Strengthening safety standards for vehicles in India, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has garnered a positive response from car manufacturers. This initiative, introduced by the Union government, aims to uplift the overall safety quotient of vehicles available in the Indian market.
Unveiling Bharat NCAP: A Promising Step Forward
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari officially launched the Bharat NCAP, heralding a new era of vehicle safety enhancement. Slated to commence on October 1, 2023, the initiative is tailored for vehicles falling within the M1 category, encompassing those with a gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg or less.
Under the umbrella of M1 category, Bharat NCAP includes vehicles primarily designed for passenger transportation, accommodating up to eight passengers alongside the driver.
Tata Motors’ Pride: Aligning with Commitment to Safety
Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, expressed immense pride in witnessing the inauguration of Bharat NCAP. He noted that the initiative harmoniously resonates with Tata Motors’ foundational focus on prioritizing customer safety.
Maruti Suzuki’s Contribution: Commitment to Informed Choices
Maruti Suzuki India has taken the lead by offering the Baleno, Brezza, and Grand Vitara models for the initial round of Bharat NCAP crash tests. This step follows their models’ mixed performance in previous Global NCAP crash tests. Rahul Bharti, the Executive Officer of Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized the significance of empowering consumers with informed safety-related decisions through the Bharat NCAP system.
Mahindra & Mahindra’s Acknowledgement: Upholding Safety as Priority
Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra & Mahindra’s Automotive Sector, lauded the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for introducing Bharat NCAP. With a consistent record of receiving high safety ratings, Nakra underlined their continued commitment to elevating vehicle safety standards in India.
Hyundai and Kia: A Step towards Safer Indian Roads
Hyundai Motor India’s Managing Director and CEO, Unsoo Kim, hailed Bharat NCAP as a laudable initiative to enhance road safety. He pledged Hyundai’s unwavering dedication to maintaining superior safety standards across their range of products. Kia India’s Chief Sales and Business Officer, Myung-Sik Sohn, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the initiative’s potential to elevate global recognition for Indian products.
Hyundai also added “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. At Hyundai Motor India, we remain committed to delivering the highest safety standards across our entire product range.”
Bharat NCAP: The Evaluation Process and Its Impact
Additionally, functioning as a voluntary program, Bharat NCAP will evaluate base variants of vehicles. The assessment will encompass three pivotal areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist technologies. Various crash test scenarios, including frontal, side, and pole side impacts, will be conducted at differing speeds. Ratings, ranging from one to five stars, will provide a comprehensive overview of each vehicle’s safety performance.
In conclusion, Bharat NCAP’s introduction underscores a collective effort to establish higher safety standards in the Indian automotive landscape. Car manufacturers’ support and commitment to this initiative not only reflect their dedication to consumer safety but also promise a safer and more secure future for all road users.