Global NCAP
The Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) is a project of the Towards Zero Foundation, a UK-registered charity. The programme aims to promote the sale of safer cars in developing markets by empowering consumers with objective information about the safety of vehicles. Global NCAP supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the target to halve road deaths and injuries by 2030 (50 by 30), and the full implementation of the Global Plan for the UN's Decade (and Second Decade) of Action for Road Safety especially the recommended activities for vehicles.[1]
History[]
The Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) was established in 2011 to serve as an international platform for cooperation amongst NCAPs and to promote their development worldwide. Global NCAP has given financial and technical support to new NCAPs in emerging markets, like ASEAN NCAP and Latin NCAP, and supported a ‘Safer Cars for India’ project since 2014 and a ‘Safer Cars for Africa’ project since 2017.
Projects[]
Safer Cars for India[]
In January 2014, Global NCAP released the first ever independent crash test results of five popular compact cars sold in the Indian market, starting their popular 'Safer Cars for India' project. The tests were based on 2013 Latin NCAP assessment protocol for adult occupant protection[2] and 2010 Latin NCAP assessment protocol for child occupant protection.[3] The results were shocking, with all five cars tested scoring zero stars for adult occupant protection due to the Hybrid III dummies recording a high risk of life-threatening injury to critical body regions in the frontal 64km/h 40% offset deformable barrier test. All but one car also failed the UN's regulatory requirements for frontal impact (ECE R94) at 56km/h with 40% offset against a deformable barrier. Qualitatively, this was attributed to the lack of airbags in all of the five cars tested, as well as poor structural integrity in three out of the five cars tested.[4]
The first phase of results sparked international outrage, prompting manufacturers like Toyota and Volkswagen to make at least double frontal airbags a standard fitment across their model range in India.[5][6] Positive market response also encouraged Global NCAP to continue testing cars for India in subsequent years.
Global NCAP continued to test cars with very mixed results. The Government of India enforced UN equivalent crash test standards for the homologation of all new cars from 2017 and all existing cars from October 2019.[7] This also resulted in cars scoring marginally better results.
In August 2017, the assessment protocol underwent a minor revision, with additional requirements for scoring five stars for adult occupant protection, like an ECE R95 side impact test, 4-channel ABS and dual front seatbelt reminders. The scoring for child occupant protection remained the same, but the test protocol was revised to use Q-series child dummies with improved anthropometry and biofidelity, instead of the older P-series dummies.[8]
In December 2018, the Tata Nexon became the first car sold in India to score five stars for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP's crash tests.[9] More vehicles have followed since.
In February 2018, Global NCAP announced its 'Safer Choice India' Award, awarded to any made-in-India car that scored five stars for adult occupant protection, at least four stars for child occupant protection, met fitment rates and UN performance requirements for ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and met UN performance requirements for pedestrian protection.[10]
In February 2020, the Mahindra XUV300 became the first vehicle to achieve the Global NCAP Safer Choice India Award.[11]
No vehicle model has yet achieved a combined five star rating, with the highest rating for Child Occupant Protection as of January being four stars. No car tested yet has had more than two frontal airbags as standard (and hence test) equipment.
Global NCAP has announced updated protocols for vehicle assessment for Safer Cars for India, which will come into force for publications from July 2022 and onwards, with far greater emphasis on side impact protection, Electronic Stability Control, pedestrian protection and side impact head protection.[12][13] The extra awards will no longer include ESC and pedestrian protection, which will instead form part of the star rating, and are instead likely to include crash avoidance systems like AEB for urban or inter-urban use (car-to-car) and for pedestrians, a test scenario which has particular relevance to India. It is not clear if member organisation ASEAN NCAP’s motorcycle AEB tests will be included in Global NCAP’s new extra awards for India, because of the high popularity of this type of vehicle in India and its high contribution to road deaths and serious injury.
