Safer Cars on their way to New Zealand

Safer Cars on their way to New Zealand

New Zealand motorists are set to benefit from better safety information about the cars they drive following today’s announcement that the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is to change its vehicle safety ratings.

A five year “road-map” to include new crash test performance standards and safety assist technology has been agreed by ANCAP, the New Zealand Automobile Association, New Zealand Transport Agency, and local vehicle manufacturers and distributors.

The roadmap changes include the raising of crash test performance standards to incorporate pedestrian safety, whiplash protection and roof strength into the overall star rating. Minimum standards will be set for the progressive inclusion of life-saving safety assist technology including, for example: electronic stability control, daytime running lights, emergency brake assist, collision avoidance, lane departure warnings, driver fatigue systems and intelligent speed assist.

Stella Stocks, AA General Manager for Technical Services says the ANCAP safety rating changes will see safer cars and technologies introduced in New Zealand.

“The roadmap is part of ANCAP’s continuing process of encouraging the early introduction of vehicle safety features. It is great news that vehicle manufacturers and distributors have come on-board and are supporting the changes - the result will be safer cars for New Zealand motorists.”

“While some of these safety systems have already been introduced by car manufacturers and distributors, the new ANCAP ratings will certain hasten their introduction in vehicles which do not already have them.

New Zealand Transport Agency Vehicles Manager Don Hutchinson says the changes are good news for consumers, as they will ensure that ANCAP ratings remain relevant and meaningful as new safety technology continues to become available.

Perry Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association says "the New Zealand new car industry welcomes the collaborative manner in which all parties have approached this roadmap. It's introduction will give our new vehicle industry a clear path to follow when introducing safer vehicles to the New Zealand fleet."

The ANCAP roadmap changes announced today replicate recent changes by the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP). ANCAP is also working with its crash testing colleagues in Japan, Korea, China, USA and Malaysia to further improve vehicle safety around the world.

For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, and other vehicle safety information, go to www.nzta.govt.nz or www.aa.co.nz.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the New Zealand and Australian governments, and the FIA Foundation.

ENDS

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