Abstract
Keywords: MPVs, crash test, vehicle safety, occupant safety, Euro NCAP
Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and Delivery Vans (also specified as Utilities) have gained great popularity for many years. A wide variety of the compartment with its fitments and furnishing gains various options for the transportation of persons and/or goods. These vehicles are offered with the same platform for craftsmen´s use, goods transportation (delivery van) and for passenger transportation (mini bus, midi bus).
To provide consumer information on the Secondary Safety of MPVs up to now 18 vehicles called "large MPVs" have been tested and published within the Euro NCAP. The years of publication vary from 1998 to 2007, and the kerb weight of the vehicles from 1,450 kg to 2,220 kg. The tests resulted in adult occupant ratings from 14 to 36 points and from 1 to 5 stars where 36 points respectively 5 stars indicate the best possible result at present.
To give further input and to show more state-of-the-art test results of current large MPVs and Vans, Daimler and DEKRA assessed the secondary safety of the MPV Mercedes-Benz Viano and of the Delivery Van Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Three crash tests (frontal, side and pole impact) have been performed at the DEKRA Crash Test Center according to the Euro NCAP test protocols using three Vianos (M1-vehicle, test mass: 2.158 - 2,290 kg). With the heavier Sprinter (M2-vehicle, test mass: 2,512 kg) one frontal crash test was performed according to ECE-R 94 and also rated as per Euro NCAP. The overall rating for all of these vehicles resulted in 5 stars as the best possible result for adult occupant safety.
The paper describes the tests and the tested vehicles with its relevant safety features. The test results are shown with special attention to the occupant protection as per Euro NCAP. Aspects of compartment integrity, cargo securing and/or protection against the cargo, as well as compatibility aspects for heavier vehicles with regard to lighter cars are discussed.
With this background the article gives further new information on what is state-of-the-art of the secondary safety in this vehicle class.