Euro Safety Ratings Add Autonomous Emergency Braking

The Euro New Car Assessment Program is raising the bar for its auto-safety evaluations by including autonomous emergency braking systems in its star ratings beginning in 2014.

That means cars without AEB will be unable to win the top 5-star rating.

Brussels-based Euro NCAP says real-world performance data suggests AEB systems can reduce accidents up to 27%, but the availability of the technology in Europe is far from standardized.

More than 30,000 people are killed on roads and many more are injured every year in Europe.

Euro NCAP says a survey it conducted found AEB is unavailable on 79% of cars on sale in Europe, and 66% of auto makers do not offer an AEB system on any of their new models.

AEB systems can help avoid crashes or mitigate their severity by warning and supporting the braking response of the driver, and/or by applying the brakes independently. The technology generally uses forward-looking radar, light-detection and ranging (lidar) and video systems to provide a complete, accurate, real-time image of the road ahead.

Since 2010, several auto makers have been recognized for the safety benefits of their AEB systems.

Euro NCAP says premium brands such as Volvo, Infiniti and Mercedes have the best levels of standard AEB fitment and are joined by Jaguar, Range Rover, Audi and Lexus when optional fit is also considered.

Cars in the executive and large-family categories have the highest level of availability, at least as an option. However, some volume auto makers are showing AEB can be offered standard or as an affordable option on mass-market vehicles.

Among others, Mazda, Ford, Honda and Volkswagen are selling AEB systems partly as standard or optional on some high-volume cars such as the Mazda CX-5, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and VW Up!

Euro NCAP says Fiat is expected to make AEB a low-cost option on the new Panda in July.

The technology is being made increasingly available as cars are replaced by new or face-lifted models, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Ford Fiesta and Kuga.

Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen says the inclusion of AEB systems in the safety agency’s star ratings will alert and encourage consumers to choose AEB when buying a new car, as it will enhance their safety by helping them avoid or mitigate a crash.

“A faster penetration of these technologies into new cars will make it more realistic for the European Union to reach its target to cut road deaths by 50% by 2020,” van Ratingen says in a statement.

“Consequently, Euro NCAP has decided to include AEB assessments as part of the overall star rating from 2014 onwards and hopes that European authorities will soon require AEB as mandatory on all new vehicle types.”