The U.S. New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)
History of NCAP Consumer information Consumer demand Manufacturers voluntarily improve safety Frontal impact program (1979 MY) Implemented star ratings (1994 MY) Side impact program (1997 MY) Rollover resistance (2001 MY) Added a dynamic test (2004 MY) Monroney label (2007) Announced program enhancements (2008) Government 5-Star safety ratings program
Early NCAP Program (MY 1979-2010) Frontal impact program Used 50th percentile male driver & passenger dummies Head and chest criteria Side impact program 50th percentile side impact dummies in driver seat & rear passenger seat (behind the driver) Thoracic criteria only
Early NCAP (MY 1979-2010) – Cont. Rollover Resistance Static test Dynamic test
NCAP Enhancements In July 2008, NHTSA published a notice announcing major changes to NCAP In October 2010, NHTSA implemented the enhanced program beginning with MY 2011 Frontal Program Changes Side Program Changes Ratings for new female dummies Overall Vehicle Score Recommended Advanced Technology
NCAP Enhancements (Cont.) Frontal Impact Male dummy in the driver seat Female dummy in right front seat New injury criteria
NCAP Enhancements (Cont.) Side Impact Male dummy in the driver seat of the moving deformable barrier test Female dummy in rear seat of moving deformable barrier test New injury criteria
NCAP Enhancements (Cont.) Side Impact (Cont.) Female driver dummy in new pole test New injury criteria
NCAP Enhancements (Cont.) Overall Vehicle Score Frontal rating Combination side rating Side pole test Side moving deformable barrier test Rollover resistance rating Recommended Advanced Technology Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning
Program Outreach Efforts – Beyond the Traditional Media
Traditional Methods of Communication In the past, NHTSA relied on the following methods to raise awareness of the 5-Star Safety Ratings program among target audiences: Auto show exhibits, Monroney label, Buying a Safercar brochure, www.safercar.gov website
Consumer Response Source of information
Outreach to Online Partners Partners with consumer-centric automotive websites that have substantial reach Share consumer-friendly fact sheets New ratings program New vehicle safety rating label (Monroney label) Advanced technologies program
Child Safety Consumer Programs Ease of Use ratings program A program that rates how easy certain child seat features are to use Development and publication of a new child safety brochure Modernize the brochure to meet today’s consumer needs through mobile communications
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