In a significant move towards enhancing automotive safety, the much-anticipated Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) is set to initiate its crash safety evaluations on December 15, 2023. Among the first vehicles to undergo these rigorous tests are the Tata Harrier and Safari, marking a pivotal moment in India’s commitment to safer road travel.
Pioneering the Way to Safer Roads
Tata Motors, a prominent name in the Indian automotive industry, has taken the lead in prioritizing safety. It was the first company to apply for the Bharat NCAP rating, firmly expressing its commitment to improving safety standards for its customers. The Tata Harrier and Safari, two of the company’s renowned SUVs, will be among the inaugural three dozen cars to be evaluated under the newly established program.
Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mahindra Join the Initiative
Tata Motors won’t be alone in this endeavor. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, two of the largest automakers in the Indian market, have pledged their support to the Bharat NCAP program by submitting three models each for crash testing. Mahindra, another prominent Indian automaker, is going a step further by sending four of its vehicles for evaluation. This collaborative effort among some of the industry’s most influential players signals a collective commitment to enhancing road safety.
Testing the Foundation: Base Variants Under Examination
The forthcoming crash tests will scrutinize the base variants of each model sent for evaluation. These tests will assess how well these vehicles perform under real-world crash conditions, focusing on their ability to protect occupants and mitigate injury in the event of an accident.
Renault, Skoda, and Stellantis Group’s Strategy
While several automakers are actively participating in the Bharat NCAP program, some companies have chosen to adopt a different strategy. It has been reported that Renault, Skoda, and the Stellantis Group will not immediately pursue Bharat NCAP ratings. This decision may stem from the fact that some of their models have already received Global NCAP ratings, which reflect international safety standards.
Bharat NCAP: A Milestone in Indian Automotive Safety
Bharat NCAP was officially launched in August of this year and became fully operational on October 1, 2023. This comprehensive crash test program is grounded in the Automotive Industry Standard AIS 197 and aims to evaluate the crash safety of vehicles within the M1 category. These vehicles can carry up to eight passengers, including the driver, with a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Importantly, the program extends its reach to include imported cars, CNG, and electric vehicles, emphasizing the significance of safety across a diverse range of vehicles on Indian roads.
As Bharat NCAP takes its first steps in evaluating vehicle safety, the Tata Harrier, Safari, and several models from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mahindra are paving the way for safer roads in India. The collective commitment of automakers and the stringent evaluation criteria are set to play a pivotal role in advancing the safety standards of vehicles on Indian highways.
