Autoblog

2013 Ford Focus rings up five stars in NHTSA crash test

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Ford

The 2013 Ford Focus in ST trim recently beat the Volkswagen GTI in our head-to-head comparison, and now the Focus has another feather in its cap: earning a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program, something it failed to do in this generation's first year of production.

Already touted as one of 33 passenger cars on NHTSA's testing list for model year 2013, both the four-door and five-door Focus achieved the same marks: four stars for the frontal crash and rollover tests, five stars for the side crash test. Broken down further, on the five-door, for instance, the impact on the male test dummy as a result of the frontal crash test earned five stars while the impact on the female passenger test dummy warranted four stars.

The Focus now betters the four-star overall rating of its brand stablemate, the 2013 Escape crossover. There's a press release from Ford below with more info on the safety tech that made it possible.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Focus rings up five stars in NHTSA crash test

2013 Ford Focus rings up five stars in NHTSA crash test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro NCAP will soon require auto-braking for five-star safety rating [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Technology, Videos

From the 2014 model year, any manufacturer hoping to score five stars on the Euro NCAP safety ratings will need to make sure the vehicle in question is equipped with AEB, or Autonomous Emergency Braking. Among other features provided by systems like Pre-Safe from Mercedes-Benz and Collision Mitigation Braking System from Honda, it warns a driver if their closing speed on the vehicle ahead is outside of a preset safe braking parameter, and if they neglects to make any inputs, the vehicle will brake for him and prep the safety systems.

A study by the Euro NCAP organization found that "Real world performance data suggests AEB systems can reduce accidents by up to 27%," but it is only available on 21 percent of the cars sold in Europe. The organization hopes to speed fitment of the system to the remaining 79 percent of autos sold in Europe by putting them out of reach of the five-star rating.

The European Union wants to cut down on the current rate of auto fatalities by 50 percent, getting them down to 15,000 per year, by 2020. Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen said AEB could save 8,000 lives per year, and that following te introduction of AEB testing, enhanced pedestrian safety systems would join the testing protocol from 2016. We're guessing the U.S. government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be watching this development closely.

Check out a video explaining auto-braking technology from Euro NCAP by scrolling down.

Continue reading Euro NCAP will soon require auto-braking for five-star safety rating [w/video]

Euro NCAP will soon require auto-braking for five-star safety rating [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS and SRX net top NHTSA safety scores [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Safety, Videos, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac has earned itself a gaggle of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program for the 2012 CTS sedan and wagon and SRX crossover. The CTS earned four stars for the rollover test, but five stars in the frontal and side tests, giving it a score of five stars overall. The SRX returned the same results and the rakish CTS Coupe hasn't yet been rated.

Follow the jump for videos of both Cadillacs earning their stars and for a press release with more information.

Continue reading Cadillac CTS and SRX net top NHTSA safety scores [w/video]

Cadillac CTS and SRX net top NHTSA safety scores [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ford Ranger becomes first pickup to earn Five-Star Euro NCAP rating

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Safety, Ford

Add another reason to lament the fact that the all-new Ford Ranger will not be sold in the United States: It's safe.

Ford says that en route to earning the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, the 2012 Ranger earned the best score ever awarded to a pickup truck and the best Euro NCAP rating of any vehicle ever tested for pedestrian protection. Ford will be equipping European Rangers with standard side curtain airbags, side thorax airbags and knee airbags, in addition to its front airbags.

The safety scores for the new model are a big win for Ford. Its 2011 Ranger pickup sold here in the U.S. took a big hit when subjected to revised safety tests implemented this year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both 2011 Ranger models tested received only two-star overall ratings from NHTSA. Domestic Ford Ranger production is scheduled to end in December, with no scheduled replacement.

Watch the entire crash test video after the jump.

Continue reading New Ford Ranger becomes first pickup to earn Five-Star Euro NCAP rating

New Ford Ranger becomes first pickup to earn Five-Star Euro NCAP rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China announces new, more stringent crash standards

Chris Paukert — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Safety

There are innumerable design and engineering hurdles to clear if you're an automaker intent on selling your wares worldwide, but few are more core to the business than safety. China knows this all too well. For years now, we've been hearing how the nation was planning to go global with its vehicles - several companies have even gone so far as to hold press conferences at U.S. auto shows.

