Thatcham is to represent the British insurance sector within Euro NCAP now that representatives from Thatcham have become members of Euro NCAP's Board of Directors. The union will enable an exchange of data on vehicle safety development.

Peter Roberts, Chief Executive of Thatcham said: “This powerful new alliance will result in direct benefits for drivers, their passengers and pedestrians – it is a major milestone for the motoring public. Thatcham's pioneering work in the field of head restraints, whiplash injuries and security ratings will be of particular value to the enlarged Euro NCAP organisation.”

Euro NCAP has become Europe's primary point of reference for data on the comparative safety of difference vehicles for their occupants and for pedestrians. Based in Brussels, it has a board of directors drawn from European governments, motoring organisations and consumer groups.