Keynotes at Testers’ Day 2025

Euro NCAP’s tests specifically for heavy trucks

Whilst heavy trucks only represent 3% of European traffic, they are involved in 15% of all fatal crashes. In pursuit of its Vision Zero target Euro NCAP therefore began testing heavy trucks in 2024 to compliment its existing Van tests, providing fleet buyers and commercial operators with safety information to promote the buying of safety vehicles. New tests focus on heavy truck specific crashes and aim to promote active safety systems that are outside of new GSR2 requirements, these include unique cyclist junction crash prevention and direct and in-direct vision tests. A roadmap of future test requirements has been authored which will further pressure manufacturers to match passenger cars and these will include passive safety requirements with full scale crash tests in 2031.

The initial testing occurred in the Autumn of 2024 and the first results published in November. Long Haul tractors were the first tested and scored between 1 and 5 stars, showing that there are meaningful difference is commercial vehicle safety even today. Testing this year will look at both long haul and Distribution rigids with a timetable of different sectors being covered by 2028. With the success of these ratings Euro NCAP will begin to consider Buses and Coaches to further enhance road safety in pursuit of Vision zero.

Matthew Avery – Strategic Development Director will present the background to the programme and will present the testing in depth as well as discussing the future 2028 active safety requirements as well as the plans to introduce passive safety in 2031. Bus and coach will also be discussed and potential plans to look at this sector later in the decade.

Header: Euro NCAP’s tests specifically for heavy trucks
Speaker: Matthew Avery, Strategic Development Director, Euro NCAP
Time: 09.00, October 2nd