And while there are many reasons why you don't have a Chery or BYD dealer down the street yet, China's expansionist efforts have been hampered by the persistent perception of poor automotive safety standards, an impression not helped by the viral spread of a number of frightening crash-test videos on the internet (like the 2007 Brilliance BS6 shown above and after the jump). But that may be about to change. According to new reports, the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) is coming in for a comprehensive overhaul.

A raft of changes are expected to go into effect in July of 2012, and the revised standards are expected to include new low-speed crash testing and whiplash standards. In addition, the safety of rear seat occupants will be considered for the first time (previously, only the safety of front seat occupants was measured). The more stringent crash test standards will reportedly also weigh the presence of other safety systems, including electronic nannies like stability control. Overall, the new standards are expected to more closely mimic the standards of other markets (namely Europe's NCAP), including tougher scenarios like the 40 mph offset frontal crash test.

China Car Times reports that only 59 new models have been awarded five-star ratings under current C-NCAP standards - about 43 percent of those models tested since 2006. As Chinese automakers are already having a tough time meeting current crash test regulations, meeting the new standards that go into effect next year will likely pose a very serious challenge. But while any Chinese automaker looking to play in established markets like North America or Europe will still have to pass local crash test standards, they'll almost certainly have a better shot at good results - and better public perception - if the regulations in their home country are similar.

Continue reading China announces new, more stringent crash standards

China announces new, more stringent crash standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Nissan Leaf Euro NCAP crash test - Click above to watch video after the jump

The five-door mid-size electric Nissan Leaf has become the first plug-in vehicle to receive five stars from the European New Car Assessment Program. Euro NCAP tests vehicles in frontal impact, side impact, side pole impact and the potential for whiplash.

The Leaf's lithium-ion battery pack, which is positioned below the rear-seat compartment, suffered no damage during any of the tests. The five-seat Leaf received an 89 percent rating for adult occupant safety, 84 percent for its on-board safety-assist systems, 65 percent in pedestrian safety and 83 percent for child occupant safety.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted its first mainstream plug-in vehicle crash tests in April of 2011, and both the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the 2011 Nissan Leaf were named "Good" for their front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection and both received the IIHS' Top Safety Pick title.

Hit the jump to watch video of the Nissan Leaf getting smashed, crashed and bashed by NCAP. Click here (pdf) for a detailed look at the Leaf's NCAP test results.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests [w/video]

Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic only nets two stars on revamped NHTSA side impact test

Chris Shunk — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Honda

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is slowly unveiling the results of the freshly updated five-star New Car Assessment Program, and not all 2011 models are faring so well. USA Today reports that the 2011 Honda Civic is the latest such victim after the popular compact sedan received an overall score of three stars; down one star from the 2010 model year. The Civic's score was downgraded due in part to a woeful side impact score of two stars. The female crash-test dummy on the passenger side reportedly netted a four-star score, but the male crash-test dummy driver managed but two stars. On the upside, the Civic netted four-star ratings for front crash and rollover risk.

The Civic isn't the only popular vehicle among the 55 models tested that hasn't fared so well in testing. The Toyota Camry and Honda CR-V were also rated at three stars, while the Nissan Versa received only two stars. Luckily for Honda, a newly refreshed Civic is on the way for the 2012 model year.

[Source: Inside Line]

Honda Civic only nets two stars on revamped NHTSA side impact test originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Think recalling 850 City EVs over braking issue in "extremely" wet conditions

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Electric

Even though U.S. production of the Think City started off well the other day, all is not fine in Think land. The company is recalling 850 City cars throughout Europe because the brakes on the electric car can weaken under "extremely humid conditions."

A Think representative told AutoblogGreen, "Major, prolonged exposure to water could cause a small malfunction in the electronics. The brakes would still work, but required increased pressure to use." This problem could appear in instances of severe rain or after intense car washes. James Andrew of Think Europe tells NRK (Google Translated) that the repair includes wrapping the pump circuit in an epoxy, which "solves the problem fully." Importantly, new models are not affected. We've driven the City in wet conditions and have never experienced this problem.

There are also stories floating around that say that Think has not provided City vehicles to the European crash testing organization EuroNCAP, like this one on VG Net (Google Translated). EuroNCAP needs three vehicles to crash, but VG Net reports that Think reportedly said it could not spare the vehicles. In fact, Think told AutoblogGreen, it will send vehicles to EuroNCAP in early 2011, adding, "We are of course supplying the vehicles. There is no story there."

