Global NCAP calls for all new cars to meet basic universal standards for crash protection and crash avoidance

International vehicle safety advocate, Global NCAP, has today issued a landmark report calling on manufacturers to democratise safety for all cars worldwide.

Speaking at the United Nations' Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations in Geneva, Global NCAP Chairman Mr Max Mosley said that millions of new cars being sold in middle and low income countries are failing to meet the UN basic safety standards for front and side impacts.

"Safety improvements stimulated by legislation and consumer awareness campaigns in high income economies that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives are not yet systematically available for drivers and their families in rapidly growing lower income markets," said Mr Mosley.

"For example, crash test standards introduced 20 years ago for cars sold in Europe are yet to be met by many new cars being sold today in leading middle income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is entirely unacceptable."

"Manufacturers cannot continue to treat millions of their customers as second class citizens when it comes to life-saving standards of occupant protection."

Mr David Ward, Global NCAP Secretary General and author of the report said, "The drive for the democratisation of car safety must now be extended across all automotive markets worldwide. By 2020 at the latest, we want all new cars to meet basic standards for both crash protection and crash avoidance. They must have crumple zones, airbags and electronic stability control."

The report sets out 10 clear recommendations to transform global car safety as well as a realistic and affordable timetable for their implementation.

"ANCAP strongly supports the recommendations of this report encouraging the improvement of vehicle safety standards for all cars in all markets," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Clarke.

"Closer to home we have seen the success of the recently formed ASEAN NCAP and its affect on improving vehicle safety standards where regulation doesn’t yet exist. This force must extend to regions not yet covered by consumer programs such as ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP."

The Global NCAP report, Democratising Car Safety - A Road Map for Safer Cars 2020, can be viewed here.

ANCAP is one of nine New Car Assessment Programs established around the world to promote safer vehicle choices for consumers. Other test programs are located in, and cover the markets of, Europe, the United States, Japan, Korea, China, Latin America and South East Asia. For more, see ancap.com.au/about-ancap.