Euro NCAP has revealed its 2022 list of the safest commercial vans available on the European market, topped by the Fiat Ducato.

The Fiat Ducato has scooped a Platinum score in Euro NCAP’s van safety ratings; the first time the highest-possible accolade has been awarded

The independent rating programme was first introduced in 2021, amid growing concerns over a lack of safety-critical equipment on new vans, and has now seen the Fiat Ducato scoop a Platinum rating – the first time the highest-possible accolade has been awarded.

Euro NCAP member Thatcham Research said that Fiat had raised its game the most since the first batch of test results were released in 2021; the Ducato had previously only just secured a Bronze rating, with a score of 28%. But thanks to a reworking of the vehicle, including its safety features, the score has increased to 88%.

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.

Fiat’s increase was attributed to the all-round strong performance of its AEB and speed assistance systems, as well as its improved lane support capability, with the addition of lane keep assist, which helps steer the van back into its lane.

Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s chief research strategy officer, said Fiat had responded strongly to calls for improved safety on vans and had completely raised the bar this year.

“To jump 60% from one assessment to the next is very impressive and we congratulate the brand for achieving the world’s first Platinum rating.

“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 Vauxhall 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, currently Britain’s best-selling van, moved from the Silver rating band into Gold. Meanwhile, the Ford Transit, including the E-Transit fully electric version, came in overall second in the Euro NCAP league table, with a score of 68%.

The Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Movano also recorded significant score improvements. The Trafic, which was ‘Not Recommended’ in 2021, scored an additional 34% this time around, thanks mainly to the addition of AEB and lane support technology. This earned it a Silver rating. The Movano meanwhile, increased its score from 7% to 33%, elevating it from Not Recommended to Bronze.

Thatcham said the 2022 results clearly show fleet operators and business owners which vans they should be choosing as it warned that crucial safety equipment still remains inadequate on LCVs.

Disturbingly, per mile travelled, vans and LCVs are involved in more deaths of other road users than any other vehicle type.

Euro NCAP and Thatcham say they want van manufacturers to do more to ensure their vehicles offer collision-avoidance technology that has been proven to protect other road users, particularly as van take-up is fast-growing. Driven by the pandemic, sales have continued to rise sharply, with a 26% increase in LCVs compared to a 6% rise in new cars.

In particular, Thatcham has cautioned that more still needs to be done to close the safety system deficit between new vans and new cars.

“These results are a step in the right direction and we applaud the brands that have moved forward. But the fact remains it’s difficult to buy a new car without Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, whereas it’s still difficult to buy a van with ADAS,” Avery said. “These are two vehicle types that share the same road space, so they should have parity.

“With next year’s Commercial Van Safety Rating assessing standard fit safety systems rather than available technology, van manufacturers still have a lot of work to do.”

He also urged fleet operators to ensure they specify ADAS technology when buying new vans.

“It can help prevent an expensive vehicle being off the road for repairs, drivers being off sick, and any reputational damage that can be caused to a company after an accident. ADAS has the power to keep businesses moving and delivering for their customers.”

To download the full list of Euro NCAP results, click here.