Industry chief slams Ancap

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is questioning Ancap’s motives for re-testing vehicles.

Its concerns have been triggered by the testing authority’s result for the Mitsubishi Express, pictured, which was announced on March 2.

Ancap has given the van a zero-star rating, while its “sister” vehicle, which went on sale in Europe in 2015, has been awarded three safety stars by Euro NCAP.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, says: “The Australian automotive industry continues to work with governments and others towards harmonisation with international standards with respect to regulation in many areas including safety, emissions control and theft reduction.

“Euro NCAP and Ancap claim they are effectively harmonised. However, this is not reflected in Ancap’s actions.

“Alignment with global standards is the best way of ensuring Australians can have the highest vehicle design standards at the lowest possible prices.  

“Why is Ancap spending potentially up to $500,000 to undertake a test on a six-year-old vehicle that had already been assessed by its sister organisation, Euro NCAP, in 2015.

“It makes no sense, can send a confused message to car buyers and is not the best use of taxpayer funds.”

In direct relation to the Mitsubishi Express, the FCAI contends consumers will be confused by two different ratings “for essentially the same vehicle”.  

Weber says: “It serves no purpose for the customer and it serves no purpose to the industry. 

“Safe vehicles on our roads must be a priority for everyone in our industry, including Ancap. Surely, there is no debating that point.  

“Rather than seeking a headline, Ancap would better serve the public by seeking a harmonised adoption of test and measurement protocols as well as consumer messaging.”