Safer Cars for Africa[]
In 2017, Global NCAP in partnership with AA (the Automobile Association of South Africa) launched its Safer Cars for Africa project, testing popular cars available on the South African market. The results were mixed, with all but one car certainly passing UN regulation (ECE R94) for frontal impact.[14]
In May 2018, Global NCAP announced its 'Safer Choice Africa' Award with requirements identical to the Safer Choice India Award.[15]
In 2018, the second phase of tests was conducted. There were mixed results, with popular compacts passing UN frontal impact regulation but performing differently from identical models in developed markets. However, the Nissan NP300 'Hardbody' pickup truck, despite being equipped with double front airbags, showed catastrophic loss of integrity of the passenger compartment which resulted in life-threatening injury to the Hybrid III dummies, scoring zero stars for adult occupant protection. Global NCAP called on Nissan to withdraw this model from the market.[16]
In 2019 more cars were tested which showed acceptable to excellent adult occupant protection performance but poor child occupant protection.[17]
In early 2020, Global NCAP conducted a car-to-car test between the South African Nissan NP300 Hardbody and a second-hand Nissan Navara from Europe. The second-hand European car was fitted with multiple airbags and Electronic Stability Control, and its passenger compartment maintained its integrity far better than the African car did.[18] Nissan South Africa confirmed in early 2021 that production and sale of the NP300 in South Africa would come to an end.[19]
Two out of the three cars tested in 2020 showed marginal performance, but the Great Wall Motors Steed 5 pickup truck, with no airbags and poor structural performance with catastrophic intrusion into the footwell, scored zero stars for adult occupant protection, giving cause for concern because of the popularity of this type of vehicle in South Africa.[20]
In January 2021, the Mahindra XUV300 became the first vehicle sold in South Africa to score five stars for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP crash tests, following a production compliance audit which confirmed that the car sold in South Africa is identical to the one tested in India.[21]
In 2021 two cars were tested, which showed average to excellent adult occupant protection performance based on the scoring, but both cars had major failures of their driver seats. The Nissan Almera's seat detached from its rails, pushing the driver's left knee into the dashboard causing knee-slider readings high enough to indicate that the part would not be recoverable after the crash. It also caused the driver's head to be pushed into the airbag. The Mazda 2 showed a failure of the driver's backrest which pushed the driver's head into the airbag and made contact with the child dummy (despite this, it showed levels of adult occupant protection high enough for the maximum five star rating, but Mazda indicated that they did not want to proceed with the ECE Regulation 95 side impact required for five stars).[17]
Global NCAP has announced updated protocols for vehicle assessment for Safer Cars for Africa starting July 2022, with far greater emphasis on side impact protection, Electronic Stability Control, pedestrian protection and side impact head protection.[12][13]
Test results[]
Global NCAP presents test results in a 'sticker' format. From 2014-2022, results are presented with separate star ratings and scores for adult occupant protection (blue stars) and child occupant protection (green stars). From 2022-2025, results will still be presented separately for adult and child occupant protection, albeit with yellow stars to signify the use of a new assessment protocol.
2014-2022 Global NCAP fact sheets present the result as follows:
| Test year Manufacturer Model - n airbag(s) | |
| Adult occupant star rating |   (stars scored are blue)
|
| <score> max. 17.00 Adult | |
| Child occupant star rating | (stars scored are green)
|
| <score> max. 49.00 Child | |
| Test speed | 64 km/h |
| Passenger compartment integrity | <stable/unstable> |
When manufacturers wish to use a 'sticker' rating in an advertisement, the rating is presented using Latin NCAP 2013 publication guidelines.
Safer Cars for India[]
Funded by sponsors[]
Global NCAP conducts 3-4 tests yearly that are funded by their sponsors. Results for these tests are revealed together in a press release in a round of results, at a pre-decided date and time. Release dates for results, as well as models tested, are 'embargoed' until release.
