Bhargava questioned the standards of Global NCAP itself, claiming that it is funded by safety component manufacturers.
Earlier this month, Global NCAP published its crash test report for three popular Maruti Suzuki models: S-Presso, Swift and Ignis. All three models were awarded a 1-star rating.
Maruti Suzuki Chairman, RC Bhargava has now reacted to the abysmal crash test rating awarded by Global NCAP. Interestingly, he questioned the standards of the organization itself, claiming that it is funded by safety component manufacturers.
According to Bhargava, putting NCAP standards into cars sold in India would have no significant impact on the number of accidents. He believes that we should first focus on preventing accidents. That would require improving road safety, fitness testing of vehicles and driver training.
“NCAP is funded to a large extent by automotive component manufacturers, like airbag manufacturers. Somebody is promoting the NCAP standard for some reason, please don’t get taken in by it, and think that is the way to look at safer roads,” Bhargava said. “I can say with complete confidence that putting in NCAP standards in cars will have no significant impact on the number of accidents” he added.
Bhargava stressed that the crash safety norms in India that came into effect in 2019 are based on European standards. Therefore, it is wrong to believe that organizations like Global NCAP understand safety requirements better than the country’s government.
Keyword: Maruti chairman shifts blame following poor crash test ratings