ESV Conference History

The United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Vehicle Safety Research is the official Government agency responsible for the implementation of the International Technical Conferences on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles. The conferences are held approximately every two years and hosted by participating governments. Delegate and attendee participation includes governments, automotive industries, motor vehicle research engineers and scientists, medical, insurance, and legal professionals, consumers, academia, private corporations, and international media, all from around the world.

The ESV Program originated in 1970 under the NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society, and was implemented through bilateral agreements between the Governments of the United States, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden. The participating nations agreed to develop experimental safety vehicles to advance the state-of-the-art technology in automotive engineering and to meet periodically to exchange information on their progress. Since its inception the number of international partners has grown to include the Governments of Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, the Republic of Korea, and two international organizations - the European Enhanced Vehicle-Safety Committee, and the European Commission. A representative from each country and organization serves as a Government Focal Point in support of the Conference.

In 1971 the Conference was known as the International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles Conference. Over time, the focus of the conference shifted from concentration on the development of experimental safety vehicles to broader issues of safety and international cooperation seeking reductions in motor vehicle fatalities and injuries. These issues include program advances such as Pedestrian Safety, Frontal and Side Impact Protection, Biomechanics, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and Vehicle Compatibility. In 1991, the participating governments agreed to change the name of the Conference to "The International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles" to reflect the current focus. The 14th ESV Conference, held in Munich, Germany, in May 1994, was the first conference in which the new name was used, and "25 Years of ESV Development" was celebrated.

The 15th ESV Conference, held in Melbourne, Australia, in May 1996, established a new 5-year priority research program known as International Harmonized Research Activities (IHRA). Established under the auspices of the ESV Conference, the program established six international priority research areas; Biomechanics, Advanced Offset Frontal Crash Protection, Vehicle Compatibility, Pedestrian Safety, Intelligent Transportation Systems and subsequently chose Side Impact Protection. In May 1997, NHTSA hosted a Public Workshop to share with its partners the goals and objectives of IHRA. In November 1997, the ESV Government Focal Points agreed that all participating governments would join in these priority research programs, governed by an IHRA Steering Committee comprised mainly of the ESV Government Focal Points. Five working groups in each of the priority research areas were led by participating governments, and comprised of government and industry experts.

In June 2005, the 19th ESV Conference, held in Washington, DC, welcomed the Republic of Korea to the member Governments supporting the ESV Program. The first ESV Student Safety Technology Design Competition was introduced and it was a highlight of the conference agenda. The expectations and vision of vehicle safety research were discussed during the plenary session, and participants were inspired to be active contributors in achieving measurable gains in safety globally. More than 850 attendees from 23 countries gathered together to make this a successful and valuable conference for all who participated.

The 21st ESV Conference in June 2009 welcomed a record breaking array of participants. More than 1050 people gathered over the four day program. The international conference participants, their continued interest, dedication, and unwavering support are what make this conference extremely rewarding. The ESV Conference continues to be one of the world's premier events in the field of motor vehicle safety research. The 22nd ESV Conference venue will be in Washington, DC in 2011.