European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is an independent body that tests vehicle performance in various crash tests. This article reviews the tests and discusses some concerns about them expressed by car manufacturers. The tests could be a reason for stricter consumer views on car safety. As the dynamics, build quality, and perhaps the designs of different new models coming closer together, manufacturers have been able to use the tests' scientific, quantifiable figures as a basis for comparing their models with those of their competitors. The tests include: (1) a 40% frontal offset impact test at 40mph; (2) a side impact test at 30mph; (3) a side impact pole test where cars hit a pole sideways at 18mph; and (4) a pedestrian impact test with impact speed equivalent to 25mph. Euro NCAP can independently test and compare the performance of vehicles from many rival manufacturers. The performance figures on each test are combined into a star rating for a given model; the highest rating is five stars. Many manufacturers at first suspected the testing; even today, not all are wholly convinced of its validity. For example, Volvo considers that the tests may mislead the public, because only laboratory tests, not accident data, are used. The authors of the article share some of these concerns, while valuing the tests.
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