New Delhi: In an appalling revelation that raises serious questions on the standards of passenger safety adopted by car manufacturers in India, five Indian cars models have failed a crash test conducted by the UK-based safety and testing organisation NCAP.
The seven models scored zero stars in the tests include three Renault Kwid models, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon, the NCAP said on Tuesday.
Of the 16 vehicles that the NCAP has tested so far, only two vehicles -- Toyota and Volkswagen – achieved four star rating for adult occupants.
There were three tests conducted on the three versions of Renault Kwid including one with airbags but each one failed to achieve even one star.
“It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature. Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the UN's minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag,” said Secretary General of Global NCAP, David Ward.
However, Renault has said it will improve the safety performance of the Kwid and assured of improving safety features of its variants.
On Renault’s statement, Ward said, “We welcome Renault's efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India.”
Ward, while speaking in the Indian Automobile Safety Conference hosted by IRTE in Faridabad, said, “The results highlight the importance of the Indian Government's decision to mandate front and side impact crash tests from October 2017. Legislative action is needed to ensure that the minimum levels of occupant protection recommended by the United Nations are guaranteed for Indian consumers. But manufacturers don't have to wait for legislation and we urge them to act to eliminate all zero star cars from production as soon as possible.”
“Global NCAP also welcomes the forthcoming launch of a Bharat New Car Assessment Programme which can help build a market for safer cars in India.”
Indian government is expected to come up with Bharat New Car Assessment Programme which will help to establish a market of safer cars in India.
