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ANCAP announces stricter safety requirements for 2017

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has updated its Rating Road Map, revealing its more stringent vehicle safety rating requirements for 2017.


Following extensive consultation with its stakeholders and leading Australian and New Zealand automotive industry groups, ANCAP’s new safety standards place increased pressure on the least-safe vehicles on our roads, including those with one-, two- and three-star ratings.

From 2017, top-tether anchorages for child restraints will be mandatory in all light commercial vehicles, and front-row seatbelt reminders will be required for one-, two- and three-star-rated passenger vehicles.

Three-star vehicles will need to achieve a minimum score in the new roof strength test, while one- and two-star vehicles will also be required to meet minimum standards in pedestrian safety and whiplash protection tests.

By 2017, the number of safety assist technologies (SATs) fitted to vehicles will increase to a minimum of two SATs for one-star cars, three for two stars, four for three stars, and five for four-star cars. The new standard means the one-star cars of 2017 will be required to feature as many SATs as today’s five-star cars.

ANCAP has approved a long list of SATs including features like adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, lane support systems and crash avoidance programs.

As reported last week, vehicles equipped with autonomous emergency braking systems and ‘flat front vehicles’ will be permitted to meet one grade less than specified in the pedestrian protection component from 2017.

ANCAP has also clarified its definition of a ‘new model’; an important distinction when determining which Road Map year a vehicle is to be assessed under.

ANCAP Chair Lauchlan McIntosh said it was important for the Road Map requirements to match the pace of development of life-saving safety technologies in new vehicles.

“Our members, stakeholders and industry were instrumental in developing the Road Map blueprint last year, and through a collegiate approach we have once again put together a practical plan which will benefit manufacturers and consumers alike in reaching for higher levels of vehicle safety,” McIntosh said.

“Vehicle safety is a crucial element in reducing the unnecessary loss of life on our roads, and with a combined road toll of 1600 across Australia and New Zealand last year, we mustn’t become complacent.”

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