Thatcham selected as Euro NCAP Official Test House

Thatcham’s contribution to improving vehicle safety is globally renowned. Now the insurer funded centre’s work has received official European recognition from the vehicle safety organisation Euro NCAP, that Thatcham have been selected as the first official testing house for their forthcoming rear impact (whiplash) ratings programme.

In a continued drive to provide as much additional safety information to consumers as possible, Euro NCAP (the European New Car Assessment Programme), will for the first time include a rear impact (whiplash) test and assessment as part of the organisation’s crash test ratings from November 2008. This new test will be an integral part of Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme and will be included as part of Euro NCAP’s Adult Occupant Rating when the new scheme is launched in February 2009. Having researched and tested seats and head restraints for over four years, Thatcham’s robust test procedures and experience in producing related ratings were key factors in their selection. As were the quality of testing facilities at the Berkshire base, which include the Hyper G Sled, a £1 million British insurer investment specifically to research and test seats and head restraints.

Andrew Miller, Thatcham’s Research Director is delighted by this development, “At Thatcham our whiplash work is one of our key activities as we strive to reduce the very heavy burden on society and insurers caused by this common accidental injury. This recognition by Euro NCAP of Thatcham’s research knowledge and commitment to seat testing is an important accolade and a real recognition of the investment made by the UK Insurers in furthering best-practice seat design.”


Matthew Avery, Research Manager – Crash, at Thatcham said, “It’s a real feather in the cap to be selected as Euro NCAP’s first rear impact (whiplash) testing house. The team have worked hard to satisfy a stringent protocol and have already begun working on testing seats for the November launch. It’s exciting times ahead as we look forward to continuing this substantial and significant project.”

For further information about Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme, see euroncap.com