The Global NCAP, or New Car Assessment Program, has finally introduced its enhanced crash-testing protocol. Coming on the heels of the recent greenlighting of the draft to introduce Bharat NCAP by MoRTH, the new stringent protocol has been in the works for a while now. Initially set to come into effect in 2021, they got delayed due to the pandemic.
“From July 2022, Global NCAP is applying a new protocol for its key emerging markets of Africa and India. It is very important that NCAPs improve the protocols and the testing systems they run to keep stretching the market and adapt to the changing technologies.”
David Ward, executive president of the Towards Zero Foundation.
Under the new set of revised rules, in order to get the coveted 5-star rating, the cars must come fitted with ESC. The Electronic Stability Control or ESC must be a standard feature going forward. The cars will have to adhere to pedestrian protection measures and side-impact protection tests.
Prior to the new rules, the side-impact test was situational, but now it will be mandatory. The side impact test, along with the frontal crash test, will be requisite to get a 5-star rating. Making it stricter, even if the car receives multiple stars, it will be tough to get the highest rating. If the dummy reading shows poor protection for a vital body part, it will rule everything else out. Regardless of the overall points scored, the car will only get one star.
The GNCAP is also working on making it stricter and adding more safety protocols by 2026. The Bharat NCAP will also see some new rules and regulations modulated to the already existing Indian laws.
