The most recent results from the ‘world’s only Commercial Van Safety Rating programme’ show that some manufacturers have reacted positively to calls for improved van safety.
Launched in 2021 by Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research, the Commercial Van Safety Rating Programme has recently unveiled its latest findings for 2022.
Thatcham Research says the popularity of home deliveries is accelerating the continued surge in new van registrations, with the percentage sales increase of new vans five times higher than that for new cars in 2021.
However, Thatcham says with the fitment and performance of active safety technology on vans ‘lagging way behind passenger cars’, there is a ‘huge safety deficit’ which they are trying to address through the new rating scheme.
The Commercial Van Safety Rating Programme assesses the safety-critical equipment on new vans, with scores based on the fitment rate and performance of active safety and anti-collision technology. Under the scheme, vans are awarded either a ‘Platinum’, ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’, ‘Bronze’ or ‘Not Recommended’ rating.
Thatcham says it is a ‘chilling fact’ that per mile travelled, vans and light commercial vehicles are involved in more deaths of other road users than any other vehicle type. Fitting robust Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is described as ‘key to achieving a future where vans give other road users the protection they deserve’.
Matthew Avery, chief research strategy officer at Thatcham Research, said: “It’s difficult to buy a new car without Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, whereas it’s still difficult to buy a van with ADAS. These are two vehicle types that share the same road space, so they should have parity.”
The 2022 results
Renault, Vauxhall and Ford achieved higher ratings in 2022, with the addition of safety equipment options such as AEB and lane support technology.
However, according to DfBB, the ‘star of the show’ was Fiat. In 2021 the Fiat Ducato secured a Bronze rating, with a score of just 28%. In the latest ratings that score has increased to 88% – making it the first van to receive a ‘Platinum’ rating.
The 60% year-on-year increase was due to the performance of the Ducato’s AEB (assisted emergency braking) and speed assistance systems, as well as improved lane support capability, with the addition of Lane Keep Assist which helps steer the van back into its lane.
The Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Movano also recorded significant score improvements. The Trafic, which was ‘Not Recommended’ in 2021, improved its score by 34% this year, due to the addition of AEB and lane support technology. This earned it a ‘Silver’ rating. The Movano meanwhile, increased its score from 7% to 33%, elevating it from ‘Not Recommended’ to ‘Bronze’.
Matthew Avery from Thatcham, discusses the latest ratings in a podcast recorded with Driving for Better Business, in which he reveals which vans are achieving the highest ratings and which are not recommended.
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