The models whose tests have been funded by Global NCAP's sponsors as of October 2021 are:
- 2017 Chevrolet Enjoy - variants with no airbags
- 2014 Datsun GO - variants with no airbags and no structural reinforcements
- 2019 Datsun redi-GO - variants with a driver side airbag
- 2017 Ford Aspire/2nd-gen Figo - with double frontal airbags
- 2014 Ford Figo (first generation) - variants with no airbags
- 2022 Honda City (fourth generation) - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2022 Honda Jazz (second generation) - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2016 Honda Mobilio - variants with no airbags
- 2016 Hyundai Eon - variants with no airbag
- 2014 Hyundai i10 (first generation) - variants with no airbags
- 2020 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2019 Hyundai Santro (second generation) - variants with a driver side airbag and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2020 Kia Seltos - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2016 Mahindra Scorpio - variants with no airbags
- 2014 Maruti Suzuki Alto (second generation) - variants with no airbags
- 2016 Maruti Suzuki Celerio (first generation) - variants with no airbags
- 2016 Maruti Suzuki Eeco - variants with no airbags
- 2019 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (second generation) - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2020 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso - variants with a driver side airbag and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2014 Maruti Suzuki Swift (second generation) - variants with no airbags
- 2014 Maruti Suzuki Swift (second generation) - variants with optional double frontal airbags (test conducted by Latin NCAP on a right hand-drive Maruti Suzuki car purchased from the Indian market[22])
- 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift (third generation) - with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2018 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza - with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (third generation) - variants with a driver side airbag and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2022 Nissan Magnite - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2017 Renault Duster - variants with no airbags
- 2016 Renault Kwid (I) - variants with no airbags and no structural reinforcements
- 2022 Renault Kiger - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2018 Renault Lodgy - variants with no airbags
- 2014 Tata Nano - with no airbags
- 2016 Tata Zest - variants with no airbags and missing structural reinforcements
- 2014 Volkswagen Polo - variants with no airbags
Sponsored by manufacturers[]
Test results for cars that have been tested under a sponsorship contract with the manufacturer are released on dates agreed to in the contract, though these results may also be used as part of a round of results. Release dates for results, as well as models tested, are 'embargoed' until release and Global NCAP has the right of publication of results over the manufacturer.
When vehicle manufacturers request a test on their product, they are invoiced for all costs related to the test at the end of testing. In this case, Global NCAP's Car Specification, Sponsorship, Testing and Retesting protocol must be followed. Global NCAP summarises the sponsorship process on their website as follows:[23]
- Manufacturer reaches out to Global NCAP with a request to submit a model for voluntary testing.
- Global NCAP selects the vehicle for testing. If the model is already in the market, the vehicle is sourced anonymously from a random dealership. If the model is pre launch but in production, Global NCAP makes an independent selection from production vehicles at the plant (not accepting any special series).
- Vehicles are sealed and transported to an accredited crash test laboratory.
- Global NCAP informs the manufacturer of relevant VIN numbers selected and invites representatives to observe testing.
- Crash tests are performed and a detailed technical inspection completed.
- Global NCAP shares the test report with the manufacturer.
- A one to one meeting is held with the manufacturer to inform them of the results.
- Results are published through Global NCAP’s communication channels.
- After publication, Global NCAP invoices the manufacturer for all relevant testing costs.
- Global NCAP retains the right to audit any of the voluntary models tested.
