Very first results and first 5-star carIn February 1997, the first results were presented at a press conference. With the formation of Euro NCAP, results were presented for Adult Occupant Protection and Pedestrian Protection ratings. The release of these first results caused considerable media interest, which was fuelled by the strong negative response of the car manufacturers. On the same day, the car manufacturers heavily criticised Euro NCAP, its tests and its ratings. One of the many claims was that the assessment criteria were so severe that no car could achieve four stars, for occupant protection. In July 1997, the results from the second phase of tests were published and Euro NCAP was pleased to be able to announce that the Volvo S40 had become the first 4-star car for occupant protection. Gradually Euro NCAP expanded its membership, more European governments, ADAC and Thatcham on behalf of British insurers joined in with their support for the organization.
As new car models replaced those already tested, the improvements in their occupant star ratings could be clearly seen. Unfortunately, improvements were far slower to emerge for pedestrian protection.
In 1999, operational control of Euro NCAP moved from the UK to a full time Secretariat based in Brussels.
In June 2001, a further milestone was reached when the Renault Laguna became the first car to be awarded 5 stars for occupant protection. Since 2001, standards have risen so that it is more common to achieve this rating and increasingly manufacturers see five stars in adult occupant protection as the goal for all their new models.