Abstract
In view of the globalisation of the markets and the increased international use of information via the internet it would be worthwhile to take a closer look at the strategy for creating a globally recognised process for assessing passive vehicle safety
(World NCAP). JNCAP developed an overall evaluation process by reviewing methods and procedures from other NCAP's and injury research, which included the German QUPASI Method, to improve JNCAP while incorporating the benefits of international harmonisation.. Australian NCAP use the Euro NCAP protocol since 1999. These are first steps on the way of harmonisation.
The first part of this paper will describe current assessment procedures in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan and, based on this, try to outline requirements of a World NCAP. The second part of the paper will present the technical details such as selection of the test conditions, assessment criteria and evaluation functions. This paper intends to initiate a scientific discussion aimed at formulating a World NCAP.