The models whose tests have been sponsored by manufacturers as of December 2021 are:
- 2016 Honda Mobilio - variants with optional double frontal airbags
- 2018 Mahindra Marazzo - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders (standard equipment from VIN MA1WA2ES1J2L11253)
- 2020 Mahindra Thar (second generation) - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders (optional Electronic Stability Control evaluated separately)
- 2020 Mahindra XUV300 - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders (optional Electronic Stability Control evaluated separately for Safer Choice India Award)
- 2021 Mahindra XUV700 - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2017 Renault Duster - variants with an optional driver side airbag
- 2016 Renault Kwid (III) - variants with no airbags but structural reinforcements
- 2016 Renault Kwid (IV) - variants with a driver side airbag and structural reinforcements but no pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners
- 2016 Renault Kwid (IV) - variants with a driver side airbag, structural reinforcements and dual front pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners
- 2021 Renault Triber - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2020 Tata Altroz - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2018 Tata Nexon - variants with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2018 Tata Nexon - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders with knee mapping verification[24] performed (dual seatbelt reminders are standard equipment from VIN MAT627165JLP51255)
- 2021 Tata Punch - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2020 Tata Tigor/Tiago - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2021 Tata Tigor EV - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2016 Tata Zest - variants with double frontal airbags, structural reinforcements and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2016 Toyota Etios (hatchback) - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2014 Volkswagen Polo - variants with double frontal airbags
Safer Cars for Africa[]
Models tested as of December 2021 include:
Funded by sponsors[]
- 2017 Chery QQ3 - with no airbags
- 2017 Datsun GO Plus (minivan) - variants with a driver side airbag
- 2020 Great Wall Motors Steed 5 - with no airbags
- 2020 Haval H1 - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2019 Honda Amaze (second generation) - with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2018 Hyundai i20 (second generation) - variants with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2018 Kia Picanto (2017 generation) - variants with a driver side airbag and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2021 Mazda 2 - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2021 Nissan Almera - variants with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2018 Nissan NP300 Hardbody - with double frontal airbags
- 2020 Renault Kwid - variants with double frontal airbags, dual front seatbelt pretensioners and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2017 Renault Sandero - variants with double frontal airbags
- 2019 Suzuki Ignis - with double frontal airbags and driver side seatbelt reminder
- 2019 Toyota Avanza - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2017 Toyota Etios (hatchback) - with double frontal airbags
- 2018 Toyota Yaris (hatchback) - with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
- 2017 Volkswagen Polo Vivo (first generation) - with double frontal airbags
Sponsored by manufacturers[]
- 2021 Mahindra XUV300 - variants with double frontal airbags and dual seatbelt reminders
Sponsors[]
Global NCAP's test programme is sponsored by the FIA Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, ICRT and the UN Road Safety Fund.[25] Global NCAP has technical partnership with the ADAC's Technik Zentrum facility in Landsberg am Lech, Germany, which houses Global NCAP's only accredited crash test laboratory yet. Global NCAP's social media accounts are handled by Advocacy Impact. Besides this, there is protocol in place for vehicle manufacturers to voluntarily request tests on their models (for example, to use in a market launch or to inform consumers about the benefits of optional safety equipment by means of a test), in which case manufacturers are invoiced for the purchased vehicle, its testing and transportation.[26]
Criticism[]
Since the start of its Safer Cars for India project, Global NCAP has faced criticism similar to that faced by other NCAP programs in their early phases.
After publication of the second round of results for the project, long-time admirer of the Datsun GO, Bertel Schmitt, published an article in The Daily Kanban accusing the FIA of having vested interests in starting the project.[27] He accused Global NCAP of having double standards, questioning their use of a 64km/h test while C-NCAP (a Global NCAP member) still used a 50km/h test. It has since been noted that it is not possible to compare the two tests solely based on speed, because the 64km/h test uses an offset deformable barrier, while the 50km/h test is a full-width test into a rigid barrier, which is demanding on the vehicle's restraint systems.
