THE NEWLY ENHANCED U.S. NCAP: A FIRST LOOK AT MODEL YEAR 2011 RATINGS

摘要

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice detailing changes to its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a consumer information program that tests and rates vehicles for safety using an easily recognizable 5-star rating system. In recent years, more vehicles were achieving 4- and 5-stars, which led the agency to recognize the need for a tougher rating system that, in keeping with the program's goal, would encourage continuous advancement of vehicle safety through market forces. With the availability of improved test devices and a better understanding of occupant injuries and crash conditions, the agency was able to develop a more stringent set of criteria for its safety ratings program. The agency began applying this criteria and disseminating the new safety ratings to consumers starting with model year (MY) 2011 vehicles.