November 2024 | 728 words | 3-minute read
In 2023, when India launched its very own safety assessment programme, Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), the new Tata Safari and the Harrier became the first to earn a 5-star rating for adult and children occupant protection.
A year later in 2024, the Punch.ev received 5-star safety ratings with the highest ever scores from BNCAP, becoming India’s safest electric vehicle (EV) and India’s first EV with this ranking. Ever since the Tata Nexon became the first Indian car to receive a 5-star rating from Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) in 2018, Tata Motors has set new benchmark in car safety in India.
What does it take to make India’s safest cars? In the first of our Tata Behind the Scenes series, we take you inside the crash test facility at Tata Motors.
Early Start
Tata Motors’ reputation for safety stems from its commitment to push the boundaries of manufacturing and automative design. While safety is integrated at the design stage itself, the vehicles are put through a ‘crash test’ at their facility in Pune. Launched in 1997, the initiative established a new standard in the industry at a time when safety was hardly discussed, let alone prioritised.
Today, the Integrated Safety Centre located within the passenger vehicle (PV) and commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing plant has performed impact tests on thousands of vehicles.
Innovation-driven growth
Embedded in the Tata Motors’ DNA, safety has shaped and driven their approach to vehicle engineering. This, combined with the rising awareness among consumers about safety, has translated into improved performance of Tata cars. FY24 was particularly noteworthy as it was the third successive year of highest‑ever sales volumes of cars and SUVs with an impressive 5,73,541 units (up 6% over FY23). The PV business successfully retained its position as the #3 player in the automobile industry.
Making India’s safest cars, however, is no mean feat. It takes extensive research, investment in cutting-edge technologies and a vigorous pursuit of engineering excellence.
Continuous improvement
The Pune facility is designed to conduct tests for both domestic and European markets, accommodating a range of vehicles, including Internal Combustion Engine, EV, and CNG-powered models. Sensor-equipped dummies allow the engineers to measure the precise impact during a crash event. Gleaning insights from the different impact scenarios, Tata Motors perfects the offerings to deliver vehicles that not only surpass expectations but also prioritise the safety of every passenger on the road.
Today, the company’s entire PV range has been certified by GNCAP ratings, with all the products holding a 5 star or 4 star rating and they continue to invest in R&D for advanced safety technologies.
The Winning Streak Contiues
2018: Tata Nexon scored a 5-star GNCAP rating for adult occupant protection the first Indian car to do so.
2020: Tata Altroz became the second Indian car to get the GNCAP 5-star rating for adult occupant protection.
2020: The Tata Tigor and Tata Tiago achieved 4 stars for adult occupant protection.
2021: Tata Punch, India’s first sub-compact SUV, achieved a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 4-star for child occupant protection under GNCAP.
2023: Tata Safari and Tata Harrier achieved the highest GNCAP score for adult and child occupant safety. The two models also received a 5-star rating under BNCAP.
2024: The New Nexon (ICE) earned a 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection in GNCAP and BNCAP.
2024 : Harrier and Safari earned Safer choice award from GNCAP.
2024: Punch.ev became India’s first and safest EV with a 5-star safety rating and the highest-ever scores from BNCAP.
2024 : Nexon.ev earned 5-star in adult and child occupant safety in BNCAP.
2024 : Curvv EV and Curvv ICE earned 5-star ratings for both adult and child occupant safety in BNCAP.
- Anju Maskeri
