Despite their increasing use vans are significantly lagging behind passenger cars in terms of safety according to a new study by Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research. The vehicle safety experts said only one van, the Fiat’s Ducato achieved a platinum rating in the Commercial Van Safety Rating programme. 

The independent rating programme was first introduced last year amid growing concerns for the lack of safety-critical equipment that is available on new vans, compared with new cars. Scores are based on the availability of emergency braking, speed limiter, lane support, and seatbelt reminder systems, as well as the performance of active safety technology. This is of particular concern as per Kilometre travelled, vans and LCVs are involved in more deaths of other road users than any other vehicle type. 

The Fiat Ducato previously only just secured a Bronze rating, with a score of 28%, but this has risen to 88% in the most recent test, thanks to s AEB and speed assistance systems, as well as its improved lane support capability. 

Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Chief Research Strategy Officer, said, “It is also good news that this Platinum rating has been achieved by a shared van platform within the Stellantis Group. The Ducato’s performance has the potential to benefit a huge chunk of the market because the Opel Movano, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay share the same production platform. We hope the Ducato’s features will be made available on these vans too.”

Results showed that other manufacturers have also reacted positively to calls for improved van safety. Eight other vans increased their score in 2022, with five achieving a higher rating. Ford’s Transit Custom, moved from the Silver rating band into Gold. The Renault Trafic and Opel Movano also recorded significant score improvements. The worst Commercial Vans Safety Rating performer in 2022 was the Nissan Interstar.