{"id":62234,"date":"2025-04-24T16:18:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T20:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/rising-safety-standards-are-affordable-cars-at-risk\/"},"modified":"2025-04-24T16:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T20:18:06","slug":"rising-safety-standards-are-affordable-cars-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/rising-safety-standards-are-affordable-cars-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising Safety Standards: Are Affordable Cars at Risk?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Citro\u00ebn and Dacia are raising some important questions about the future of car safety standards and their impact on affordability. As the automotive landscape evolves, the push for stricter safety regulations, particularly from organizations like Euro NCAP, is becoming a hot topic. The leaders of these brands argue that while safety is paramount, the increasing demands for advanced safety features could make their models less accessible to everyday consumers.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Driving the Debate on Car Safety Standards?<\/p>\n

The heads of Citro\u00ebn and Dacia, Thierry Koskas and Denis Le Vot, respectively, have voiced concerns that the latest safety tests may not align with what many consumers can afford. They acknowledge the importance of improving vehicle safety but argue that the standards set by Euro NCAP are becoming increasingly unattainable for budget-friendly models. For instance, Dacia\u2019s Duster, priced at around \u00a318,000, received only three stars in Euro NCAP\u2019s ratings, while more expensive models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Skoda Superb, priced at \u00a354,000 and \u00a335,000 respectively, easily achieved five stars.<\/p>\n

The crux of their argument lies in the fact that to earn the coveted five-star rating, vehicles must not only excel in crash protection but also be equipped with the latest crash avoidance technologies. This includes both passive safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, and active systems like advanced driver assistance technologies. As the standards tighten, the challenge for manufacturers focused on affordability becomes even greater.<\/p>\n

Are Stricter Standards Necessary?<\/p>\n

Richard Billyeald, a board member of Euro NCAP and chief technical officer at Thatcham Research, defends the higher standards, emphasizing their role in pushing the boundaries of vehicle safety. He argues that while legislation sets a baseline for safety, Euro NCAP aims to encourage innovation and improvement in vehicle technology. This perspective is crucial as it aligns with the broader goal of reducing traffic-related fatalities, a mission encapsulated in Euro NCAP\u2019s Vision Zero initiative.<\/p>\n

However, the reality is that as technology advances rapidly, cars can quickly become outdated in terms of safety ratings. Koskas points out that a vehicle that once held a solid four-star rating could potentially drop to zero stars under new testing criteria, not because it has become less safe, but because the bar has been raised. This creates a dilemma for manufacturers who strive to keep their vehicles affordable while meeting these evolving standards.<\/p>\n

How Do Consumers Perceive Safety Ratings?<\/p>\n

For many car buyers, safety ratings are a key factor in their purchasing decisions. The star ratings provide a straightforward way to gauge a vehicle\u2019s safety performance. But as the standards change, it raises questions about how relevant these ratings will be for budget-conscious consumers. Koskas and Le Vot have expressed that while they comply with existing regulations, the relentless pursuit of higher Euro NCAP ratings may not reflect the actual safety of their vehicles.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, even with mandatory active safety systems, many drivers find these features intrusive. Koskas admits to disabling the systems in his own car because they can be annoying. This sentiment is echoed by other drivers who appreciate the intention behind these technologies but find them cumbersome in practice. Billyeald acknowledges this issue and emphasizes the need for regulators to ensure that safety systems are user-friendly, maximizing their benefits without causing distraction.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for Euro NCAP?<\/p>\n

Starting next year, Euro NCAP will introduce even more stringent assessments that go beyond crash scenarios. The new evaluations will consider driver engagement, assistance systems, and emergency response capabilities, categorizing them into four areas: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection, and Post-Crash Safety. These updates aim to align safety assessments with the latest technological advancements in vehicles, ensuring that safety remains a priority as cars become more complex.<\/p>\n

Understanding Euro NCAP Ratings<\/p>\n

To clarify what these ratings mean for consumers, here\u2019s a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n

– **Five stars**: Excellent performance in crash protection and equipped with advanced crash-avoidance technology.
\n– **Four stars**: Good performance but does not meet the highest standards in all areas.
\n– **Three stars**: Average safety performance, providing a medium standard of protection.
\n– **Two stars**: Below-average performance in key areas, offering nominal crash protection.
\n– **One star**: Minimal crash-avoidance technology, meeting only legal requirements.
\n– **Zero stars**: Meets basic legal standards but lacks critical safety technology.<\/p>\n

The big takeaway? The conversation around car safety isn\u2019t just about meeting regulations; it\u2019s about balancing safety with affordability. As manufacturers navigate these challenges, consumers should stay informed and consider how safety ratings impact their choices. Start with one change this week, and you\u2019ll likely spot the difference by month\u2019s end.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"Dacia<\/a><\/p>\n

Citro\u00ebn and Dacia bosses question need for tougher tests as new rules announced<\/p>\n

\n

The bosses of Citro\u00ebn and Dacia have warned that increasingly stringent car safety standards are threatening the affordability of their models \u2013 but safety test bodies say the rules are an important indicator for buyers as roads get ever busier and cars become more complex.<\/p>\n

Citro\u00ebn\u2019s Thierry Koskas and Dacia\u2019s Denis Le Vot have said that while they accept governmental efforts to improve vehicle safety each year (within the European Union\u2019s GSR2 legislative framework), the higher standards set by testing bodies such as Euro NCAP are out of step with consumers\u2019 expectations.<\/p>\n

