ARAI achieves Euro NCAP 2026-compliant ‘far-side sled test’ capability

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has completed its first ‘far-side sled test’, bringing it in line with Euro NCAP 2026 safety protocols. The far-side sled test has been designed to evaluate where passengers move within a car’s cabin after a side impact. “This achievement further strengthens ARAI’s commitment to supporting the Government of India’s ‘Design and Validate in India’ initiative,” the institution said.

ARAI ‘far-side sled test’

This new test expands ARAI’s NCAP sled-testing capabilities

The ‘far-side sled test’ is part of Euro NCAP’s 2026 safety protocols. It tracks the occupants’ movement in the event of a side-impact collision, helping evaluate the effectiveness of occupant-restraint systems such as seats, safety belts and airbags. Furthermore, by complying with Euro NCAP’s sled tests, manufacturers can meet stringent European safety benchmarks for vehicle safety systems through controlled crash simulations.

When combined with its other established sled tests, such as knee mapping, vehicle test configuration (VTC) and whiplash protection, ARAI’s new-car safety assessments can now provide improved crashworthiness and higher safety ratings, as per the Automotive Research Association of India. This new achievement also underscores the importance of “reducing dependence on overseas facilities and accelerating indigenous innovation by enabling global-standard safety development and validation within the country,” ARAI highlighted.

ARAI also has its own computer-aided engineering (CAE) facility, which provides auto manufacturers the option to conduct a variety of comprehensive simulations and testing.

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