ARAI Introduces Euro NCAP-Compliant Far-Side Sled Test For Crash Safety Validation

The Automotive Research Association of India has announced the introduction of its new far-side sled test capability, and the successful validation of its first tests. The organisation, backed by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, advises the Government of India on policymaking, certifications, and other issues pertaining to vehicle design, safety, and emissions. The new far-side sled test is one of several NCAP-standard crash tests that ARAI is now capable of performing.

The new test environment has been set up in accordance with the Euro NCAP 2026 protocol. It is designed to replicate real-world crash impact scenarios to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of a car’s seatbelts, airbags, and other occupant restraint equipment, along with the design of the seats themselves.

The far-side sled test compliance uses a controlled crash simulation to test vehicle safety systems against stringent Euro NCAP benchmark standards, including testing for whiplash and knee movement.

Car manufacturers can use ARAI’s test suite to evaluate occupant protection in their cars, to help with engineering. Improving crashworthiness at the design stage helps achieve higher safety ratings. ARAI says offering validation services within India strengthens the government’s “Design and Validate in India” initiative.

In February this year, ARAI opened its ADAS Test City facility in Pune, which aims to test vehicle safety systems in simulations of real-world conditions on roads in India. The agency also has facilities to test vehicle emissions, mileage, noise and vibration, passive safety, and structural dynamics, as well as running research initiatives for homologation, automotive electronics, computer-aided engineering, and powertrain engineering.