Bharat NCAP right step to encourage production of safe cars: Auto Cos

Major auto companies Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have described the new Bharat Automotive Assessment Program (BNCAP) as a bold step in the right direction for the local industry.

While the automakers welcomed the initiative, they noted that it would encourage the production of safer cars in the country.

“We at Mahindra believe it is one of the bold steps taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and we welcome the implementation of Bharat NCAP,” Mahindra & Mahindra President, Vehicle Technology and Product Development Velusamy R told PTI.

He added that this MoRTH initiative will create equal opportunities and create healthy competition among OEMs to make safer models for Indian customers.

“The government is also expected to offer some benefits to OEMs who are making safer cars to encourage them to continue doing so. This will encourage OEMs to make their cars safer and offer them to Indian customers at more affordable prices,” Velusamy R stated.

Maruti Suzuki India, Executive Officer (Corporate Affairs) Rahul Bharti said the major automaker supports the initiative.

“In principle, customer information and customer empowerment through correct information is a positive and welcome step, so Maruti Suzuki will support it,” he noted.

The government has issued a draft notice on BNCAP proposing to award “star ratings” to cars based on their performance in crash tests.

The government aims to implement the program from October 1, 2023.

We believe Bharat-NCAP is a step in the right direction. While the industry has been proactively pushing towards new safety standards, there is a growing awareness among customers for better safety features, which has given more impetus to the advancement and introduction of new standards in the country, said Toyota Kirloskar Motor spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that while most OEMs already follow high standards depending on customer choice, the introduction of B-NCAP will allow more transparency to help achieve the highest safety standards.

Taking a similar stance, Skoda Auto India Brand Director Petr Solc also appreciated that the Indian government is putting more emphasis on safety regulations and policies that improve vehicle safety.

He added, “Safety is an important aspect and active and passive safety features, along with bodywork that keeps the driver and his family safe. Škoda will continue to focus on safety to further grow the brand in the Indian market.”

Tata Motors has stated that it has always supported the government’s move in safe mobility and will continue to do so in the future as well.

When asked about the initiative, Kia India MD and CEO Tae-Jin Park said the move is good for the Indian auto industry. He added that the company has analyzed the notice and is working on resolving it.

Under BNCAP, auto manufacturers or importers will have to file an application on Form 70-A with the central government-designated agency.

Designated Dealership will have its vehicles star rated in accordance with Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-197, as amended from time to time.

The vehicle’s star rating will be uploaded to the designated agency’s designated portal, adding that BNCAP will be a voluntary program.