ARAI Achieves Euro NCAP 2026 Far-Side Sled Test Capability

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has completed its first far-side sled test in accordance with the Euro NCAP 2026 protocol, expanding its vehicle safety testing capabilities in India.

With the addition of the far-side sled test, ARAI said it now has capability across the full range of NCAP sled tests, including knee mapping, Vehicle Test Configuration (VTC), whiplash and far-side evaluations.

Euro NCAP sled tests are used to assess vehicle occupant protection systems through controlled crash simulations. The tests evaluate the performance of seats, airbags, seatbelts and restraint systems under different impact scenarios, helping manufacturers validate vehicle safety performance against European safety standards.

The far-side sled test, part of the updated Euro NCAP 2026 protocol, is designed to assess occupant protection in side-impact crashes where passengers move toward the opposite side of the vehicle cabin. The test evaluates the effectiveness of restraint systems and seat designs in reducing injury risks during such impacts.

ARAI said the development supports the Government of India’s “Design and Validate in India” initiative by enabling domestic validation of vehicle safety systems to international standards. The organisation added that the capability could help reduce dependence on overseas testing facilities and support local vehicle development programmes.

The Pune-based automotive testing and certification body also said its sled testing services are supported by in-house computer-aided engineering (CAE) capabilities, allowing customers to undertake simulation, validation and testing activities within a single facility.