The new China-New Car Assessment Program management rules have been unveiled, sources reported on Oct 12. The new provisions, which have been repeatedly revised, are expected to go into effect next July. The rules will usher in sweeping reforms for the C-NCAP and have been the focus of media attention for months.

According to Li Wei, assistant to the director of the China Automotive Technology and Research Center and head of the testing department, large revisions have been made to the rating standards, speed requirements and programs for the C-NCAP's crash test. For the first time, rear seat passengers will be accounted for in the test. Additionally, low speed crash tests will be introduced, while the inclusion of other safety systems, such as ESC and ESP, will be considered while scoring. Total scores will increase from 51 to 62, while the star system will also be modified.

Officials from the C-NCAP Management Center are confident that the new standard will help raise the overall safety of automobiles on the road today. With the five stars rating being harder to obtain than before, consumers and manufacturers are sure to increase awareness of automobile safety. According to the C-NCAP, the upcoming standards are vastly different than the current ones. "From now on, [manufacturers rated by] the C-NCAP should clearly point out which version was used and what time the tests were done," in order to prevent consumer confusion, Mr. Li Wei advised......

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