Bharat NCAP Crash Tests To Begin From December 15; Tata Safari, Harrier Likely To Be Tested First

The Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari recently launched the Bharat NCAP tests that were supposed to come into existence from October 1. However, no results for the BNCAP tests have been out yet, indicating that the programme has been delayed. Now it is expected that crash testing for over 30 cars from different manufacturers is scheduled to begin from December 15. 

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As per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197, automobile manufacturers are allowed to send their vehicles voluntarily for testing. The vehicle will be given star ratings based on how well it performed during the test in the Adult Occupants and Child Occupants category (AOP and COP respectively). Bharat NCAP crash tests will follow the same parameters as the Global NCAP and BNCAP programme has been designed keeping in mind India's unique driving conditions and regulations. Therefore, the Bharat NCAP programme includes these factors in its testing framework.

Automobile manufacturers like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra and Hyundai have already nominated select models to be sent for the Bharat NCAP testing. Tata Motors has sent their newly launched Harrier and Safari facelifts. Maruti Suzuki has nominated three models for testing and Hyundai has nominated four models, one of them being the Hyundai Tucson SUV. Mahindra will also be sending four models for the BNCAP crash tests. 

European car manufacturers like Renault, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Stellantis Group have not yet sent any of their cars for the Bharat NCAP crash tests. They are still in the process of deciding which of their models they will submit for safety ratings. Some of these manufacturers are also stating that their vehicles already have safety ratings from Global NCAP which gives them more leverage and makes immediate Bharat NCAP ratings unnecessary for them.

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The Bharat NCAP crash test will be conducted by specific agencies designated by the Indian government. These agencies will be responsible for conducting the crash tests and assigning star ratings to vehicles. The agencies responsible for conducting the crash tests include the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) and Global Automotive Research (GAR) among others.