Global NCAP, known for its Safer Cars for India campaign, has decided to cease conducting crash tests on Indian cars. This move comes in conjunction with the upcoming launch of Bharat NCAP, India’s own vehicle safety program, which will be the 10th NCAP program globally. The decision is aimed at promoting a unified approach to vehicle safety in India and avoiding any potential confusion among consumers.
A Decade of Safer Cars for India
Global NCAP’s Safer Cars for India campaign, launched in 2013, has significantly contributed to raising awareness about vehicle safety in the country. Over the past ten years, the campaign has subjected more than 50 car models to rigorous crash tests, focusing on evaluating build quality and safety features.
However, with the impending launch of Bharat NCAP in October, Global NCAP has chosen to conclude its campaign by the end of this year. This decision showcases Global NCAP’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with Bharat NCAP rather than competing with it.
A Collaborative Approach for Bharat NCAP
To facilitate this transition, Global NCAP has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT), a technical secretariat for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). This MoU outlines a cooperative framework, allowing Global NCAP to provide technical support and share its expertise accumulated over a decade of vehicle testing.
The support includes sharing Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), best practices, technical insights, and guidance on vehicle selection, test inspections, and communication strategies for sharing results. The MoU also addresses responsible use of test results by manufacturers in their advertisements to prevent potential misuse of safety ratings.
Impact and Future Outlook
David Ward, Executive President of Global NCAP, commended India’s swift progress in NCAP testing compared to its European counterpart. The launch of Bharat NCAP is a crucial step toward enhancing vehicle safety standards in India. With over 30 car models lined up for testing under Bharat NCAP, the collaboration between Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP is expected to uplift safety standards and increase global acceptance of India-made vehicles.
