabrussels.com/en/fia_european_bureau/news/euro_ncaps_standard_set_for_upcoming_electric_and_range-extender_cars.htm |title=Euro NCAP's standard set for upcoming electric and range-extender cars |website=fiabrussels.com | place= Brussels| publisher= Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile| date= 25 May 2011 |url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120425132146/http://www.fiabrussels.com/en/fia_european_bureau/news/euro_ncaps_standard_set_for_upcoming_electric_and_range-extender_cars.htm | archive-date= 25 April 2012| access-date=2 November 2011}} Their slogan is "For Safer Cars".
History and activities
Euro NCAP is a voluntary vehicle safety rating system created by the Swedish Road Administration, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and International Consumer Research & Testing, backed by fourteen members, and motoring and consumer organisations in several EU countries.{{Cite web|url= https://www.euroncap.com/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/euro-ncap-launched|title=Euro NCAP Timeline - Euro NCAP Launched |publisher= Euro NCAP |website= euroncap.com|language= en| access-date= 8 November 2017}}{{cite web
|title= List of Euro NCAP Members and Test Facilities
|website= euroncap.com
|publisher= Euro NCAP
|url= http://www.euroncap.com/en/about-euro-ncap/members-and-test-facilities/list-of-euro-ncap-members-and-test-facilities/
|access-date= 29 January 2016
|archive-date= 18 October 2019
|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191018042635/https://www.euroncap.com/en/about-euro-ncap/members-and-test-facilities/list-of-euro-ncap-members-and-test-facilities/
|url-status= dead
}} They provide European consumers with information regarding the safety of passenger vehicles. In 1998, operations moved from London to Brussels.{{Cite web|title=Timeline {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=1 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601064333/https://www.euroncap.com/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/|url-status=dead}}
The programme is modelled after the New Car Assessment Program, introduced 1979 by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.{{cite web
| title = The New Car Assessment Program Suggested Approaches for Future Program Enhancements
| publisher = National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
| work= safercar.com
|date=January 2007
| url = http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/DOT/safercar/pdf/810698.pdf
| access-date = 24 November 2008 }}
Other areas with similar (but not identical) programmes include Australia and New Zealand with ANCAP, Latin America with Latin NCAP, Japan with JNCAP and China with C-NCAP.{{cite web
|title = What's C-NCAP?
|publisher = C-NCAP
|website = c-ncap.org.cn
|date = January 2007
|url = http://www.c-ncap.org.cn/picen/encontent/what.htm
|access-date = 18 May 2010
}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Euro NCAP publish safety reports on new cars, and awards 'star ratings' based on the performance of the vehicles in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impacts, and impacts with pedestrians. Testing is not mandatory, with vehicle models either being independently chosen by Euro NCAP or sponsored by the manufacturers.{{cite web|title=Cars chosen for testing|url=http://www.euroncap.com/Content-Web-Faq/5076ae48-c23c-4933-ad63-0449b3a6425b/cars-chosen-for-testing.aspx|work=euroncap.com|publisher=Euro NCAP|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006165627/http://euroncap.com/Content-Web-Faq/5076ae48-c23c-4933-ad63-0449b3a6425b/cars-chosen-for-testing.aspx|archive-date=6 October 2010|access-date=19 July 2010}}
In Europe, new cars are certified as legal for sale under the Whole Vehicle Type Approval regimen that differs from Euro NCAP. According to Euro NCAP,{{cite web|title=General questions about Euro NCAP|url=http://www.euroncap.com/Content-Web-Faq/b012b7f3-44f9-4755-94f9-a8642fd1402a/about-euro-ncap.aspx|work=euroncap.com|publisher=Euro NCAP|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008132648/http://euroncap.com/Content-Web-Faq/b012b7f3-44f9-4755-94f9-a8642fd1402a/about-euro-ncap.aspx|archive-date=8 October 2010|access-date=18 May 2010}} "The frontal and side impact crash tests used by Euro NCAP are based on those used in European legislation. However, much higher performance requirements are used by Euro NCAP." Euro NCAP also states that "legislation sets a minimum compulsory standard whilst Euro NCAP is concerned with best possible current practice. Progress with vehicle safety legislation can be slow, particularly as all EU Member States’ views have to be taken into account. Also, once in place, legislation provides no further incentive to improve, whereas Euro NCAP provides a continuing incentive by regularly enhancing its assessment procedures to stimulate further improvements in vehicle safety."
