The Global NCAP started the safer cars for India campaign in 2014. Since then, they have tested 50 cars from India. There is news about planning to set up a testing facility in India itself. As crash testing costs more than the car itself, acquiring funds will take some time.
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Let’s see what we know about the upcoming crash testing facility:
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Crash Testing In India
Mahindra XUV700 Global NCAP Crash Test Global NCAP might continue the ongoing campaign for safer cars for India till 2025 until the foundation acquires enough funding. Reaching this milestone of 50 cars will further support the objective of creating an India-specific NCAP. Talking to Autocar India after the announcement, executive president, Global NCAP, David Ward, said:
“We’ve had tremendous support, especially from our partner Dr Rohit Baluja at the Institute of Road Traffic Education and also the Indian government in terms of regulation, and the transport minister has taken it upon himself to further safety. When we launched, most said consumers would not take an interest in safety, and this would never succeed here, but we’re so happy to see the progress and the rapidly rising consumer interest.”
Also Read: 10 Important Safety Features That Should Be Made Mandatory On Indian Cars
Currently, all cars are tested in ADAC Center in Munich, Germany. It is funded by FIA & Bloomberg philanthropy and other car makers who pay for the tests themselves. Out of the 50 cars tested, 19 were voluntary, and the rest were airlifted to Germany. Ward also said that the foundation is secured funding and is preparing further.
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BNVSAP
Getting back to the India-Specific NCAP we mentioned, Ward believes in a Star Labeling system. Every car should carry an NCAP rating, and the untested ones should be labelled with ‘test not available’.
Also Read: 6 Safety Features That Now Come As Standard On Indian Cars
Ward also said an independent NCAP system has numerous benefits, such as localising the safety components. This would further raise awareness about vehicle safety and push manufacturers to test their cars.
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New Mandatory Rules
6 Airbags approved MoRTH recently made dual airbags, ABS & rear parking sensors necessary to focus on safety. In addition to that, a proposal for 6 necessary airbags has also been approved. Ward said this on the same recommendation:
Also Read: How Car Manufacturers Ensure Pedestrian Safety Through Design
“It’s certainly good to try, but it should not be absolute, and a law, as there is a general best practice where you try and avoid specifying some kind of technology, and you introduce performance criteria because technologies do change and innovation will always keep flowing.”
Overall this would lead toward result implementation rather than technology implementation. And the ongoing safety campaign is also set to get tougher by introducing side-impact tests and other features such as ESC.
