India NCAP: Leading automakers including Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar have termed the government’s India New Car Assessment Program (India-NCAP) as a good step in the right direction for the domestic industry. Welcoming the initiative, vehicle manufacturers said it would encourage safe vehicle production in the country.
It will encourage manufacturers to make safer cars
Velusamy R, President (Vehicle Technology & Product Development), Mahindra & Mahindra said, “We at Mahindra believe this is a strong step taken by the Ministry of Road Transport. We welcome India-NCAP implementation. Velusamy R said that this initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will create a level-playing field and encourage healthy competition among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to produce safer models for Indian consumers. Velusamy hoped that the government would also provide some incentives to manufacturers of such safe vehicles.
The government aims to implement this program from 2023
Maruti Suzuki India Executive Officer (Corporate Affairs) Rahul Bharti said the company supports the initiative. In principle empowering consumers with correct information is always a positive step and we support it, he added. The draft notification of India-NCAP has been released by the government. It proposes giving a star rating based on the crash test of the vehicle. The government aims to implement the program from October 1, 2023.
High standards of safety can be achieved
A Toyota Kirloskar Motor spokesperson said, We believe India-NCAP is a step in the right direction. While the industry itself is moving forward and talking about new security standards, consumers today are also more aware of security features. The spokesperson added that most OEMs are already pursuing higher standards based on customer preferences. India-NCAP will bring more transparency and achieve higher standards of safety.
Security is an important aspect
Echoing a similar view, Skoda Auto India brand director Peter Solk said the Indian government is putting more emphasis on safety regulations and policies that will help improve vehicle safety. He said, “Security is an important aspect. Skoda will continue to focus on safety to grow the brand in the Indian market. Tata Motors said it has always supported the government’s move towards safer transport and will continue to do so in the future.
India-NCAP is a voluntary programme
Kia India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tae Jin Park said the move is very good for the Indian automobile industry. The company has analyzed the notification and is working on it. Under India-NCAP, manufacturers or importers have to apply in Form 70 to a government-designated agency. The agency will give their motor vehicle a star rating under Vehicle Industry Standard (AIS)-197. The nominated organization will keep this rating on the portal. India-NCAP will be a voluntary programme.
