Recently, Euro NCAP smashed cars from two Chinese brands in the name of safety. The result was a definite embarrassment for Volvo.
An otherwise unknown Chinese car brand has surpassed the Volvo EX30 in safety tests.
In the latest Euro NCAP crash test, the Deepal S07 from Changan Auto achieved better results than the Chinese-owned Swedish brand.
This is remarkable as Volvo is traditionally known for its high safety standards. Like the brand, rather than wanting to boast about a high level of safety in the cars.
Changan Auto, behind the Deepal S07, is relatively new to the European market. However, the brand has achieved a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP tests with higher percentages for both driver and passenger protection than the Volvo EX30.
Deepal S07, for example, scored 95 percent for driver safety. While Volvo had to settle for 88 percent. When it comes to child safety in the car, Deepal scored 87 percent. That is, against the Volvo's 85 percent.
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The Volvo EX30 also achieved five stars. However, several critical points still lowered the rating. According to the Europ NCAP report, the protection of the chest of rear seat passengers is only moderate in a frontal collision in the Volvo.
And in the event of a side impact against a pole, the chest protection was assessed as weak. Despite those conditions, the Volvo outperformed the Deepal in anti-theft and pedestrian detection.
– We note that many car manufacturers continue to take their safety obligations seriously. It improves road safety, integrates advanced technology and prioritizes the protection of road users, says Michiel van Ratingen from Euro NCAP.
Changan Auto, which has partnered with Huawei and is distributed by Stellantis in Europe, is trying to convince the market that Chinese cars can compete on safety.
Deepal's success may be a sign that this strategy is working. But it remains to be seen how European consumers will react.
Other Euro NCAP test results included disappointing Renault models. The Renault 5, which was in the running for Car of the Year in Europe, lost one star and ended up with four, similar to the sister model Alpine 290. Read more about it here.
Overall, the test shows that new actors such as Changan are challenging established brands such as Volvo, which underlines the increasing competition within the electric car market in Europe.
Changan Auto announced back in October that it was planning a European launch. However, that launch was postponed indefinitely after a few days. Read more about it here .
