Since 2021 Euro NCAP has been putting light commercial vehicles through their paces with its rigorous safety testing regime. The aim was to improve safety information for fleet managers and buyers and to provide improved levels of safety for van drivers and other road users.
Results have been positive, with a distinct improvement in van safety as driver assistance systems improve and more technology is being incorporated into vehicles by manufacturers.
This year testing will be more rigorous than in previous years, but significant changes are set to be implemented for 2026.
Euro NCAP's enhanced plans mean that vans will be expected to have the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems - ADAS for short - as passenger cars, with vehicles rated according to equipment that is fitted as standard across all European markets.
While commercial vehicles aren't more likely to be involved in accidents than other vehicles, an incident involving an LCV is often more severe for the other vehicles or vulnerable road users. Through testing, Euro NCAP has seen that ADAS technology can help prevent or mitigate these crashes' consequences.
In many cases, vans are not specified with the same level of safety equipment or technology as passenger vehicles. In an effort to address this, Euro NCAP's new criteria take ADAS requirements to a higher level. New rules will place greater emphasis on vulnerable road users, including pedestrian safety, with a focus on night-time situations and cyclists. Euro NCAP will also introduce a new van-to-car crash scenario, bringing the two vehicle types into line.
Michiel van Ratingen, secretary-general of Euro NCAP, commented:
"Safety technologies and innovative solutions are developing at a fast pace. Euro NCAP must develop its criteria to ensure that manufacturers maintain the impetus to innovate and make available the latest safety technologies in all vehicles on European roads. Just because vans are used for commercial purposes does not mean they should be any less safe than passenger cars. Under Euro NCAP's plans by 2026, vans will be expected to meet the same ADAS requirements as passenger cars."
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- VW ID. Buzz named ‘Icon of the Year’
- First Hydrogen teases next-gen fuel-cell-powered electric van
- Select Car Leasing shortlisted for prestigious award
- Iveco branches out into wildlife habitats with environmental programme
-
Watt sparks electric LCV revolution with eCV1
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car and van deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of van leasing deals..
Read our latest van reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about van leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive van leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest van leasing news.
