Drivers Technology.

 
Euro NCAP awards Monday, 4 October 2004

'Euro NCAP Drives Safer Cars' Says Renault Chief

Euro NCAP is driving vehicle manufacturers to make safer cars - says one of
the most powerful men in the motor industry.

Louis Schweitzer, Chairman and CEO of Renault, paid tribute to the enormous
strides in vehicle safety brought about by Euro NCAP - Europe's pioneering
safety organisation.

Speaking at The Paris Motor Show, Mr Schweitzer said that the organisation
had the respect of the motoring industry and was playing a vital role in
driving innovation to make cars safer.

"Euro NCAP is driving us to make safer cars," said Mr. Schweitzer.

He told Euro NCAP Chairman, Prof. Claes Tingvall that the industry's and the
public's attitude to safety had changed radically in recent years.

"Five years ago safety was a very low consideration when buying a new car,"
said Mr. Schweitzer, "it is one of the most important factors."

"The industry respects the work of Euro NCAP - we all think that it is
fair - it has created a level playing field for manufacturers.

"Euro NCAP provides the facts that either back or buck manufacturers' claims
about a car - it provides a vital reality check."

The comments came as Euro NCAP Chairman Claes Tingvall, presented Mr.
Schweitzer with official certification marking the award of five stars for
occupant safety to the Renault Modus - the first Supermini to receive this
status.

Prof. Tingvall said: "Renault deserves credit for its continued quest to
build safer cars. This is the seventh five star award to be made to the
company - a real milestone in motoring,

"Euro NCAP is making major inroads in ensuring that safety is one of the
essential market forces driving change in car design and manufacture.

"We will not leave it just to legislation - but will continue to allow the
public to make informed choices when making a purchase decision."

The full Euro NCAP Phase 15 results will be available on November 25th.

Note to Editors

Organisations participating in Euro NCAP include the Departments of
Transport of Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Germany, the United Kingdom
and Catalonia as well as the European Commission, the FIA Foundation, the
Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), Thatcham representing the
British Motor Insurers and the International Consumer Research and Testing
(ICRT) on behalf of the European consumer organisations.