Euro NCAP has revealed the first set of results for its brand-new TRUCK SAFE assessment programme. This is the very first time that HGVs have been tested for safety. Out of nine trucks assessed, Volvo’s FH Aero and FM models both earned a maximum five-star rating, while IVECO’s current S-WAY model emerged as the weakest performer with one star.

As part of its mission to achieve Vision Zero (eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries), Euro NCAP has turned its testing and safety performance attention to the HGV vehicle category for the first time. The organisation has been helping to drive up safety standards by evaluating and rating the active and passive safety performance of passenger cars for close to 30 years, and launched a similar rating scheme for Light Commercial Vehicles in 2020.

Because of their size and weight, HGV crashes are the most severe on European roads. Although trucks account for less than 3% of the traffic fleet in Europe, they are responsible for 15% of accident fatalities. Furthermore, only 11% of casualties in accidents involving HGVs are truck occupants. The remaining 89% are car and van occupants, as well as Vulnerable Road Users. 

As well as giving each truck a rating out of five stars, Euro NCAP has also introduced an additional CitySafe accreditation that is awarded to trucks that feature technologies or good design that can prevent accidents that typically happen in cities or urban environments, such as automated emergency braking should unsighted bicycles be detected alongside vehicles making junction turns.

The results were: 

• DAF XF – 3 stars plus CitySafe rating. 
• Iveco S-WAY – 1 star 
• MAN TGX – 3 stars
• Mercedes-Benz Actros L – 3 stars 
• Renault Trucks T – 4 stars
• Scania R-series – 3 stars
• Scania G-series – 4 stars plus CitySafe rating.
• Volvo FH Aero – 5 stars plus CitySafe rating. 
• Volvo FM – 5 stars plus CitySafe rating. 

Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP said, “This testing shows there is a big difference between the relative safety of current truck models. It’s worth noting the differences we’re seeing are down to manufacturers’ current safety strategies. That means these results provide a strong snapshot of the HGV market before Euro NCAP influences the safety of vehicles.”

Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP added, “As well as inspiring manufacturers to build safer trucks, TRUCK SAFE will also unite everyone within the HGV safety ecosystem for the first time. These stakeholders have a lot to gain from having safer trucks on Europe’s roads, whether that’s road authorities being able to reduce the societal cost of road transport and supporting a growing economy, freight shippers minimising their reputational risk and protecting their brand, or helping manufacturers to build safer trucks that will be more attractive to the market. It’s a well-known fact that a safe truck is a more profitable vehicle, and that’s something that benefits business and Europe as a whole.”

The next batch of TRUCK SAFE results will focus on the long-haul fleet rigid segment and will be released in April 2025.