Euro NCAP van ratings

International vehicle testing organisation Euro NCAP has issued new van safety ratings to promote the best models that keep drivers safe, many of which are offered on the Reflex Vehicle Hire fleet.

Euro NCAP has given awards to 14 vans under new criteria that prioritise crash avoidance technology and driver assistance systems. 

A total of 19 were tested, covering 98% of European sales last year, with areas covered including the presence of key safety systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane support assist, speed assistance and driver alertness monitors.

The new ratings encourage wider fitment of ADAS on vans, which is designed to assist drivers in preventing crashes.

Three models received Gold Awards – the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Volkswagen Transporter.

Reflex Vehicle hire offers the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Vito on its core fleet and provides the Volkswagen Transporter on request.

Euro NCAP’s Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen said:

“Commercial vans are big and heavy compared to passenger cars so, if they crash, they can do a lot of damage and cause serious injuries to others.

Nowadays, active safety systems exist which can greatly reduce the likelihood of a collision with other cars, or with pedestrians or cyclists. These technologies are already commonplace on passenger cars but much less widespread on vans. Given the millions of vans on Europe’s roads, increasing the active safety systems fitted to commercial vehicles is key to improving safety for all road users.”

Euro NCAP is calling for the standardisation of safety equipment on commercial vehicles to match the levels already available in cars.

It also wants fleet operators to demand minimum safety standards for their vehicles.

A full set of results is available here.

Reflex Vehicle Hire has led a pioneering campaign to improve road safety in the vehicle hire sector with its Safety as Standard commitment.

This includes the standard fitment to vans of key risk management equipment including speed limiters, dashcams and telematics as part of the Driive with Reflex modular risk management service.

In addition, cars are specified with enhanced road safety technology where available, including autonomous emergency braking and parking sensors, with most receiving the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP.

Lisa Spong, Reflex Vehicle Hire Sales Director, said:

“We continue to place safety at the heart of our business by providing the best vehicles with the latest risk management technology.

Through our Safety as Standard commitment and vehicle acquisition programme, we are ensuring that customers can prevent incidents and keep drivers safe on the road.

We are pleased that the new data from Euro NCAP helps fleet operators choose the vehicles with the highest levels of safety equipment, many of which are already available on the Reflex fleet.”

For details on the wealth of vehicles available on flexible terms from Reflex Vehicle Hire, review our Vehicle Selection page or contact one of our expert team members to discuss your bespoke requirements.

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