Does Global NCAP rating matter to car buyers?

Car safety is something that has always been sidelined in India. India buyers have preferred mileage or features over safety. Still, recent awareness has led to a change in that mindset. Now people are looking to buy safer cars. How do we know that? We don’t, actually, but Skoda has surveyed this matter. This survey has given us a new perspective on buyers preferring safety over mileage. In today’s article, let’s talk about the Global NCAP rating.   

Survey size and demographics

Skoda India, in association with the NIQ BASES, surveyed what buyers find important while buying a car. The survey covered 1,000 people from 10 different states ( Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh). 

The survey had people in the 18 to 54 age group, out of which 80% were men, while 20% were females. In this, 67% included current car owners, while 33% did not own a car but intended to buy one.  

As per this study, a car’s GNCAP score is the most important parameter for buyers. This is followed by the number of airbags, and fuel efficiency is third on this list. In this survey, 92% wanted a crash-tested car, with 22.2% preferring 5-star rated cars and 21.3% preferring at least a 4-star rated car. 

Skoda’s performance at GNCAP

Skoda has taken great interest in bringing safe cars to India. Its India-specific ‘Project 2.0’ cars, the Kushaq and Slavia, scored a 5-star rating at GNCAP. This has given buyers good confidence showcasing that the brand hasn’t compromised on structural integrity. Going forward, the brand plans to bring active safety features like ADAS to go with its structural integrity.

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