ASEAN NCAP
The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) is an independent initiative dedicated to evaluating the safety performance of new passenger vehicles available in the 10 ASEAN member states—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—through rigorous crash testing and assessment of active and passive safety features.[1][2] Established in December 2011 as a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP, with initial funding from Global NCAP, ASEAN NCAP was launched in response to the United Nations' Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020), aiming to halve global road traffic deaths by promoting higher vehicle safety standards in a region where road fatalities exceed 100,000 annually.[1] The program's primary objectives include elevating occupant protection levels, increasing consumer awareness of vehicle safety, and incentivizing automakers to prioritize advanced safety technologies, thereby fostering a market demand for safer cars across Southeast Asia.[1][3] ASEAN NCAP operates through a multi-phase roadmap, with the current 2021–2025 protocol introducing a single overall star rating (from 0 to 5 stars) based on a points system totaling up to 100 points, with Adult Occupant Protection (AOP; 40 points, 40% weighting across frontal, side, and head protection tests), Child Occupant Protection (COP; 20 points, 20% including dynamic tests and child restraint systems), Safety Assist Technologies (SAT; 20 points, 20% covering features like autonomous emergency braking and seatbelt reminders), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS; 20 points, 20% to address the high rate of motorcycle-related fatalities in the region).[3] Tests are conducted at MIROS's purpose-built facility in Melaka, Malaysia, using protocols aligned with global standards such as UN ECE regulations, and results are publicly released to guide consumer choices and influence policy, with nearly 90% of assessed vehicles achieving 4 stars or higher since inception as of 2021.[2][4] As of 2025, the program has evaluated over 80 models (more than 100 ratings published), driving improvements like mandatory 3-star minimum ratings in some markets and the integration of advanced driver assistance systems. A roadmap for 2026-2030 has been outlined to further advance safety assessments.[5][6][7]Overview
Purpose and Objectives
ASEAN NCAP was established in December 2011 as a regional initiative to independently evaluate the crash safety performance of new passenger vehicles available in Southeast Asian markets, drawing inspiration from the methodologies of global NCAP programs such as Global NCAP.[1][2] This effort responds to the growing demand for safer mobility amid rising vehicle ownership and road traffic risks in the region.[1] The program's core objectives focus on elevating overall vehicle safety standards, heightening consumer awareness of critical safety features like occupant protection systems, and incentivizing automakers to incorporate advanced design improvements in their models sold within ASEAN countries.[1][3] By providing transparent, star-based ratings from independent crash tests, ASEAN NCAP aims to foster a competitive market for safer cars, ultimately contributing to lower road fatality rates across the ten member states.[3][2] ASEAN NCAP particularly emphasizes regional vulnerabilities, including the predominance of motorcycles—which account for over half of road deaths in many Southeast Asian countries—and the disparities in economic development that influence access to advanced safety technologies among member nations.[8][2] These factors inform tailored assessment protocols that test for interactions with vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists and pedestrians, to better reflect local crash scenarios.[3] Since its launch, specific goals have included conducting annual assessments of several popular vehicle models to ensure broad market coverage, advocating for mandatory safety labeling at points of sale to empower informed purchasing decisions, and aligning with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety's pillars—especially the safer vehicles component—to support broader efforts in reducing traffic injuries and deaths.[1][9][2]Scope and Coverage
ASEAN NCAP encompasses the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1] The program evaluates vehicles marketed and sold within these countries to address regional road safety challenges, including high rates of motor vehicle crashes, and to harmonize safety standards across diverse markets.[2] The assessments target new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, and vans that represent significant sales volumes in ASEAN markets. Heavy commercial vehicles and two-wheelers are not directly tested, but the protocols incorporate evaluations of active safety technologies designed to protect vulnerable road users like motorcyclists. Assessments cover areas such as adult occupant protection and child occupant protection to provide comprehensive safety insights.[2][10][11] Manufacturer participation remains voluntary, with ASEAN NCAP selecting high-volume models for testing to influence market demand for safer vehicles. Increasing regulatory linkages are evident, notably in Malaysia, where a minimum three-star rating is required for public transport vehicles and safety labeling is mandatory for new models. The program emphasizes right-hand drive variants prevalent in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to align with local traffic conditions.[12][10][13]History
