Euro NCAP: More Crash Avoidance Tech Needed In Smal Work Vans

Sign up for our weekly email to stay on top of the latest news and insights!

Euro NCAP, the authority on vehicle safety, recently published its crash avoidance ratings for small panel vans, marking a significant step in advocating for enhanced safety features across commercial vehicles. With the introduction of these ratings, Euro NCAP not only highlights the current state of van safety but also calls on manufacturers to make Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) more accessible. This move comes ahead of new regulations set to enforce the inclusion of such technologies.

Key Highlights:

• Top Performers: The Mercedes-Benz Citan and Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo achieved the highest Platinum rating.
• Gold Rating Achievers: Citroën Berlingo, FIAT Doblo, Opel/Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo Van, and Volkswagen Caddy Cargo.
• Focus on ADAS: The ratings primarily assess crash avoidance capabilities.
• Regulatory Changes: New rules on ADAS in the General Safety Regulations (GSR) are forthcoming in July.
• Concern Over Optional Safety Tech: Many vans tested had critical safety features listed as optional, not standard.

The findings underscore a pressing issue: the majority of small panel vans tested were equipped with safety technologies only as optional extras. Dr. Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP, expressed concern over the challenge in sourcing vans with these crucial technologies for testing. He criticized the industry’s approach to safety technology, emphasizing its significant impact on reducing crashes and enhancing road safety for all users.

The report also noted a silver lining: smaller panel vans generally offer better safety features compared to their larger counterparts, attributed to their design origins in passenger cars. This compatibility has paved the way for an improved safety profile, especially in terms of ADAS technologies like autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and speed assistance systems.

However, the Citroën Berlingo and its equivalents were specifically called out for their poor performance in protecting cyclists, indicating room for improvement. As the GSR takes effect, requiring certain ADAS features to be standard, Euro NCAP aims to push manufacturers beyond mere compliance, striving for the industry to meet and exceed Vision Zero targets for road safety.

This evaluation by Euro NCAP serves as a crucial reminder to businesses of their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) towards ensuring the safety of their vehicle fleets, encouraging them to prioritize models equipped with advanced safety technologies.