Good results for commercial van in crash tests

Media Release: EMBARGOED until 17 July 2009

Good results for commercial van in latest crash tests

The Automobile Association and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) are pleased that another commercial vehicle has scored a four star safety rating in the latest round of Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) crash testing.

The Hyundai H1 Van (available both as a Cargo Van and a Passenger Van) was awarded a four star rating following crash testing at a South Korean Government testing facility, under ANCAP protocols and supervision.

AA General Manager Technical, Stella Stocks says the AA has for some time been emphasising the need for safer commercial vehicles in New Zealand, so these results are pleasing.

“Given the high number of commercial vehicle fleets in New Zealand, it is important that these vehicles have the same safety features as passenger cars.”

“Although we are yet to see a five star safety rating for a commercial vehicle, these results show us that it is certainly possible for manufacturers to be producing at least a four star commercial vehicle,” says Ms Stocks.

NZTA Vehicles Manager Don Hutchinson says Hyundai should be congratulated for taking the safety of their commercial van to the next level.

“These results are good news for New Zealanders, as the range of four and five star safety rated vehicles available here continues to grow.”

While no commercial vehicles currently have a five star rating, the Hyundai H1 van joins the Mercedes Vito and the VW Transporter in the four star category for commercial vehicles. The best selling Toyota Hi-Ace has a three star ANCAP rating.

In New Zealand, electronic stability control (ESC), dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are standard in both the Hyundai H1-Cargo and the H1-Passenger. However, ANCAP noted the H1-Cargo van has a centre front seat that has a two-point seat belt and lacks the protection of an air bag, offering inferior protection compared to the other front passenger seat. ANCAP also recorded a disappointing pedestrian protection rating for the H1 van, which scored one star out of a possible four.

In the small car category, the Skoda Fabia also scored a four star safety rating.

ANCAP is supported by all New Zealand and Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand government, all Australian State governments and the FIA Foundation. The AA and NZTA are both members of ANCAP. Detailed crash test results are available on the websites of both organisations – www.aa.co.nz or www.landtransport.govt.nz.

ENDS

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