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The newly appointed boss of Italian auto model Fiat says the newest security rankings from Europe’s unbiased automotive security physique, which works with Australia’s new-vehicle security watchdog, solely serve to confuse customers – and that the trade has moved on.
Speaking to Autocar following his appointment as Fiat CEO in August 2026, Arnaud Belloni mentioned extra rigorous testing protocols launched by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) this 12 months have baffled consumers.
“I don’t know how to be politically correct here, but Euro NCAP, it is existing, but customers don’t get it anymore,” Mr Belloni informed Autocar.
“They are totally lost and it’s because of Euro NCAP changing the rules every two years, so what was a five-star car a few years ago becomes a three-star car, and then a two.”
Euro NCAP updates its protocols each three years to maintain tempo with advances in auto security expertise, with the newest protocols overlaying autos assessed from 2026 to 2028.
The protocols have been largely adopted by the native Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with solely minor variations between the 2 organisations’ standards. The BMW iX3 electrical SUV was the primary mannequin assessed underneath the brand new necessities, attaining a most five-star score.
Both Euro NCAP and ANCAP apply six-year score validity intervals. New fashions grow to be formally ‘unrated’ as soon as their score expires until it’s reassessed, with solely autos constructed through the validity interval retaining their authentic rankings.
An Australian instance is the present Toyota Corolla, whose five-star score based mostly on 2018 testing expired on the finish of 2024. Examples constructed from January 1, 2025, are subsequently unrated. A brand new-generation Corolla is predicted to be unveiled someday in 2027.
“I’ve worked in this industry for 35 years and Euro NCAP has been there almost from the beginning. And I can tell you very few manufacturers are taking it really seriously,” the Fiat boss informed Autocar.
“They don’t drive strategy based on your rank. Customers don’t know because they are lost, so it’s not important… Everybody’s clever. A consumer is clever, and there are a lot of regulations everywhere to regulate your life every day.”
That contrasts with feedback Euro NCAP technical director Richard Schram made to CarKnowledgeable throughout a crash take a look at within the Netherlands earlier this 12 months.
“We’re able to get the industry on board, not just in one area, but in the whole area of safety. We’ve been able to improve progressive safety, battery structures, airbags, active safety,” Mr Schram mentioned.
“All of these things came over the years by the industry, following our protocol, engaging with us and making sure that the cars are increasingly safe beyond regular requirements.”
Euro NCAP was fashioned in 1996 and revealed its first crash-test ends in February 1997. ANCAP was established in 1992, with its first crash assessments carried out the next 12 months.
The 2026 adjustments mark Euro NCAP’s 14th foremost protocol interval and kind a part of its Vision 2030 technique, revealed in 2022.
Mr Schram mentioned the adjustments are designed to make the assessments simpler for customers to know, with the star score remaining central to the method.
“Of the well-known star rating… this is the level, they [consumers] know star safety, and if they go a bit deeper, they are disconnecting,” he informed media on the Netherlands crash take a look at.
The 2026 protocols transfer from what Euro NCAP referred to as a ‘tick box’ analysis to 4 phases of security: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, Crash Protection and Post-Crash Safety.
Mr Schram mentioned advances in expertise, together with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep help and semi-autonomous driving programs, change shopper expectations and require testing protocols to maintain tempo.
The newest procedures extra completely consider the effectiveness of superior driver-assistance programs (ADAS), for instance, and penalise autos for potential distractions, reminiscent of key features buried in touchscreen menus.
“We think we can tackle tomorrow’s vehicle safes challenges. There’s a broader addition to what we’re doing, and this required a new ratings scheme,” the Euro NCAP technical director mentioned.
The Fiat boss mentioned the automotive trade’s security positive aspects have been spectacular and steered clients recognise that progress, lowering the relevance of ever-changing security rankings.
“People understand that manufacturers are doing their best to improve the safety on board or reduce CO2 emissions. This industry has massively evolved more than any other industry in the last 30 years, and customers realise that,” he mentioned.
Fiat’s Australian-market 500e small electrical hatch carries a four-star ANCAP security score based mostly on 2021 testing.
In July 2026, the Italian model confirmed it will stay in Australia regardless of deciding towards importing additional inventory of the 500e. It has additionally launched up to date business autos to its Australian lineup.
Fellow Stellantis model Citroen stopped taking new Australian orders in November 2024, ending greater than 100 years of steady gross sales by the French model right here after unbiased native importer Inchcape pulled the pin.
With European gross sales up 20 per cent thus far this 12 months, Fiat confirmed an up to date Topolino idea alongside Multiplina and Multiplay present vehicles and a raft of latest fashions on the latest Paris motor present.
Mr Belloni’s feedback observe criticism that the rising variety of security programs wanted to attain a five-star score provides weight, price and complexity to new autos, driving up showroom costs.
Euro NCAP acknowledges the price implications, pointing to funds manufacturers reminiscent of Renault-owned Dacia, which makes a acutely aware choice to not goal for 5 stars. Its three-star Duster is bought right here because the Renault Duster.
“Dacia is clearly a brand that doesn’t aim for five stars; they want to be at the budget [end of the market], but they will aim for three stars, and what you will see there is it is significantly better than [mandated] regulation,” Mr Schram mentioned.
“But they made some clear choices to not put this [or that safety] system in because it’s really expensive.”
MORE: ANCAP awards five-star security rankings to Chinese trio, however dings two for lack of bodily buttons
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