Recently, two popular hatchbacks in the country namely – Datsun Go and Maruti Suzuki Swift has failed the Global NCAP, an umbrella body of consumer car safety testing bodies, tests. The test conducted by SIAM required the vehicle to undertake a frontal collision test at speeds of about 64 kmph, post which the vehicle received a zero star rating.
SIAM has accused the Global NCAP of 'scaremongering' and stated that Global NCAP is not designed for India and the test must be conducted based on local conditions. In the European markets too the test is conducted at speeds of about 56 km per hour and not at speeds of about 64 km per hour that was done by Global NCAP. Speaking more on the occasion Vishnu Mathur, SIAM Director-General, said, “Every country has its own safety requirements. Our cars are meeting safety norms set by the government. Our average speed in India is far slower. To say that a particular car hasn’t met its (Global NCAP) test is nothing but scaremongering. There is no data to prove that a particular car is dangerous based on how many occupants have been killed in accidents.”
Mr. Mathur has also defended the Indian companies stating that car makers in the country have not duped the consumers. Adding further he said, “None of these companies have ever claimed that their models are 5 star rated on safety. The consumers are aware what they are buying. What Global NCAP should be doing is to spread awareness on safety and encourage customers to buy cars with all safety features, even if they come at higher cost.”
