What is the main purpose of Euro NCAP?
How does Euro NCAP provide a truly independent assessment of the safety performance of cars sold in Europe?
Who may sponsor a vehicle for Euro NCAP testing?
In terms of safety, what is the system of certification of new cars in the EU?
Why not use legislation to improve safety?
Are the three Euro NCAP ratings namely Adult Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection, Child Protection considered by Euro NCAP as equal in rank or, is one of the three above more important than the other two components?


What is the main purpose of Euro NCAP?

Firstly, Euro NCAP makes available to consumers independent information about a car’s comparative safety rating in its class. Secondly, Euro NCAP acts as an incentive for manufacturers to improve the safety of their cars. Euro NCAP has been shown to have an important influence in improving road safety. There is evidence that improvements in vehicle safety have led to the greatest reduction in road accident casualties.

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How does Euro NCAP provide a truly independent assessment of the safety performance of cars sold in Europe?

Euro NCAP was set up by the Transport Research Laboratory, for the UK Department of Transport. Subsequently other governments have joined the programme (France, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands and the Catalonian part of Spain). Many Consumer Groups in Europe are members through International Consumer Research and Testing. Motoring clubs are represented by membership of the FIA Foundation and by the individual membership of the German motor club ADAC. The European Commission is an observing member of Euro NCAP’s board and provides their political support.

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This wide consortium of members ensures our independence. Euro NCAP itself is an International Association under Belgian law. We are independent of the industry and political control and no individual member can bias Euro NCAP towards their individual interests. Euro NCAP is totally independent of the automotive industry.

Who may sponsor a vehicle for Euro NCAP testing?
Each member pays an annual subscription and must fund the testing of at least one car model each year. Car manufacturers can sponsor the testing of their own car. From that point on, Euro NCAP has total control. The manufacturer cannot influence the testing, assessment or publication of the results.


In terms of safety, what is the system of certification of new cars in the EU?
All vehicles sold within the EU must pass the minimum safety standards laid down in European Legislation. The frontal and side impact crash tests used by Euro NCAP are based on those used in European legislation. However, much higher performance requirements are used by Euro NCAP. The frontal impact speed used by Euro NCAP is 64 km/h compared 56 km/h for legislation.


Why not use legislation to improve safety?
Legislation sets a minimum compulsory standard whilst Euro NCAP is concerned with best possible current practice. Progress with vehicle safety legislation can be slow, particularly as all EU Member States’ views have to be taken into account. Also, once in place, legislation provides no further incentive to improve, whereas Euro NCAP provides a continuing incentive by regularly enhancing its assessment procedures to stimulate further improvements in vehicle safety.


Are the three Euro NCAP ratings namely Adult Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection, Child Protection considered by Euro NCAP as equal in rank or, is one of the three above more important than the other two components?
Our three ratings are of equal importance and we do not rate one higher than the other. They act as different ratings of information for those consumers who are interested in the various aspects of protection of their vehicles. The star rating for child protection was introduced more recently than the other two test ratings.