Euro NCAP has released test data on the new rear-end crash avoidance systems, which will feature in its rating scheme from January 2014.

The safety organisation says Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) can reduce rear-end crashes by a quarter, delivering a significant reduction in injuries.

The technologies currently available can be divided into two groups based on the type of crash they are designed to mitigate.

AEB City works at low speeds and targets a reduction in the shunts most associated with whiplash.

AEB Inter-Urban works at higher speeds and targets the ‘fatal and serious injury crashes’ commonly associated with driver inattentiveness. They often include a forward collision warning function.

For AEB City, the Mercedes Benz E-Class, Volvo V40 and Mitsubishi Outlander were rated ‘good’, while Volvo XC60, Fiat 500L and Ford Focus were ‘adequate’.

For AEB Inter-Urban, the Mercedes Benz E-Class, Volvo V40 and Volkswagen Golf VII were rated ‘good’, while Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda Civic were ‘adequate’.