[Source: NRK, VG Net (both Google Translated), Think]

Think recalling 850 City EVs over braking issue in "extremely" wet conditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA releases second batch of crash test ratings under new system

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota

For the 2011 model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has implemented tougher crash testing procedures that make it more difficult for vehicles to receive a five-star rating. The new test is known as the NCAP, or New Car Assessment Program, and the first batch of cars were evaluated earlier in the year. Ten more vehicles have been subjected to the NCAP, and the results are promising... for most.

General Motors received high marks for its Lambda triplets - the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia - with all three netting five-star ratings. Not all GM products received a gold star, however - the aging Buick Lucerne only received a three-star rating under the new test procedures. Honda's Accord sedan also received a five-star rating, however its main competitor, the Toyota Camry, didn't fare so well. Both the gasoline- and hybrid-powered Camrys only received three stars.

During the first batch of testing the average score was four stars, so the five-star ratings here are good news for GM. Previously, only the Hyundai Sonata (after being revised and retested) and BMW 5 Series received the coveted five-star rating.

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration plans to test 55 cars in total before the year is over, and the full results of the latest testing can be viewed at SaferCar.gov.

[Source: SaferCar.gov via The Detroit News]

NHTSA releases second batch of crash test ratings under new system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing

Michael Harley — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Safety, India, Tata

2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

Is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about to add some more safety measures to your next new car? According to The Detroit News, they might be. The Motown daily says that government officials are pondering whether or not they should require new vehicles to be fitted with lane-departure warning systems and automatic braking systems that trigger upon warning of an impending accident. Both systems are currently available only in very small percentage of new passenger cars - primarily luxury vehicles. According to the DetNews report, safety experts believe that the systems "show significant promise" in their ability to reduce traffic accident-related fatalities and injuries.

NHTSA will decide whether to require such systems in 2011 after further cost-benefit analysis, including looking at insurance company data and estimated manufacturing costs. It has already added new components to its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) for 2011 vehicles, including a test that measures the effectiveness of lane-departure warning systems and a different frontal-crash program.

NHTSA hopes to announce its findings by the end of the year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Kia

Click above to watch the Kia Soul's Euro NCAP crash tests

There is no rating yet for the Kia Soul in the U.S., but in Europe the car did the business: the Soul scored five stars on the NCAP frontal offset, side impact and pole crash tests, doing no worse than "marginal" in just two areas. In the frontal offset test the windshield doesn't crack and there is only minor cosmetic damage aft of the front door's front shut line. It's a big result for a little car, and if it has the reliability to match it should do very, very well. Thanks for the tip, GenGT!

Gallery: Kia Soul Euro NCAP Test

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang Convertible aces NHTSA crash tests

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Ford

When it comes to vehicle crash safety, the general consensus is that having a roof over your head leads to a better outcome. Ford has just proven that this isn't always the case with its 2008 Ford Mustang convertible, which has become the first and only convertible of any type to be given a five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In its latest New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) round of testing, the Mustang drop-top took top honors in a field of tests that included both crash testing and rollover resistance evaluations. These included frontal crash evaluations for both driver and front-seat passenger, side impact evaluations for both driver and the rear-seat passenger on the driver's side, and even a rollover test.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Mustang Convertible aces NHTSA crash tests

Ford Mustang Convertible aces NHTSA crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA head says crash standards should be higher

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Nicole Nason, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), maintains that the crash standards that have been on the books since 1973 are due for a revision. Recognizing the 9 out of 10 vehicles routinely score either four- or five-stars on the administration's tests, she's seeking to increase the standards for front- and side-impacts, along with more stringent testing of rollover protection.

The move is due to what some feel are antiquated testing measures, as well as the assertion that automakers engineer vehicles specifically to perform well on the current tests. Increased rollover protection is apparently one of the major goals of the administration, and Nason is planning on rewriting a 2005 proposal that would increase roof strength. However, she concedes that it will only save approximately 100 lives per year.

