The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has signed a new memorandum of understanding with Euro NCAP that will see the two regional independent safety authorities become even closer.
This 2023 memorandum of understanding was signed by Euro NCAP President Niels Ebbe Jacobsen and ANCAP Chair Andy Cornish during the latter’s 30th anniversary commemorative event in Sydney on November 22.
The safety authorities say the new memorandum not only cements their existing relationship, but also paves the way for closer collaboration in the future.
ANCAP and Euro NCAP first signed a memorandum of understanding in 1999 to assist with aligning testing protocols and results.
The safety authorities say this latest renewed memorandum of understanding reflects how the two regional independent safety authorities have evolved, the technological advancements made in vehicle safety, as well as the changing regulatory and environment objectives.
“It is my honour to be in Australia today to sign this MOU between Euro NCAP and ANCAP that is a strong reminder of the importance of the relationship that these two organisations have forged so far,” said Mr Jacobsen.
“This collaboration is a strong alliance that has further inspired global safety standards and, it is important that we continue to push forward this shared mission in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
“Looking forward, this MOU will assist us in meeting the challenges of technological advancements as well as enable us to work together more efficiently to meet the demands of our consumers.
“I congratulate ANCAP on reaching the important milestone of their 30th anniversary, which underscores their long history and commitment to safety. May this relationship long continue.”
“Euro NCAP and ANCAP first entered an MOU with Euro NCAP back in 1999, and since then, ANCAP’s ability to influence vehicle safety specification and encourage vehicle manufacturers to improve the level of passive and active safety provided in new cars sold in Australia and New Zealand has been assisted significantly,” said Mr Cornish.
“Our relationship over the decades has remained very strong, and I am pleased to be able further cement this collaboration through the updating of this MOU.
In 2018, ANCAP harmonised its standards and procedures with Euro NCAP. This allows ANCAP to publish a Euro NCAP score if it’s unable to test a vehicle locally.
There are only minor differences in testing criteria, including around items like child restraints and airbag switches.
