Thirty up for ANCAP
Established in the early 1990s as the world’s second new car assessment programme after the US, ANCAP and its star ratings have become synonymous among new-vehicle buyers down under, marques and fleet operators.
“When ANCAP began, its ultimate aim was to make safety as important to buyers as engine size, styling and comfort,” says chairman Andy Cornish, pictured.
“Today, consumers and fleet purchasers expect the highest levels of safety, and vehicle manufacturers work hard to not only satisfy the market but also lead the development of new safety features and technologies.”
“I’m proud to be a small part of such a committed organisation, and it’s important we recognise all who have contributed to its success in driving safety improvements, and acknowledge the lives saved and serious injuries avoided through their contributions.”
ANCAP began as a two-year campaign to shine a light on comparable levels of safety offered by Australia’s most-popular selling models. It has now grown to become the priority measure used to determine the safety of new vehicles.
“Until ANCAP’s establishment in the early 1990s, there was no way for buyers to see how well, or not, their vehicles performed in a crash, nor any incentive for manufacturers to fast-track safety improvements,” says Carla Hoorweg, chief executive officer.
“Today, ANCAP safety ratings are a valuable consumer tool and one of the most sought-after aspects when purchasing a new vehicle.”
The first vehicles tested by ANCAP in 1993 underwent just one crash test – the full-width frontal conducted at 56kph and were fitted with minimal safety features.
In contrast, models rated by ANCAP today are subject to seven destructive crash tests covering a range of scenarios, as well as collision-avoidance performance tests comprising daytime and night-time scenarios involving other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
“In ANCAP’s 30 years, countless new tests and assessments have been introduced, and existing ones enhanced,” adds Hoorweg. “Minimum safety requirements have increased across all star-rating levels, and more sophisticated testing, assessment and rating methods developed.”
To look back through the years to see how safety ratings have progressed, click here.
