( BW)(EURO-NCAP) 'Euro NCAP Drives Safer Cars' Says Renault Chief
Business Editors/Automotive Writers
The Paris Motor Show
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2004--Euro NCAP is driving vehicle
manufacturers to make safer cars - one of the most powerful men in the
motor industry.
Louis Schweitzer, Chairman and CEO of Renault, paid tribute to the
enormous strides in vehicle safety brought about by Euro NCAP -
Europe's pioneering safety organisation.
Speaking at The Paris Motor Show, Mr Schweitzer said that the
organisation had the respect of the motoring industry and was playing
a vital role in driving innovation to make cars safer.
"Euro NCAP is driving us to make safer cars," said Mr. Schweitzer.
He told Euro NCAP Chairman, Prof. Claes Tingvall that the
industry's and the public's attitude to safety had changed radically
in recent years.
"Five years ago safety was a very low consideration when buying a
new car," said Mr. Schweitzer, "Now it is one of the most important
factors.
"The industry respects the work of Euro NCAP - we all think that
it is fair - it has created a level playing field for manufacturers.
"Euro NCAP provides the facts that either back or buck
manufacturers' claims about a car - it provides a vital reality
check."
The comments came as Euro NCAP Chairman Claes Tingvall, presented
Mr. Schweitzer with official certification marking the award of five
stars for occupant safety to the Renault Modus - the first Supermini
to receive this status.
Prof. Tingvall said: "Renault deserves credit for its continued
quest to build safer cars. This is the seventh five star award to be
made to the company - a real milestone in motoring,
"Euro NCAP is making major inroads in ensuring that safety is one
of the essential market forces driving change in car design and
manufacture.
"We will not leave it just to legislation - but will continue to
allow the public to make informed choices when making a purchase
decision."
The full Euro NCAP Phase 15 results will be available on November
25th.
Note to Editors
Organisations participating in Euro NCAP include the Departments
of Transport of Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Germany, the United
Kingdom and Catalonia as well as the European Commission, the FIA
Foundation, the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Thatcham
representing the British Motor Insurers and the International Consumer
Research and Testing (ICRT) on behalf of the European consumer
organisations.
PICTURES OF THE PRESENTATION CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE MEDIA
SECTION AT www.euroncap.com
Autocar Safety Award 1998
FT Global Automotive Award 1999
IMI Gold Medal Awarded in 2000
Quattroruote Special Award for Safety 2001
Prince Michael International Award 2003
Prince Michael Premier Award 2003
--30--ZW/uk*
CONTACT: Euro NCAP
Dan Kirkby
+44 (0) 207 580 3232
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