Establishment
The ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 8, 2011, between the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Global NCAP in New Delhi, India, during the FIA Foundation Annual General Assembly.[14][15] This agreement formalized the collaboration to create an independent vehicle safety rating program tailored for Southeast Asian markets, with Global NCAP serving as a key founding partner providing technical expertise and protocols adapted from global standards.[16] The initiative was spearheaded by the Malaysian government via MIROS to combat the region's escalating road safety crisis, where more than 75,000 people died in road crashes across ASEAN countries in 2011 alone, alongside numerous long-term injuries.[17] By introducing consumer-oriented crash testing and ratings, ASEAN NCAP aimed to drive automakers toward higher safety standards, aligning with the United Nations' Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011–2020).[1] The program's first assessments were launched in 2012, focusing on frontal offset crash tests for small family cars and sedans commonly sold in the region.[2] Initial results for seven popular models were published on January 31, 2013, in Melaka, Malaysia, marking the debut of independent safety evaluations for ASEAN consumers and highlighting variations in occupant protection across tested vehicles.[18][19] Early operations were centered in Malaysia, with the secretariat hosted by MIROS in Kajang, Selangor, which assumed the operational lead for testing and program management using its crash laboratory facilities.[3] Initial funding was provided by MIROS and Global NCAP, enabling the setup of administrative and technical infrastructure without immediate reliance on broader regional contributions.[20]Development Phases
The development of ASEAN NCAP has progressed through distinct phases, each introducing refined protocols to address evolving road safety challenges in Southeast Asia. Phase 1, spanning 2012 to 2016, established the foundational assessment framework centered on basic crash tests for adult and child occupant protection. The initial protocol emphasized frontal offset deformable barrier tests at 64 km/h, with adult occupant protection rated on a star system and child occupant protection scored as a percentage, assessing over 30 models from various manufacturers during this period.[12] This phase laid the groundwork for consumer awareness, with early tests like the Toyota Vios in 2012 achieving a 4-star adult rating.[6] Phase 2, from 2017 to 2020, marked a shift toward a unified rating system integrating safety assist technologies, reflecting the growing availability of active safety features in the region. The protocol weighted adult occupant protection at 50%, child occupant protection at 25%, and safety assist technologies at 25%, incorporating side impact tests compliant with UN Regulation 95 as a prerequisite for higher ratings, alongside requirements for electronic stability control and seat belt reminders for 5-star outcomes. Approximately 34 models were evaluated under this phase, expanding the program's scope to include technologies like autonomous emergency braking for car-to-car scenarios.[6][3] Phase 3, covering 2021 to 2025, adopted a four-pillar structure to better align with ASEAN's high motorcyclist fatality rates, weighting adult occupant protection at 40%, child occupant protection at 20%, safety assist technologies at 20%, and motorcyclist safety at 20%. This iteration introduced dedicated assessments for motorcyclist protection, such as blind spot detection and rear visibility systems, while enhancing child presence detection and head protection technologies from 2023 onward, with over 100 models cumulatively assessed by the end of the phase. The protocol supported advanced tech integration through initiatives like collaborative research events, contributing to broader data sharing among regional partners.[6][4][21] Announced in 2023, Phase 4 (2026-2030) builds on prior advancements with enhanced testing to tackle persistent vulnerabilities, maintaining the four-pillar weighting while introducing autonomous emergency braking against motorcycles (6 points) to mitigate collisions with two-wheelers, which account for a significant portion of road deaths. Side impact protocols were toughened by increasing the movable barrier trolley weight to 1,300 kg from 950 kg and adopting the WorldSID dummy for more biofidelic injury assessment. The roadmap targets elevating baseline safety standards toward universal 5-star ratings by 2030, aligning with global goals to halve road fatalities, through expanded partnerships for technology validation and data exchange.[6][22]Organizational Structure
