New program puts consumers in the driver's seat for safer vehicles

The Commonwealth Government has committed $16.3 million to ANCAP Safety to deliver the Australian Government’s New Car Safety Ratings stream, supporting consumers to choose safer vehicle models.

The Car Safety Ratings Program supports independent vehicle safety assessments, which provide information for consumers on the level of safety provided by both new and used vehicles.

Focusing on new vehicles, ANCAP safety ratings show how well a vehicle performs in protecting its occupants from death or serious injury, should a crash occur, and in crash avoidance.

Over the next five years, the program will support ANCAP’s core star ratings for new vehicles including EVs, hybrids and other alternative-powered vehicles.  It will also support new safety gradings for commercial vans and large utility vehicles.

Having published its first safety ratings in 1993, ANCAP is the independent vehicle safety assessment and rating organisation for Australia and New Zealand, conducting crash tests and performance assessments on vehicle safety features and technologies.  This year marks its 30th Anniversary.

The Car Safety Ratings Program is supported by an Australian Government commitment of $16.5 million over five years from 2023-24.

For more information on ANCAP safety ratings visit www.ancap.com.au.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator the Hon Carol Brown:

“For the past 30 years, ANCAP has provided vital vehicle safety information to Australians, and I’d like to congratulate ANCAP on this milestone that has no doubt shaped vehicle safety over the decades, both here and in New Zealand.

“ANCAP’s vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Australian and New Zealand roads aligns closely with the Australian Government’s National Road Safety Strategy to significantly reduce road trauma.

“That’s why we’re providing $16.3 million in funding to ANCAP to deliver the New Car Safety Ratings stream, as it supports the key area of safe vehicles to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

“This Government will continue to work collaboratively with ANCAP to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries across Australia.”

Quotes attributable to ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Ms Carla Hoorweg:

“The funding commitment will assist ANCAP in expanding its influence to address road safety challenges among a broader range vehicle types and market segments through the testing and provision of consumer information for commercial vans and large utilities, or pick-up trucks."

"Over the past three years, the value of ANCAP in enhancing the safety of the Australian vehicle fleet is conservatively estimated at $442.2 million.  In 2021 alone, ANCAP’s influence in expediting the fitment of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and centre airbags can be attributed to the saving of nine lives and a reduction of 236 serious injuries."

“The Australian Government is a key contributor to ANCAP, and this renewed commitment will ensure the acceleration of road safety benefits for all Australians,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.