India Announces Bharat NCAP Crash Test Process

It’s a significant step for the Indian Automotive industry, as the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) has been launched in the country. This is the first time ever that such an assessment program has been launched in the country, and it will add value to the safety of cars. BNCAP will rate the safety standards in cars sold in India with effect from October 1, 2023. The BNCAP program will rate cars based on the safety provided to adults and children. The tests will be performed with crash dummies and will monitor four crucial areas and the safety of each.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, "The idea behind Bharat NCAP is to save lives. And it will also get the industry to become even more globally competitive and more export-oriented too."

The test is not mandatory as of now but 30 car models are already in the queue, which have been voluntarily provided by the car makers) to get their Bharat NCAP rating according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

David Ward, Executive President, Toward Zero Foundation said, "The graph shows the decrease of 0 Star cars. Having worked on this day and night, I can tell you things have come a long way - with consumers and OEMs. Bharat NCAP will change this picture even more."

Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “We welcome the BNCAP safety initiative by Govt. of India and believe this effort will raise safety standards, empower consumers with vital information, and make Indian roads safer for all.”

As per the regulations of all assessment programs across the world, BNCAP will crash test the base variant of the car, and the crash test protocols will be closely based on those of Global NCAP. Test centres have been set up for the same, and carmakers have already welcomed this move.

Maruti Suzuki mentioned that it will offer 3 cars for assessment in the first lot itself. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki said, “Maruti Suzuki welcomes this initiative of the Government and will offer at least 3 models for BNCAP testing in the first lot itself.”

Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations said, "The Government of India's timely and historical introduction of the Bharat NCAP showcases its dedication to safeguarding its citizens and advancing road safety. Renault India wholeheartedly supports this initiative and looks forward to contributing our expertise towards reducing accidents and ensuring safer journeys for all."

Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. said, “We appreciate the Government’s decision to introduce Bharat-NCAP and strongly believe that it is a step in the right direction. The decision comes at a time when consumers are looking at highest standards of safety and seeking for safer vehicles, which is steering purchase decision. In addition to empowering consumers, this will also help bring about greater awareness and further transparency by allowing them to know comparative safety aspects of various products on offer."

Myung-Sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Officer, Kia India, also commented, "BNCAP is an enhanced road safety movement that extends much beyond just safety ratings for cars. We wholeheartedly commend and will comply with the Government of India for its visionary approach to safety, encompassing both active and passive safety components. Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Vision of the Government of India, this move eliminates the need and associated costs of testing vehicles outside. It will also elevate the global reputation of products from India to the world with good ratings in a big way”.

Petr Šolc, the Brand Director at Škoda Auto India, stated, “A recently released survey highlights that safety is getting greater importance by customers, in the car purchase decision. Our cars have always offered the highest safety and quality standards. Škoda has an over 50-year legacy with crash-tests and safety. And since 2008, every Škoda car has been crash-tested globally, and in India, with the highest possible 5-star safety rating. We appreciate that the Indian Government is putting greater emphasis on safety regulations and policies that improves car safety. The introduction of BNCAP is a step in the right direction. Škoda will continue focusing on safety to further grow the brand in the Indian market.”