Before Euro NCAP was introduced car buyers had little information if one car was safer than the other; the UK at the time required only a {{cvt|30|mph|km/h|order=flip}} frontal crash test.{{Cite web|title=20 Years Of Euro Ncap {{!}} AA|url=https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/20-years-of-euro-ncap|website=www.theaa.com|access-date=28 May 2020}} The first ratings of a group of best selling vehicles were released in 1997, since then Euro NCAP has tested more than 1,800 new cars, published over 600 ratings and has helped save upwards of 78,000 lives in Europe, and encouraged manufacturers to build safer cars. As a result of Euro NCAP, European automakers' cars have become much safer over the years. Test results are commonly presented by motor press, and in turn, greatly influence consumer demand for a vehicle. One notable example of this is the Rover 100 (an update of a 1980 design, first marketed as an Austin), which after receiving a one-star Adult Occupant Rating in the tests in 1997, suffered from poor sales and was withdrawn from production soon afterwards.{{cite web|title=Ten Years of Crashing New Cars|url=http://www.racfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=327&Itemid=0|work=racfoundation.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711191346/http://www.racfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=327&Itemid=0|archive-date=11 July 2007|access-date=26 January 2008}} BMW's 2007 Mini had its bonnet and headlamp fixture changed to meet the latest pedestrian safety requirements.{{cite web|title=Exclusive first drive of the refreshed British small car|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=116748|work=edmunds.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070921010439/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId%3D116748|archive-date=21 September 2007|access-date=26 January 2008}} In 2017, to celebrate Euro NCAP's 20th anniversary, they tested a 1997 Rover 100 and 2017 Honda Jazz under the same frontal offset conditions to demonstrate how far safety has come in Europe.{{Cite web|title=Euro NCAP Timeline - Euro NCAP 20th Anniversary {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/about-euro-ncap/timeline/euro-ncap-20th-anniversary/|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en|access-date=28 May 2020}}
2020 test procedures
= Mobile progressive deformable barrier =
The test car is propelled at {{cvt|50|km/h}} into a moving deformable barrier mounted on an oncoming {{convert|1400|kg|adj=on}} trolley, also travelling at 50 km/h at a 50% overlap. This represents hitting a mid-size family car. Two adult male dummies are seated in the front (a THOR-50M driver and a Hybrid-III 50M passenger) and two child dummies (a 6 year old and a 10 year old) are placed in the back. The aim is to assess the crumple zones and the compatibility of the test car.{{Cite web|title=Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/frontal-impact/mobile-progressive-deformable-barrier/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
= Full width rigid barrier =
The test car is driven into a rigid barrier with full overlap at a speed of {{cvt|50|km/h}}. A small 5th Percentile dummy is seated in the driving position and in the rear seat. The aim is to test the car's restraint system, such as airbags and seat belts.{{Cite web|title=Full Width Rigid Barrier {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/frontal-impact/full-width-rigid-barrier/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
= Mobile side impact barrier =
A deformable barrier is mounted on a trolley and is driven at {{cvt|60|km/h||abbr=}} into the side of the stationary test vehicle at a right angle. This is meant to represent another vehicle colliding with the side of a car.{{Cite web|title=Side Mobile Barrier {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/lateral-impact/side-mobile-barrier/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
= Side pole =
The car is propelled sideways at {{cvt|32|km/h}} against a rigid, narrow pole at a small angle away from perpendicular to simulate a vehicle travelling sideways into roadside objects such as a tree or pole.{{Cite web|title=Side Pole {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/lateral-impact/side-pole/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
= Far side impact =
The body in white (frame) of the vehicle is attached to a sled is propelled sideways to provide accelerations experienced by the vehicle in the side and pole tests, but on the far side of the vehicle. The far side testing was implemented in 2020 to help combat far side injuries (where the driver is struck from the opposite side). The ‘excursion’ of the dummy - the extent to which the dummy moves towards the impacted side of the vehicle - is measured.{{Cite web|title=Far-Side Impact {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/lateral-impact/far-side-impact/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
If the vehicle is equipped with centre airbags then a co-driver (front passenger) is added in either the mobile side impact or the pole test to evaluate its effectiveness.
= Whiplash =
The vehicle seat is propelled forwards rapidly at both {{cvt|16|and|24|km/h}} to test the seat and head restraint's capabilities to protect the head and neck against whiplash during a rear impact.{{Cite web|title=Whiplash {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/rear-impact/whiplash/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
= Vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) =
- Head impact
- Pelvis impact
- Lower leg impact
- AEB pedestrian
- AEB cyclist
=Safety assist=
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) car-to-car
- Occupant status monitoring
- Speed assistance
- Lane support
= Rescue and extrication =
How easy it is for first responders to extricate the occupant and how well eCall performs after a collision.{{Cite web|title=Rescue and Extrication {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/vehicle-safety/the-ratings-explained/adult-occupant-protection/rescue-and-extrication/|access-date=28 May 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
Ratings
Euro NCAP's ratings consist of percentage scores for Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assist and are delivered in the overall rating of stars, 5 being the best and 0 being the worst.
- 5 star safety: Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology
- 4 star safety: Overall good performance in crash protection and all round; additional crash avoidance technology may be present
- 3 star safety: At least average occupant protection but not always equipped with the latest crash avoidance features
- 2 star safety: Nominal crash protection but lacking crash avoidance technology
- 1 star safety: Marginal crash protection and little in the way of crash avoidance technology
- 0 star safety: Meeting type-approval standards so can legally be sold but lacking critical modern safety technology
Some cars have dual ratings as the lower is for the vehicle with standard equipment, while the higher is for the vehicle when equipped with certain options, often in the form of a safety pack.{{Cite web|title=How To Read The Stars {{!}} Euro NCAP|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/about-euro-ncap/how-to-read-the-stars/|access-date=2 June 2020|website=www.euroncap.com|language=en}}
NCAP ratings are valid for a region. Some cars have less standard equipment as imported by other countries.
