Top Indian cars fail crash safety tests

SEVERAL of India's most popular small cars have failed independent crash tests, a global car safety watchdog said.

David Ward, head of the London car-safety watchdog Global NCAP, which performed the crash tests, said the car industry in India lacked adequate safeguards.

Four of five small cars popular on the Indian market last year, including the famous Tata Nano, failed the crash tests.

Car makers say the issue of car safety is complex, involving not just passenger safety, but also the safety of those outside the car. That means cars need to handle well and drivers must be educated about the rules of the road, and roads should be in good condition.

India's growing middle class has helped fuel a booming car industry.

By Press Association reporters