Sign up for our weekly email to stay on top of the latest news and insights!
Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Program, has launched a new star rating system for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), or vans. This shift replaces the previous medal system with a more recognizable five-star scale, aiming to assist businesses and drivers in selecting safer vans. The change aligns with the familiar safety ratings used for passenger cars since 1997, making it easier for consumers to understand.
Key Highlights:
- Euro NCAP’s star ratings simplify van safety evaluations.
- Growing van numbers and sales underscore safety needs.
- Advanced systems help avoid severe van crashes.
- Top vans earn five-star ratings in tests.
- Testing has boosted van safety features since 2021.
Safety matters for van drivers who log long hours on the road. Europe has over 30 million vans, with sales jumping 8.3% last year to nearly 1.59 million units. Vans often face severe crashes, like head-on and rear-end collisions, which contribute to many fatalities and injuries. Euro NCAP’s focus on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) helps by alerting drivers to hazards, acting as a vigilant co-driver.
Testing covers popular models from brands like Citroën, FIAT, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. High performers, such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, earned five-star ratings. Since Euro NCAP began van assessments in 2021, safety has improved significantly. In 2021, only four of 18 vans scored above 40% in ADAS tests; by 2024, 17 of 18 exceeded 60%.
Dr. Aled Williams, Program Director at Euro NCAP, said, “By introducing Euro NCAP’s familiar and proven, easy-to-understand star ratings for light commercial vehicles, we are making it simpler for fleet operators and small business owners to make informed purchasing decisions and pick the safest vans for themselves or their colleagues.”
This system, part of Euro NCAP’s Vision 2030, pushes manufacturers to standardize safety features, reducing accidents and enhancing road safety across Europe.
Subscribe Today!
Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.