Member Organizations
The organizational structure of ASEAN NCAP is centered around a secretariat led by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), which serves as the primary coordinator and executor of operations, including crash testing and rating assessments.[1] MIROS, established under the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, oversees day-to-day activities and ensures alignment with regional road safety needs.[2] Global NCAP acts as the technical advisor and international liaison, providing expertise to harmonize ASEAN NCAP protocols with global standards while funding initial phases and supporting ongoing development.[1] The program operates through a steering committee chaired by the Director-General of MIROS, which facilitates governance via annual meetings to review and update assessment protocols, ensuring voluntary coordination across member states.[23] National representatives and supporting organizations from ASEAN countries contribute input on regional priorities, such as enhanced motorcyclist safety testing, reflecting the high prevalence of motorcycles in Southeast Asia.[3] As of 2024, core members total approximately 7-10 entities, including automobile associations and government bodies focused on operational governance rather than funding.[2] Key member organizations include:- Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS): Leads secretariat functions, conducts testing at its facilities, and chairs the steering committee.[1]
- Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP): Provides technical guidance and ensures international protocol alignment.[1]
- Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM): Offers regional insights and supports consumer awareness initiatives.[24]
- Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP): Contributes to protocol discussions and promotes safety in the Philippine market.[24]
- Automobile Association of Singapore (AA Singapore): Provides input on urban safety features relevant to dense traffic environments.[24]
- Automobile Association of Cambodia (AAC): Represents Cambodian perspectives, emphasizing affordable vehicle safety adaptations.[25]
- Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI): Assists with technical evaluations and advocates for ASEAN-wide standards in Thailand.[2]
- Automobile Association of Thailand (AAT): Supports testing collaborations and regional biker safety priorities.[2]
- Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr): Participates in forums and provides governmental oversight for Philippine compliance.[26]
- Indonesian Road Safety Agency (AKSI): Contributes to steering committee discussions on Indonesia-specific road safety challenges.[27]
Financial Support Organizations
The primary funding for ASEAN NCAP has been provided by the Malaysian government through budget allocations to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) since the program's establishment in 2011.[29] MIROS, as a government agency under the Ministry of Transport, channels these funds to support core operations, including crash testing and protocol development.[30] Significant grants from Global NCAP and the FIA Foundation have supported the initial setup of ASEAN NCAP and ongoing international testing activities.[2] These international contributions, often channeled through Global NCAP, have enabled the funding of pilot phases, vehicle crash tests, and technical assistance since 2011.[3] Additional grants from organizations such as Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Global Road Safety Facility have further bolstered crash testing efforts.[2] Contributions from other ASEAN governments, such as those in Thailand and Indonesia, support regional assessments through membership in the program and collaborative initiatives.[1] These governments participate via their national road safety authorities, providing in-kind resources and policy alignment to facilitate broader implementation across Southeast Asia.[29] Occasional sponsorships from the automotive industry have supplemented funding for specific tests, such as Honda Malaysia's provision of a test vehicle in 2012.[31] These targeted contributions help cover costs for individual assessments without altering the program's independence.[29]Assessment Protocols
Testing Categories
