Euro NCAP
Partners in crash testing
Euro NCAP was formed in 1997 following a pilot programme lead by the Department for Transport in the UK. The AA was a founder member.
Euro NCAP is totally independent of the automotive industry and political control, and is an international association under Belgian Law. Euro NCAP's headquarters are in Brussels, but the tests are carried out in approved test laboratories across Europe.
All new car models are required by law to pass certain safety tests before they are sold, but these are only minimum standards. Euro NCAP's tests have been very successful at encouraging manufacturers to offer levels of safety that exceed the statutory minimum.
The tests are based on European Union safety standards for front and side impact to provide a realistic assessment of the 'crashworthiness' of individual cars. Tests are also undertaken to assess the risk to pedestrians if struck by the front of the car.
Support across Europe
The test programme is funded by partners/sponsors including six governments: UK Department for Transport, France, Germany, Netherlands, Catalonia and Luxembourg.
Motoring clubs like the AA are represented through membership of the FIA as well as by the individual membership of the German motoring organisation (ADAC) and the Italian club (ACI).
Consumer groups across Europe are represented through their membership of International Consumer Research and Testing (ICRT).
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham) is also a member of Euro NCAP and represents the interests of insurers in the UK.
The European Commission is an observing member of the Euro NCAP board and provides political support.
Other products & services
1 August 2011