Thatcham drives Euro NCAP forward in ESC

Research by Thatcham into the effectiveness of electronic stability control is now part of Euro NCAP data, showing the importance of this life-saving technology.

Euro NCAP can now release data on ESC (electronic stability control) performance based on the  investigation and research work of UK’s Thatcham.

The Berkshire based research centre evaluated more than 40 new vehicles on the track, based on the internationally recognised GTR (Global Technical Regulation) procedure.

The programme funded by Euro NCAP, tested those vehicle makes and models which were originally crash-tested by the European safety organisation in 2009.

Data received will assist Euro NCAP, Thatcham and other safety experts in establishing an ESC performance rating.
Thatcham has been publishing fitment ratings for ESC since 2006 to raise awareness of this important safety technology and to encourage drivers to buy cars fitted with the system as standard.

Since 2009, ESC fitment is also a key component of Euro NCAP’s overall car assessment in the area of Safety Assist.
The aim of Thatcham’s dynamic ESC tests is to assess whether the ESC systems sold on cars will actually operate effectively.

The tests involve the car being driven at 80km/h and being subjected to a double lane change – a typical high speed avoidance manoeuvre under the control of a sophisticated steering robot. The Thatcham dynamic ESC performance data are now available on Euro NCAP’s website.

If the ESC system senses that the vehicle is veering from the required course – a skid – it automatically brakes selected wheels to bring the car back into line.

UK based research has found that vehicles equipped with ESC are 25 per cent less likely to be involved in a fatal.
Thatcham provide a full set of ESC ratings at www.thatcham.org/esc

Full videos of the Thatcham Dynamic ESC tests, featuring external and in-car footage are available from the Euro NCAP website along with their latest ratings at www.euroncap.com