MEMA Welcomes NCAP Decision from NHTSA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, welcomes the release of two final decision notices from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which will bring much-needed updates to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), beginning with Model Year 2026. Suppliers have been at the forefront of advocating for these critical changes to the NCAP Vehicle 5-Star Rating and urging the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA to take steps to ensure that the program stays concurrent with the pace of innovation in the industry. Further, suppliers have pushed to ensure that consumers have access to information that enables them to understand the complete safety profile of vehicles.

MEMA applauds the work of the NHTSA team and appreciates the many hours of hard work that were devoted to proposing and completing this important update.

"These notices are an important step in updating NCAP, but work remains to be done, particularly with the development of a rating system to ensure the inclusion of these technologies translates to improved consumer understanding," said Emily Sobel, Senior Manager of Regulatory Policy, MEMA. "MEMA and its members are reviewing the notice and look forward to working with the Agency on outstanding items with the common goal of improving the program and enhancing road safety."

NHTSA's November 18, 2024 announcement describes significant changes to the program such as the incorporation of new advanced driver assistance technologies and the addition of a crashworthiness pedestrian protection program. The agency has also released a roadmap which sets the agenda for future program changes from 2024-2033.

The U.S. Congress included several bipartisan mandates in the 2021 Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) concerning the NCAP and agreed that the program needed modernization. Suppliers played an important role in educating lawmakers on the details of ADAS technologies and documenting the real-world benefits of these systems. NHTSA’s November notice still leaves several critical items unfinished, including the creation of a rating system that includes ADAS technologies. MEMA and its members look forward to continuing to engage with the Agency as this process moves forward.

MEMA and its membership continue to closely review both notices, and plan to engage with the agency and lawmakers to ensure that this important program continues to be ambitious in its pursuit of safety.

About MEMA. The Vehicle Suppliers Association

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. It has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Companies join MEMA via two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations.

Members conceive, design, and manufacture the OE systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value of every vehicle and supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society's transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at MEMA.org.