Toyota boosts Hilux safety performance

24 September 2013

Toyota boosts Hilux safety performance

Toyota has improved the safety performance of its 4x4 single and extra cab Hilux utility vehicles earning the highest safety rating offered by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

AA Motoring Services general manager Stella Stocks says the 5 star ANCAP safety rating follows several safety upgrades to the Hilux including curtain airbags, seat belt reminders at the front and improved knee protection.

“Utes are a popular choice for Kiwis and the range of light commercials is expanding making the market very competitive. However, not all utes are created equal and it’s extremely pleasing to see Toyota listening to the market and improve the safety standards of its commercial vehicles,” Ms Stocks says.

She says she expects Toyota to introduce the safety improvements to the dual cab Hilux 4x4 soon. No change has been made to the two-wheel drive Hilux variants which continue with a 4 star ANCAP safety rating.

“The Hilux is an extremely popular ute in the New Zealand market and now ranks alongside the Holden Commodore, Colorado, Ford Falcon, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Volkswagen Amarok – all with 5 star ANCAP safety ratings.

“Individual and fleet buyers have a range of light commercial options which include New Zealand’s favourite makes and models which enables them to put safety first. There’s no reason not to,” Ms Stocks says.

The Transport Agency’s group manager of Access and Use Celia Patrick says safe commercial vehicles make good business sense.

“People are a business’s greatest assets so choosing a vehicle that offers superior protection in the event of a crash is an easy way of helping ensure business continuity should the worst happen.

“The increasing range of safe vehicles on the market provides business owners and others with sensible choices and the Transport Agency, along with the AA, encourages people to buy the safest car they can afford.”

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

The full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles are available online at aa.co.nz or www.rightcar.govt.nz.

ENDS

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