The article also claimed that Global NCAP passed the basic version of the Ford Figo for the UN's Regulation 94 frontal crash test at 56km/h 'claiming it would have performed better if it had airbags'. However, Global NCAP had, in fact, conducted a full-scale R94 test on that model where dummy readings passed minimum UN limits because of the dummy narrowly failing to make contact with the steering wheel.[28]
After the first round of Safer Cars for India crash test results, Nissan executive Vice President, Dr Andy Palmer, said in a statement to Autocar, "I think the people who criticise these cars for not meeting US or European crash standards are living in a dream world."[29]
In 2014, after the Maruti Suzuki Swift in its basic safety specification received a zero-star crash test rating, Maruti Suzuki's Chairman, R. C. Bhargava, defended the result claiming that vehicle safety was not part of the safe systems approach and that the road fatalities in India were in no way linked to poor safety of the cars on sale in the market.[30]
Consumers have criticised Global NCAP for the limited nature of the tests which, until mid-2022, use 2013 Latin NCAP protocols which only cover offset frontal impact. Global NCAP confirmed in an interview that they are budget-constrained and would update their assessment protocols when it was possible.[31]
Consumers have raised doubts on the vehicle sponsorship procedure with worries that cars picked from early production before the market launch may not be representative of cars sold to consumers. Global NCAP confirmed with a note on their website that in case the cars are picked from early production, they are selected at random from the plant's distribution area (where cars are sent to dealers) and that the cars are hence representative of consumer cars.[23]
It has also been pointed out on popular consumer forums that there have been ambiguities in the technical reports published for consumers to view.[32]
Evidence suggests that the 64km/h frontal offset crash used by Global NCAP, that represents a car-to-car crash, covers a lower fraction of car-related collisions in India than it does in Europe, because of the higher frequency of car crashes in India with more aggressive crash partners like commercial vehicles or rigid, fixed objects.[33]
References[]
- ^ "About". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Latin NCAP Assessment Protocol - Adult Occupant Protection v2.0" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Latin NCAP Assessment Protocol - Child Occupant Protection v1.0" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Popular Indian cars fail crash tests". BBC News. 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ www.ETAuto.com. "Volkswagen announces airbags as standard for Polo, price to increased by 2.7% - ET Auto". ETAuto.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Airbags will be standard on all Toyotas". Hindustan Times Auto News. 2015-01-06. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Requirements for the Protection of the Occupants in the event of an Offset Frontal Collision" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Global NCAP Assessment Protocol - Adult Occupant Protection (August 2017)" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Global NCAP's First Five Star Car In India: The Tata Nexon". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Global NCAP Launch 'Safer Choice' Award". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Mahindra XUV300 achieves First Ever 'Safer Choice' Award". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ a b "Global NCAP Assessment Protocol - Adult Occupant Protection (July 2022 - 2025)" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Global NCAP Assessment Protocol - Child Occupant Protection (July 2022-25)" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Global NCAP And AA South Africa Launch #SaferCarsforAfrica". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Global NCAP Launches Safer Choice Africa Award". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Trio Of Three Stars But Shocking Zero For The Nissan 'Hardbody'". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ a b "Four Star Progress But Poor Child Protection A Disappointment In Latest #SaferCarsforAfrica Results". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Car To Car Crash Test Demonstrates Double Standard". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "So long, Hardbody: Nissan South Africa to axe NP300 later in 2021..." CAR Magazine. 2021-02-17. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "#SaferCarsForAfrica Crash Tests Cause For Serious Concern". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Global NCAP's First Five Star Car In Africa". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Official results of the Suzuki Swift - 2 Airbags 2014". LATIN NCAP - PARA AUTOS MAS SEGUROS. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ a b "Compliance with the requirements of Global NCAP's voluntary test procedure". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "European New Car Assessment Programme - Sled Test Procedure for Assessing Knee Impact Areas (Version 2.7 - June 2011)" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Partnerships". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Compliance with the requirements of Global NCAP's voluntary test procedure". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Schmitt, Bertel (2014-11-07). ""What's so wrong with hypocrisy?" Max Mosley's crash and burn". DailyKanban. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
- ^ "Crash Tests Show India's Cars Are Unsafe". Global NCAP. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
- ^ "Nissan chief slams criticism of emerging-market car standards". Autocar. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
- ^ "More safety features in cars will mean less road safety, says Maruti chief". The Indian Express. 2014-11-12. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
- ^ "Freewheeling with SVP | Understanding Recent Global NCAP Crash Tests of Seltos, Nios & S-Presso - YouTube".
- ^ "Global NCAP crash tests | Broken down & explained". Team-BHP.com. Retrieved 2022-02-08.
- ^ "Characteristics of passenger car crashes in India, and a preliminary assessment of Euro NCAP frontal impact tests for passenger cars in India" (PDF).
External links[]
- New Car Assessment Programs
- Automotive safety