Key to this are the safety test ratings. Vehicles can score up to fi ve stars, which, according to Euro NCAP, tell a buyer how safe a car is. From next year, in order to achieve the top rating, a car must show \u201coverall excellent performance in crash protection and be\u00a0well equipped with state-of-the-art crash avoidance technology\u201d. This includes both passive safety systems (such as airbags, seatbelts and crumple zones) and active ones (advanced driver assistance systems).<\/p>\n

Current five-star cars include the \u00a354k MercedesBenz E-Class and the \u00a335k Skoda Superb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The rating system is set to be made stricter in 2026.<\/p>\n

Koskas and Le Vot argue that in order to hit affordable price points, they are not able to fit the\u00a0expensive \u201cstate-of-the-art\u201d safety tech demanded by the highest ratings. For example, Dacia\u2019s new \u00a318k Duster (the cheapest SUV on the market) was given three stars by Euro NCAP.<\/p>\n

We have nothing against NCAP,\u201d said Le Vot recently, \u201cbut when this active safety race for stars came, we were not into that. We were saying at the time: \u2018We are not chasing the stars, we are not chasing the stars, we are not chasing the stars.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cWe care much about passive safety, of course. We follow regulations one by one by one. But this is NCAP [miming a staircase] and this is regulation [miming another below that]. So we are more on the regulation [staircase].<\/p>\n

The level of safety our cars are giving is great. It\u2019s maybe not the high post in terms of a Euro NCAP score, but it\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n

Koskas agreed: \u201cOur position is very simple: it\u2019s our mission just to comply with regulations that are\u00a0already at a very high standard. The governments take care of their people; they put what is necessary to them in terms of regulation; and I do not see any need to go further.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Euro NCAP board member and\u00a0Thatcham Research chief technical offi cer Richard Billyeald argues that the higher standards demanded by regulators, and the star ratings that come attached to them, are important to buyers of new cars.<\/p>\n

\u201cEuro NCAP has always pushed way beyond legislation, and that\u2019s what it\u2019s designed to do,\u201d he said. \u201cLegislation has to be a very low bar: it has to be quite broad and pick up on the fundamentals. Euro NCAP pushes technology. It is about what is possible, what can the technology do to push the safety envelope, to improve things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Billyeald agreed that it is more of a challenge for car makers such as Citro\u00ebn and Dacia that are pushing for a lower price point. He argued that while they can\u2019t fit systems that \u201chave all the bells and whistles\u201d, they could \u201ctarget [safety] in different places\u201d, such as in terms of usability.<\/p>\n

With reference to star ratings, Billyeald added: \u201cI think you do need that simplicity. For example, my mum is not going to buy a car based on [test] percentages; she\u2019s going to look at the star rating and inherently know what that means. So I think the concept is absolutely right.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, the speed at which technology is evolving means cars \u2013 like smartphones \u2013 are becoming outdated quickly in the eyes of regulators, according to Koskas. This means that unless manufacturers make costly alterations, cars will have their safety ratings reduced.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook at the previous-generation C3,\u201d he said. \u201cIt had a four-star rating, but now it would be a zero-star car. This does not mean that the car is not safe; it just means the barrier for safety has increased.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another criticism is how\u00a0these active safety systems are presented at a user level. For example, Autocar\u2019s testers have been critical of some ADAS, especially those that monitor the driver\u2019s behaviour and identify posted speed limits.<\/p>\n

While new cars are legally required to have these systems fi tted, some car manufacturers \u2013 including Citro\u00ebn and Dacia \u2013 fit buttons that allow drivers to turn the systems off, if only for the duration of that particular journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would happily make a bet on what percentage of customers press that button,\u201d said Koskas. \u201cI have to confess that every time I drive my \u00eb-C4, I turn it off, because it\u2019s just annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is something that is understood by the regulators, said Billyeald, and is an area they are working on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want drivers to use those systems,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing inherently wrong with the technologies and with the intention of the technologies; it is about how usable they are. So let\u2019s maximise the safety benefi ts, the driver support, minimise the distraction and the wanting to turn things off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Euro NCAP sharpening tech focus<\/h2>\n

\"Volvo<\/p>\n

From January next year, the safety barrier set by Euro NCAP will rise again. The new regulations will expand the current evaluation beyond crash scenarios to include driver engagement, assistance systems and emergency response capabilities.<\/p>\n

To do this, Euro NCAP is set to introduce assessments across four categories: Safe Driving (driver monitoring and vehicle assistance), Crash Avoidance (systems that actively prevent collisions), Crash Protection (occupant safety) and Post-Crash Safety (assessment of eCall emergency response systems).<\/p>\n

Euro NCAP says these updates form part of its commitment to Vision Zero \u2013 a strategy to eliminate traffic-related fatalities \u2013 and aim to align safety assessments with the latest advances in vehicle technology.<\/p>\n

What Euro NCAP ratings actually mean<\/h2>\n

Five stars:\u00a0Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with state-of-the-art crashavoidance technology.<\/p>\n

Four stars:\u00a0Overall good performance in crash protection and prevention but does not reach the highest standards in all key areas.<\/p>\n

Three stars:\u00a0A vehicle that provides an average level of safety performance, offering a medium standard of safety and protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two stars:\u00a0Nominal crash protection but below-average performance in one or more key areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

One star:\u00a0Marginal crash protection and minimal crash-avoidance technology beyond the legal requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zero\u00a0stars:\u00a0Meeting legally required type-approval standards so can legally be sold but lacking critical safety technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62235,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"Default","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-featured","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62234"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62234\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.globalvillagespace.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}