The ASEAN NCAP assessment protocol for 2021-2025 is structured around four key pillars that evaluate vehicle safety performance: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist Technologies (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS). These pillars collectively determine the overall star rating, with AOP weighted at 40 points (40%), COP at 20 points (20%), SA at 20 points (20%), and MS at 20 points (20%), out of a total maximum of 100 points.[4][32] To achieve a 5-star rating, a vehicle must attain at least 80% in AOP, 75% in COP, 75% in SA, and 60% in MS; lower star ratings require meeting progressively reduced minimum percentages in each pillar, such as for 1-star: at least 40% in AOP, 30% in COP, 20% in SA, and 20% in MS.[6] Adult Occupant Protection focuses on the vehicle's ability to safeguard adult occupants during crashes, primarily through physical crash tests using anthropomorphic dummies. Key assessments include the frontal offset deformable barrier test, which simulates a head-on collision at 64 km/h with 40% overlap, and side impact tests comprising a moving barrier strike at 50 km/h and a pole side impact at 32 km/h, both employing the WorldSID 50th percentile male dummy to measure injury risks to the head, chest, and abdomen. Additionally, Head Protection Technology evaluation assesses side curtain airbag deployment and coverage. These tests emphasize structural integrity and restraint systems like seatbelts and airbags to minimize occupant kinematics and injury criteria.[4][3] Child Occupant Protection evaluates protection for children using child restraint systems (CRS), integrating dynamic crash tests and static installation checks. Dynamic assessments involve frontal and side impact scenarios with Q6 (6-year-old) and Q10 (10-year-old) child dummies secured in ISOFIX-compatible CRS, measuring head, neck, and chest injury metrics during impacts similar to adult tests but scaled for child size. Vehicle-based checks assess ease of CRS installation, including LATCH/ISOFIX anchors, top tether points, and i-Size compliance, while child presence detection systems receive bonus points for alerting to unattended children. This pillar prioritizes compatibility and usability to promote correct restraint usage in real-world scenarios.[4][3] Safety Assist Technologies assesses active safety features designed to prevent or mitigate crashes through advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Core evaluations include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for city speeds (up to 50 km/h) and inter-urban scenarios (up to 80 km/h), testing detection and response to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists; Lane Support Systems such as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW); and Speed Assistance, including Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). Other components cover Seatbelt Reminders (SBR) for all seats and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), with advanced features like rear occupant alerts providing additional scoring opportunities. These technologies aim to reduce human error in high-risk situations common in ASEAN traffic.[4][3] Motorcycle Safety, a distinctive pillar reflecting ASEAN's high motorcycle usage, evaluates vehicle technologies that protect two-wheeled road users from car-related collisions. Primary assessments include AEB performance specifically for detecting and braking for approaching motorcycles at various speeds and angles, Blind Spot Detection/Visualization (BSD/BSV) to alert drivers of motorcycles in adjacent lanes, and Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights that avoid dazzling oncoming motorcyclists. Pedestrian protection overlaps here with motorcycle scenarios, and advanced features like rear visualization systems contribute bonus points. This pillar addresses the regional vulnerability of motorcyclists, who account for a significant portion of road fatalities.[4][3]Rating System
The ASEAN NCAP rating system aggregates scores from four assessment pillars—Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS)—to produce an overall score out of 100 points. These pillars are weighted as follows: AOP at 40 points, COP at 20 points, SA at 20 points, and MS at 20 points. The weighted scores from individual tests within each pillar are summed and combined to form the total, providing a holistic measure of vehicle safety performance.[6][33] This overall score is converted into a star rating ranging from 0 to 5 stars, determined by the highest star level for which the vehicle meets the minimum percentage requirements in all pillars. The criteria for each star level are as follows:| Star Rating | AOP Minimum | COP Minimum | SA Minimum | MS Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | ≥80% | ≥75% | ≥75% | ≥60% |
| 4 Stars | ≥70% | ≥60% | ≥60% | ≥50% |
| 3 Stars | ≥60% | ≥50% | ≥40% | ≥40% |
| 2 Stars | ≥50% | ≥40% | ≥30% | ≥30% |
| 1 Star | ≥40% | ≥30% | ≥20% | ≥20% |
| 0 Stars | Below 1-star minima | Below 1-star minima | Below 1-star minima | Below 1-star minima |