On December 21, 2012, China Automotive Technology & Research Center released the results from the 4th batch of C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) assessment vehicles in Tianjin. With a score of 52.5 points, the Great Wall C50 was awarded as “New 5-Star”. This demonstrates the strength of C50 and also shows Great Wall Motor’s all-round synchronization with international safety standards.
Upgrades to new crash standards that is stricter on 5-star safety
The 2012 edition of the management rules were adopted for the C-NCAP assessment program on July 1, 2012. The China Automotive Technology & Research Center stated that these new management rules made significant modifications to several standards including “assessment system”, “crash speed”, and “test items”. First, the crash assessments made on rear seat dummies were incorporated into the C-NCAP assessment results for the first time. Second, the speed of the frontal 40% overlapping deformable barrier crash test (offset crash test) was increased from the original 56km/h to 64km/h. This has greatly increased the impact force applied onto the entire body framework at the moment of impact, and it has brought challenges in safety design levels to auto manufacturers. Third, the low speed crash neck protection test (“whiplash” test) was added to test the neck injury levels in passengers during rear crash accidents. Fourth, as a bonus item, the active safety equipment was introduced into the C-NCAP assessment system for the first time. Due to the above changes, the total assessment score for the new standard was modified from 51 points to 62 points, and the star rating standards have also been changed accordingly.
Li Weijing, an engineer at the C-NCAP Management Center, noted that the increased number of test items, higher test speed, and stricter assessment standards, as well as the release and implementation of new C-NCAP standards, would help to bring about new challenges for auto manufacturers. Due to the new difficulties caused by the implementation of these new standards, manufacturers now face greater challenges if they want a 5-star rating.
Great Wall C50 Demonstrates Strength and Shows Outstanding Test Advantages
The vehicles which took part in this batch of C-NCAP assessments included Great Wall C50, Volkswagen Magotan, and Buick Encore. During the testing, Great Wall C50 demonstrated safety performance that surpassed all vehicles of same class. Great Wall C50 was rated “5-star”, with a total score of 52.5 points. This result included: 14.68 points in the frontal 100% crash test, 14.54 points in the frontal offset 40% crash test, 17.37 points in the side crash test, 2.73 points in the seat whiplash test, and 3 bonus points.
During the frontal 100% overlapping rigid barrier crash test, the frontal dual-airbag in the Great Wall C50 deployed normally. The contact trace between the dummy head and airbag was both clear and accurate. The front row and rear row dummies maintained their normal sitting positions under the restraint of the seat belts and seats. The seat belts were buckled tightly, and the heads of rear row dummies remained out of contact with the backrests of the front row seats. Both the B-pillars and C-pillars remained intact, without clear deformation. All four doors could be opened normally. The deformation of the driver’s cab was very small, and the energy absorption management in the body structure functioned well. It rapidly absorbed and dispersed the impact energy during the crash. Overall, the results showed exceptional protection for passengers.
During the side deformable moving barrier crash test, the side body structure of the Great Wall C50 remained intact. The critical safety components, including the B pillars, threshold beams, and roof beams, were free of any noticeable deformation. The anti-crash beams on the doors were all clearly visible. The side airbag and air curtains deployed normally during the crash to effectively protect the chests and heads of the dummies.
During the frontal offset 40% crash test, the test speed was increased from 56km/h to 64km/h. The structure of the driver’s cab in the Great Wall C50 (which is of vital importance to passenger safety) remained intact. The A-pillars, B-pillars, and C-pillars were all free of shrinkage and wrinkles. All four doors could be opened easily, and the intrusion deformation of the pedals within cab was very low. The steering column was also clearly collapsed and deformed to effectively protect the chest of the dummy in the driver’s seat.
During the recently added whiplash test, the test dummy sitting on the driver’s seat was subject to an instant impact of 16km/h from the rear side. The test results on the Great Wall C50 showed that the structure of the driver’s seat remained steady. Furthermore, the slide rails were free of deformation, and the seat backrest was free of rearward tilting. This meant effective protection to the passenger’s neck was provided by the safety seat and the early-warning seat belt in the Great Wall C50.
Intimate levels of care creates a new safety benchmark
As a brand new family car from Great Wall Motor, the Great Wall C50 provides high grade prospective safety guarantees and personifies the company’s safety philosophy that has been adhered to since the beginning of the vehicle’s development. In terms of body materials, the Great Wall C50 features high strength steel sheeting in the components, including the front and rear anti-crash beams, front walls, side walls, and A-pillars. Within the doors, the Great Wall C50 utilizes lateral anti-crash bars fabricated from ultra-high strength steel sheets. This helps to prevent deformation of the doors during a crash. Additionally, the utilization of high strength steel reduces the thickness and weight needed for the steel sheets. It also increases the overall strength and rigidity of the body.
In addition, equipment such as dual airbags, side airbags, and the Autoliv pretension seat belt, effectively protect the safety of both driver and passengers. Seamless laser welding technology was adopted for the roof and side walls. This means that the strength of the welding was improved by 30% over traditional spot welding technology. The “Cage” type body was built firmer and stronger which has vastly improved safety.
Information safety is another highlight in the Great Wall C50. The tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) displays tire pressure in real time. This means that when changes in tire pressure occur, the driver can take measures before any possible tire failure. This promotes the overall safety coefficient and enables the Great Wall C50 to close in on the safety levels found in higher grade luxury cars.
A Great Wall Motor representative noted that the company has always been dedicated to providing customers with products featuring high safety standards. The Great Wall C30 and the Haval H6 have already both been given the “5-star” rating by C-NCAP. This year, Great Wall C50 was given the “5-star” rating again, even after the implementation of the new rules. This result embodies Great Wall Motor’s concept of “Building Cars with Safety”. It also symbolizes that independent brands have truly become synchronized with international safety standards. Great Wall Motors continues to establish new safety benchmarks for China’s independent brand industry.
