The Automobile Association and the New Zealand Transport Agency are pleased to announce a record number of 5 star new car safety ratings have been released by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
The Automobile Association and the New Zealand Transport Agency are pleased to announce a record number of 5 star new car safety ratings have been released by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
AA General Manager Technical Stella Stocks says these results are fantastic for consumers and she hopes that in the not too distant future a 5 star safety rating will be an expected benchmark for all new vehicles coming onto the market.
“Safety is paramount for vehicle occupants and these manufacturers are now demonstrating the ability to build safe vehicles in a range of sizes,” says Ms Stocks.
ANCAP announced the top occupant protection ratings for the Toyota Aurion, Holden Statesman and Commodore (all models built from August 2009), Subaru Outback, Subaru Legacy, Alfa Romeo Mito Hatch, Peugeot 308CC sports, Mercedes-Benz Viano and New Zealand’s first 5 star light commercial van - the Mercedes-Benz Vito (when equipped with optional side curtain airbags).
“Previously we have seen large and luxury cars achieving the top safety rating, however we’re now seeing a range of smaller and commercial vehicles achieving the maximum 5 stars,” says Ms Stocks.
NZTA Vehicle Policy Manager Don Hutchinson says the type of vehicles that are achieving this top safety rating is pleasing.
“In the relatively recent past five star crash test results were a rarity. They are now becoming commonplace which shows that ANCAP is serving its purpose of helping to drive consumer demand for safer vehicles. This is good news for motorists,” says Mr Hutchinson.
ANCAP is supported by all New Zealand and Australian motoring clubs, the New Zealand government, all Australian State governments and the FIA Foundation. The AA and NZTA are both members of ANCAP. Detailed crash test results are available on the websites of both organisations – www.aa.co.nz(external link) or www.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
For more information please contact:
Stella Stocks
General Manager – Technical
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8908
M. +64 21 772 242
or
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
New Zealand Transport Agency
T. +64 4 894 6285
M. +64 21 276 3222
