Euro NCAP has released the updated results of its EU-wide Electronic Stability Control (ESC) availability survey that uncovers the disparities in which ESC is offered to car-buyers across the European Union. This year’s survey reveals that there is improvement by some manufacturers, but Euro NCAP is disappointed to find that there are still large discrepancies in the level of standard fit on offer to consumers between countries and size categories.

EuroNCAP has found that despite offering ESC as an option not many Opel buyers are taking it in contrast with Ford, Hyundai, Mazda and Mitsubishi where there is an increase in the percentage of ESC fitted as standard on their vehicles.

ESC recognises when a skid is starting to happen and in a fraction of a second, the electronic control unit applies the brakes at individual wheels, helping to keep the car under control before the skid develops. The system reacts much more quickly than even the best driver and can apply the brakes to individual wheels, which a driver cannot. Whether the skid is the result of an emergency avoidance manoeuvre or a simple error of judgement, ESC can help a driver maintain control of his vehicle.

The European Commission proposed recently that ESC should be mandatory for all new vehicle types from 2012 with all new vehicles being equipped by 2014. Yet that is another four years before some new vehicles must have ESC.

In reality it could take several more years before every vehicle in the dealer’s showroom is equipped with this safety technology that has been in existence for many years. In the meantime, consumers are dependent on manufacturers’ business decisions as to whether this proven life-saving technology is offered as standard.

Euro NCAP’s survey reveals that some manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, are showing an increase in the percentage of ESC fitted as standard on their vehicles. In contrast other manufacturers are not doing as well.

There is a disappointing lack of improvement from Opel despite offering ESC as optional on an increased number of its range. Kia, that is now offering more models than last year, have failed to keep pace on ESC, effectively lowering the average standard ESC fitment over their vehicle range.