Euro NCAP Advanced
Euro NCAP Advanced is a reward system launched in 2010 for advanced safety technologies, complementing Euro NCAP's existing star rating scheme. Euro NCAP rewards and recognises car manufacturers that make available new safety technologies which demonstrate a scientifically proven safety benefit for consumers and society, but are not yet considered in the star rating{{cite web|title=Euro NCAP Advanced Rewards|url=https://www.euroncap.com/en/ratings-rewards/euro-ncap-advanced-rewards/|publisher=Euro NCAP|access-date=26 October 2018}} By rewarding technologies, Euro NCAP provides an incentive to manufacturers to accelerate the standard fitment of important safety equipment across their model ranges.{{cite web|title=Euro NCAP Advanced Rewards Press Release|url=https://www.euroncap.com/en/press-media/press-releases/2010-euro-ncap-to-reward-advanced-safety-technologies/|date=13 July 2010|publisher=Euro NCAP|access-date=26 October 2018}}
Rating history
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year |
| 1997
|First crash tests of offset deformable barrier test and side impact |
| 2003
|Euro NCAP Advance Award introduced |
| 2008
|New child protection rating |
| 2009
|New rating scheme |
| 2010
|Euro NCAP Advance Award introduced |
| 2011
|Electronic Stability Control (ESC) included in vehicle rating |
| 2012
|Business and family van tests |
| 2014
|Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) included into the rating |
| 2015
|
|
| 2016
|
|
| 2018
|AEB included cyclists |
| 2020
|
|
| 2023
|New tests introduced |
As of 2024, many cars make excessive use of touchscreens, so this will be penalized starting in 2026.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/102134-car-makers-must-bring-back-physical-controls-if.html|title=Automakers must bring back physical controls if they want the top safety rating in Europe|date=5 March 2024|website=TechSpot}}
Comparison groups
The results are grouped into 13 increasingly demanding classes:{{Cite web|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/press-media/press-releases/euro-ncap-marks-20th-anniversary-of-life-saving-crash-tests/|title=Euro NCAP Marks 20th Anniversary of Life-Saving Crash Tests | Euro NCAP|website=www.euroncap.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/ratings-rewards/latest-safety-ratings/|title=Latest Safety Ratings | Euro NCAP|website=www.euroncap.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/for-engineers/protocols/|title=Protocols | Euro NCAP|website=www.euroncap.com}}
- 1997-2002 (archive)
- 2003-2007 (archive)
- 2008 (archive)
- 2009 (archive)
- 2010-2011 (archive)
- 2012 (archive)
- 2013 (archive)
- 2014 (archive)
- 2015 (archive)
- 2016-2017
- 2018-2019
- 2020-2022
- 2023-2025{{cite web |url=https://cdn.euroncap.com/media/67890/euro-ncap-assessment-protocol-overall-rating-v911.pdf |title=European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), Assessment Protocol – Overall Rating, Implementation 2023 |version=9.1.1 |date=December 2021}}
- 2026-2028{{Cite web|url=https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ancap-details-its-safety-testing-plans-through-2030|title=ANCAP details its safety testing plans through 2030|date=10 November 2022|website=CarExpert}}
- 2029+
Quadricycle ratings
There is a different quadricycle rating for four-wheeled micro cars.
Members and test facilities
There are many members and test facilities throughout Europe.{{Cite web |title=Euro NCAP - Members and Test Facilities |url=https://www.euroncap.com:443/en/about-euro-ncap/members-and-test-facilities/ |access-date=2 June 2020 |publisher=Euro NCAP}}
= Members =
- ADAC
- German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
- UK Department for Transport
- Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
- Luxembourgish Ministry of the Economy
- Government of Catalonia
- International Consumer Research & Testing
- FIA
- Swedish Transport Administration
- Thatcham Research
- French Ministry for the Ecological Transition
- Automobile Club d'Italia
- DEKRA Automobil
- {{interlanguage link|Unfallforschung der Versicherer|de}}
= Testing facilities =
- Thatcham Research
- ADAC Technik Zentrum
- BASt
- TASS International
- UTAC CERAM
- IDIADA AT
- CSI
- AstaZero
- Mira China
- China Automotive Engineering Research Institute
See also
=General=
=Safety organisations=
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{Commons category|Euro NCAP}}
- {{Official website|http://www.euroncap.com|Euro NCAP}} | The European New Car Assessment Programme
- [https://www.safetywissen.com/#/object/B10/B10.l6b734610rk0s9gdr2961050z73qxj63470278650/safetywissen/ European New Car Assessment Programme]
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{{NCAP}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2025}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Euro Ncap}}
Category:New Car Assessment Programs