Maruti Suzuki has applied for Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat-NCAP) safety ratings for some of its vehicles, a senior government official confirmed. The move comes in the wake of Tata Motors’ SUVs Safari and Harrier achieving a 5-star rating under Bharat-NCAP last year.
The Bharat-NCAP, initiated by the government in August last year, focuses on evaluating the safety performance of automobiles independently in India. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that the program aligns with global standards to elevate road and vehicle safety standards beyond mandatory regulations.
Under Bharat NCAP, vehicles will undergo assessment in Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, and Safety Assist Technologies, resulting in star ratings. The program, which begins on October 1, 2023, mandates crash tests for base variants of all models conducted by approved labs like GARC Chennai, ICAT Manesar, and ARAI Pune.
Crash tests conducted by both Global NCAP (GNCAP) and BNCAP focus on Safety Rating Categories, crash speeds, and specific crash types. To achieve a 5-star rating, vehicles must meet minimum point requirements in AOP and COP. Testing includes front offset impact, side impact, and pole side impact tests, along with evaluating Safety Assist Technologies like ESC and pedestrian protection systems.
Furthermore, the expansion of the program to include testing for electric and alternative fuel vehicles reflects a proactive approach towards enhancing road safety in India. Maruti Suzuki’s decision to seek Bharat-NCAP ratings signals a commitment to prioritizing safety in their vehicle lineup, aligning with the industry-wide focus on enhancing safety standards.
