The latest round of GNCAP results is out and everything is as before: the Marutis didnβt fare well; online moral police called for a ban; some said the tests are pointless; while others smelled a scam with GNCAP. I got tagged in numerous posts asking why the Government is not banning all low scoring cars, are the tests legit and so forth. So first up.
Can low starred cars be banned?
No, they canβt. Simply because they all meet our safety norms, which were upgraded in 2019. Remember, the countryβs safety norms are a pass or fail mark, with those failing not being allowed to sell. Case in point, cars like the Omni, Nano and the Sumo were all axed with the introduction of the new safety norms.
NCAP, on the other hand, is a βratingβ over and above the governmentβs safety standard, and not just a pass or fail. Moreover, it is a third-party rating β not a government law β done to help customers make an informed choice since no rating exists beyond the pass or fail mandate.
So, do we need safety ratings?
Yes, cars will crash. As they say, most accidents are caused due to a loose nut, the big nut behind the wheel that is. But take the driver out of the equation, and fully autonomous cars too will encounter dangerous situations, and crash too.
But are the tests legit?
Yes. GNCAPβs crash and the newly introduced tests for ESC are accurate, conducted in a structured and highly scientific manner, and not disputed anywhere. They have also recently been updated to include active safety elements like the requirement of ESC, whereas earlier they were only a front crash test. So, they paint a more wholesome picture of a carβs safety. However, they do not cover the entire industry and are, thus, not reflective of the market or where each car lies in respect to one another.
So why are only some cars tested?
As the program is not mandatory, only some cars are tested. There are two ways in which cars arrive at the sacrificial altar. They are either volunteered (paid for) by the manufacturer or they are picked by GNCAP. And itβs here where thereβs an issue. Manufacturers only send cars that will fare well and GNCAP only picks those that wonβt. Iβm not blaming them, I would do the same, but for consumers itβs not ideal.
For instance, I know an S-Presso isnβt stable at higher speeds and from the previous crash test, it isnβt safe in an impact either, so why test it again. Nothing has changed with the car. Wouldnβt more consumers benefit if the new Brezza or Grand Vitara were tested instead? But GNCAP wonβt pick it as itβs likely to do well. Another example is that Tata wonβt volunteer the Harrier as, apparently, it wonβt bag a high score either. Which brings me to an Indian NCAP.
Indian NCAP
Just like we have a mandated star rating for energy efficiency of appliances, an automotive NCAP would also be in order. In this manner, every car is graded. Unlike currently, where we have a rating for only a selective batch of cars, which, as Iβve illustrated earlier, isnβt in every consumerβs interest. And itβs even something that GNCAP are actively working towards.
So, an Indian specific mandatory rating would be best. GNCAP has done some stellar work so far. Every year I advise or help over 20 people buy a car β beyond those that write in to us at CarFixo that is β and I have to say, with these crash tests, customers are more aware about safety and paying attention to it too. Even my parents, who never wore a seat belt earlier, have made it a habit to belt up after seeing those dramatic tests. Kudos to GNAP for that, and cheers to a new BNCAP
Every time we buy a car, our lives are at risk. We have to make sure that the car we buy is safe enough for us and our family members. There is a very high possibility that we will be involved in an accident in our lifetime. And when this happens, it is important that the car takes care of us and not just the other way around.
The Indian government has taken some steps towards ensuring that cars sold in India are safer for its citizens by implementing Bharat NCAP- New Car Assessment Program.
In a study conducted by IIT Kanpur, it was found that Bharat NCAP has contributed to increased safety of Indian CarFixo, as well as improved quality of life for Indian citizens with reduced injuries and fatalities due to road accidents.
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