Towards safer cars in Malaysia

Abstract

This article discusses the framework of safer cars in Malaysia based on the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The new era of automobile safety is presumably come at the right time for Malaysia after the two important milestones i.e. local assembly initiative in 1960’s and the national car project in 1980’s. The maturity of VTA exercise in Malaysia and the inception of ASEAN NCAP are contributing to direct and indirect pressure to car manufacturers to progressively produce safer cars. Since car pricing is driven by market competitiveness and not affected by safety upgrades, the consumers eventually would enjoy more values for their money through safer cars. In terms of car safety, the automotive ecosystem in Malaysia could as well explain the impact of NCAP in other ASEAN countries’ automotive layout. It is expected that there will be growing demand for safer vehicles and also positive response from OEMs in Malaysia and the region.