Fiat CEO criticizes Euro NCAP safety ratings for confusing consumers

Fiat CEO Arnaud Belloni has criticized the Euro NCAP safety rating system, claiming that frequent changes to testing protocols confuse consumers. Belloni noted that because rules are updated approximately every two years, a vehicle that previously earned a five-star rating might now receive only two or three stars, making the scores difficult for buyers to interpret.

Belloni suggested that the industry is no longer basing its core strategies solely on these specific assessments. He also highlighted a tension between safety ratings and vehicle affordability, particularly for the emerging electric vehicle market. Limiting certain driver assistance systems can reduce production costs for affordable small electric cars, but doing so may negatively impact their Euro NCAP safety scores.

These Euro NCAP protocols are largely mirrored by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Under current systems, ratings have a six-year validity period, after which models may be considered ‘unrated’ unless they undergo reassessment.