Euro NCAP Marks 20th Anniversary of Life-Saving Crash Tests

• Euro NCAP crash tests helped save more than 78,000 lives since 1997.

• Cars now 'safest ever' after Euro NCAP crashes 1,800 cars in tests costing 160 million Euro since 1997.

• Euro NCAP continues to test the newest #safety innovations including cyclist-sensing auto-brake technology.

MORE than 78,000 lives (1) have been saved since Euro NCAP's tough crash #safety tests were launched 20 years ago this week. Today, Euro NCAP reveals it has published over 630 #safety ratings, crash-tested some 1,800 cars and collectively spent over 160 million Euro (2) to make cars safer. The first tests exposed #safety failings in top-selling family cars, forcing a fundamental rethink in the way vehicles were designed to prevent accidents and save lives. Twenty years on, 9 out of 10 cars sold on the European market hold a Euro NCAP rating and the motor industry actively supports the development of new requirements for the top #safety ratings. Today, the results of crash tests (4) of two family cars built 20 years apart underline the huge advances in vehicle #safety since 1997. #safety technologies that were non-existent or optional at most - such as driver and passenger airbags, side protection airbags, belt reminders and electronic stability control – are now standard on all cars sold in Europe.

More information on the press release