oday, Euro NCAP announces the release of its second series of Highway Assist tests. To ensure the safe adoption of these and other assisted driving technologies by consumers, Euro NCAP has developed a dedicated test and assessment protocol, and a grading system. The latest test series includes ten cars that offer Highway Assist: the Audi Q8, the BMW 3 Series, the Ford Kuga, the Mercedes GLE, the Nissan Juke, the Peugeot 2008, the Renault Clio, the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen Passat and the Volvo V60.
Increasingly, vehicle manufacturers have been making use of the sensor-sets fitted to their cars to provide more extensive driving support, paving the way for an autonomous future. A prime example is Highway Assist, a technology designed to make motorway driving safer by reducing fatigue and encouraging safe driving. Highway Assist helps the driver to maintain a steady speed, to keep a safe distance from the car in front and to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane by combining (intelligent) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Centering (LC). However, the driver always needs to be responsible and engaged behind the wheel, and the assisted system is there to do just that – assist. They are not flawless and should not lead or have full control.
Euro NCAP's new assessment protocols focus on two main areas: Assistance Competence – a balance between the technical competencies of the system (Vehicle Assistance) and the extent to which it keeps the driver alert and engaged (Driver Engagement) - and Safety Backup, the car’s safety net in critical situations. A unique grading system – similar to the five- star safety rating - helps consumers understand the conclusions of the tests and compare assistance performance at the highest level. Each car falls into one of four categories: Entry, Moderate, Good and Very Good.
