Crash Course – Euro NCAP on 2022 Safety Tests

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Crash Course – Euro NCAP on 2022 Safety Tests

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Euro NCAP* released its annual Year in Numbers today where it looks at the highs and lows, as well some of the emerging trends that have appeared during 2022 testing. Perhaps 2022 will be remembered as a record year because Euro NCAP  has never conducted as many safety tests or have so many new companies in the program. The addition of Austria and Norway as new members also increased Euro NCAP’s geographic coverage. During 2022, overall, Euro NCAP published a total of 73 safety ratings, of which 67 were for brand-new car models, including 65 models with the lowest safety specification and two ratings for models with optional equipment , plus six for variants of previously tested models.

However, AutoInformed thinks the emerging fresh data on electric vehicles is the most notable result. As in 2021, the EV market continues to expand quickly. During 2022, full electric vehicles made up 22 out of 65 new models, or 34%. Specifically, five out of six Euro NCAP’s Best in Class winners were electric. Europe’s bestselling car the Tesla Model Y and new Model S both achieved Top Scores in Euro NCAP. Perhaps this is a good thing because Tesla’s autopilot is a dismal safety failure on the road, as class action suits in the US attest. Also, since EVs are heavier, it remains to be seen how they affect other non-EVs when the two types collide – so-called crash compatibility. (Two Tesla Recalls – Self Driving Software, Seat Belt Warning)

Euro NCAP best-in-class winners of 2022 were cars that achieved the highest overall scores, based on results in Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable User Protection and Safety Assist technologies.

“This year’s results underline the importance of the Euro NCAP five-star rating for establishing safety, credibility, and quality in the European market, but also beyond Europe’s borders,” Euro NCAP said

2022 Winners

  • Hyundai IONIQ 6 wins the best-in-class award in the Large Family Car category;
  • ORA Funky Cat in the Small Family Car Category;
  • Tesla Model S in the Executive Car category;
  • Tesla Model Y in the Small Off-Roader category;
  • WEY Coffee 01 in the Large Off-Roader category.
  • The Tesla Model S also wins in 2022 in the Pure Electric category

Safety Tests in 2022

Euro NCAP 2022 noted that 2022 was exceptionally challenging year for the industry. “Not only has the sector had to deal with new safety, emission, and cybersecurity regulations, but it has also had to contend with the economic repercussions of the invasion of Ukraine, Brexit, and the challenges related to shortages of semiconductor chips, materials, and labor. Out of respect for these challenges and to ease the burden on industry, Euro NCAP delayed the introduction of its new protocols until the beginning of 2023,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary-General Euro NCAP today.

Taking advantage of the additional year, the latest models scored well against the older criteria. as15 out of 65 cars received four stars (22%), while 50 cars received five stars (78%) overall. In contrast to 2021, no vehicles received three stars or less.

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*About Euro NCAP: Euro NCAP organizes crash & safety tests on new vehicles and provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Established in 1997 and backed by several European Governments, motoring, consumer and insurance organizations, Euro NCAP has rapidly become a catalyst for encouraging significant safety improvements to new car design. Euro NCAP ratings strictly apply to vehicles of the specifications offered in Europe. The ratings do not necessarily apply to models offered in other regions, even when sold under an identical name, as production specification and equipment may vary.

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