Global NCAP may start crash testing cars in India

The GNCAP test protocol for India will be revised from July 2022.

Since 2014, Global NCAP has tested 50 vehicles under its 'Safer Cars for India' program. The organisation is now gearing up to start crash testing cars in India.

According to David Ward, Executive President, Global NCAP, the foundation has secured additional funding. Currently, GNCAP is supported by the FIA foundation and Bloomberg philanthropy.

A few manufacturers also volunteer and pay for their own tests. It is said that 19 out of 50 cars tested so far were volunteered. Ward believes that conducting the tests at local test facilities would bring down the costs significantly. The step is also expected to bring in more manufacturers into the program. Currently, Global NCAP crash tests are conducted at the ADAC centre in Germany.

The proposed Bharat NCAP norms are also expected to be rolled out by the time Global NCAP begins testing in India. While the new regulations are being formulated, Ward has suggested a star labelling system for cars. A similar system is followed in Malaysia, where NCAP crash ratings are not mandatory but every car has to carry a star rating.

Ward expects to see genuinely safer cars once Bharat NCAP is implemented. In the meantime, the GNCAP test protocol for India will be revised from July 2022. Cars will be evaluated for side impacts and active safety features like ESC and seat belt reminders.

Source: Autocar India