Chinese-made cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs), have taken the European safety charts by storm this year. Euro NCAP, the renowned independent organization that conducts crash tests to assess vehicle safety, has awarded a total of 18 five-star ratings in 2021, with a significant number of them being Chinese-made EVs.
In the past, Chinese cars were often criticized for being imitations of Western models, lacking in design innovation, and having unreliable powertrains. Safety was not a top priority for these vehicles. However, the landscape has changed drastically in recent years.
The Chinese automotive industry has made significant advancements, surpassing the United States in several aspects, as highlighted by the latest crash test results from Europe. This underscores the fact that Chinese automakers are disrupting the traditional norms of the industry.
Out of the 28 cars evaluated by Euro NCAP this year, 18 received the prestigious five-star safety rating, with 13 of them originating from China. Notably, 11 of the five-star models are Chinese-made EVs, showcasing the country’s expertise in electric vehicle technology and safety standards.
While some of the top-performing models are produced by European or American companies like Tesla, Mini, and Polestar, the influence of Chinese engineering cannot be overlooked. Chinese-based automakers such as Zeekr, Voyah, Geely, Cherry, Hongqi, and Jaecoo have also made significant contributions to the safety ratings. Even MG, a British brand with Chinese ownership, has a five-star EV in the lineup.
The progression of the Chinese automotive industry from being ridiculed to leading in EV technology, infotainment systems, and safety ratings is remarkable. This transformation has put Western automakers on notice, compelling them to keep pace with a country that was once considered a secondary player in the global automotive market.
As highlighted in a recent episode of Top Gear, where the hosts visited China to test its cars, the industry’s rapid progress has been evident for some time. The hosts acknowledged the potential for Chinese cars to become ubiquitous, given the pace of innovation and improvement in the sector.
In conclusion, Chinese-made cars, especially EVs, have not only caught up with but exceeded the safety standards set by their Western counterparts. This shift in the automotive landscape reaffirms China’s position as a frontrunner in the industry, setting a new standard for innovation and quality.