SEVILLE, SPAIN – Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, has taken a major step towards improving road safety by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Data for Road Safety (DFRS) during the 16th ITS European Congress 2025, hosted in Seville, Spain.
The MoU, signed by Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, and DFRS President, Maria Segui-Gomez, aims to strengthen the cooperation between the two organizations in order to promote the use of data for road safety and to support the development of new technologies that can help prevent accidents and save lives.
Euro NCAP, established in 1997, is a non-profit organization that evaluates the safety performance of new cars sold in Europe. Its mission is to provide consumers with independent and transparent information about the safety of new vehicles, in order to encourage car manufacturers to improve the safety of their products. Over the years, Euro NCAP has become a reference for car safety, with its crash tests and safety ratings influencing the design and production of new cars.
On the other hand, DFRS is a global organization that promotes the use of data for road safety. It brings together experts from different fields, such as road authorities, car manufacturers, and technology companies, to develop innovative solutions that can help reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities. DFRS also works closely with governments and international organizations to promote the use of data for road safety policies and regulations.
The signing of the MoU between Euro NCAP and DFRS is a significant step towards achieving their common goal of improving road safety. By joining forces, the two organizations will be able to share knowledge and expertise, and work together to develop new technologies and solutions that can make our roads safer.
One of the main areas of collaboration between Euro NCAP and DFRS will be the development of new testing protocols and assessment methods for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. With the increasing use of these technologies in modern cars, it is crucial to ensure that they are safe and reliable. By combining their resources and expertise, Euro NCAP and DFRS will be able to develop more comprehensive and accurate testing methods, which will ultimately benefit consumers and improve road safety.
Moreover, the MoU also includes provisions for the exchange of data and information between the two organizations. This will enable Euro NCAP to access DFRS’s extensive database of road safety data, which will help in the development of new safety standards and regulations. On the other hand, DFRS will have access to Euro NCAP’s crash test results and safety ratings, which will provide valuable insights for their research and development activities.
The signing of the MoU between Euro NCAP and DFRS has been welcomed by both organizations, as well as by the European Commission and other stakeholders in the road safety community. It is seen as a significant step towards promoting the use of data for road safety and accelerating the development of new technologies that can help prevent accidents and save lives.
In his speech at the signing ceremony, Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, said, “We are delighted to sign this MoU with DFRS, which marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between our two organizations. By working together, we can achieve our common goal of making our roads safer for everyone.”
Maria Segui-Gomez, President of DFRS, also expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to join forces with Euro NCAP and combine our efforts towards improving road safety. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we can make a real difference in reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities.”
The signing of the MoU between Euro NCAP and DFRS is a significant milestone in the journey towards safer roads. It is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to work together towards a common goal and to make a positive impact on society. With their combined efforts, we can look forward to a future where road accidents are a thing of the past, and our roads are safer for everyone.