Automakers have contended for some time that the technological saturation point for crash protection is getting closer, and that driver behavior needs to be addressed. Nason maintains that vehicles should be able to overcome mistakes by the user, saying, "The future of automotive safety is crash avoidance technology." Why these two goals can't be addressed simultaneously is anyone's guess.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

NHTSA head says crash standards should be higher originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although the badge shows six, 2008 Forester gets top five-star rating

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Subaru

click above image for gallery

A little background before we get to the news: Subaru is the name of a cluster of some 250 bluish stars in the Taurus constellation. Only six of its stars are visible to the naked eye. Here in the West, the cluster is better-known as Pleiades, but in Japan, it's alternately called Subaru ("to govern" or "gather together") or Mutsuraboshi, which means "Six Stars." And if you've ever looked closely at a Subaru badge, that's exactly what you see, six stars. But take a look at the window sticker on the new 2008 Forester and you'll see only five stars.

Don't let that seem like a letdown, however, for as you probably know, a five-star rating is the highest the NHTSA awards, and it also happens to be the vehicle's most recent score in those NHTSA crash tests. Subaru of America announced the rating today, along with the press release you'll find after the jump. Read it and you'll discover that the '08 Forester earned five star ratings for both front- and side-impact crash tests, for both the driver and passenger. These ratings were for the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), which uses a 10% higher impact speed than the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards -- 38.5 versus 35 mph. Kudos to Mutsuraboshi Subaru. Keep up the good work, and maybe they'll have to change the metric for you.

Check out the 2008 Forester in our gallery below, or see pricing and specs at AOL Autos.

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: 2008 Subaru Forester

Continue reading Although the badge shows six, 2008 Forester gets top five-star rating

Although the badge shows six, 2008 Forester gets top five-star rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What do 5-star ratings really mean?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Safety

When manufacturers get a 5-star crash rating for one of their models, the klieg lights and publicity klaxon get thorough workouts. Those tiny ten-sided polygons have gotten to mean so much to consumers that it's not unusual for a carmaker to drop a few hundred large on prime time commercial space and 60-point text to convey the message. Well, not to deflate anyone's... airbag... but Airbag Solutions has broken down the test methodology and what the results mean in real-world cases. It in no way demeans the quality of the rating system or the work done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as similar tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it does show that ultimately the ratings apply to a narrower set of circumstances than one might have thought. For instance, crash test dummies replicate effects only for adults -- babies, kids, and teenagers don't count. If you're in a crash at more than 40 mph, or if you hit a car with a weight differential of more than 250 lbs, the rating scale doesn't apply. One would assume that a 5-star car at 38 mph would still be better in a crash at 70 mph than a 3-star car, but there's a lot of gray area around the well-defined boundaries of the protocols. Click the 'Read' link to get the full story.

[Source: Airbag Solutions]

What do 5-star ratings really mean? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford exec calls out Australian crash testing procedures after Courier gets poor marks

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Chrysler, Ford, GM

Ford of Australia president Tom Gorman is calling upon the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) to work on its credibility. The Aussie program conducts crash testing programs (not unlike America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and has recently drawn fire for the manner and frequency with which it alters its criteria.

As a result of recent methodology and scoring changes, Ford's own Courier light truck saw its star ratings decline from three to two-- a dismal showing. Tom Gorman's response: "If you change protocols so frequently you lack legitimacy and credibility with the marketplace."

For its part, General Motors' Chevrolet and Holden criticized the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) on similar grounds, a program that closely mirrors that of Australia. GM did so after getting dinged for a two-star rating on its Chevrolet Aveo/Holden Barina. Authorities at the General had achieved better test results internally, and were apparently upset with the criteria.

[Source: The Red Book AU]

Ford exec calls out Australian crash testing procedures after Courier gets poor marks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar XK outside favorite, wins top safety award

Chris Paukert — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Safety, Technology, Jaguar

Plowing into pedestrians is best avoided altogether, but if there's no way around it them, ambulatory targets will appreciate it those thoughtful enough to be driving a new Jaguar XK.

That's the word, as the World Traffic Safety Symposium (WTSS) has just granted Jaguar's revitalized coupe its highest award for pedestrian safety. How'd it manage that? With a little help from an explosive hood. As with the Citroen C6 sedan, after an impact is sensed, small pyrotechnic charges push the trailing edge of the hood (near the base of the windshield) upwards, creating an impact-absorbing zone for the unfortunate victims.

[Sources: WhatCar?; Jaguar]

Jaguar XK outside favorite, wins top safety award originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Apr 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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