Holden will achieve another Australian safety first this month by launching the first Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) to offer six airbags as standard across the range.

Holden’s MY10 Commodore Ute will introduce side impact and curtain airbags as standard equipment on all Ute models.

The entire MY10 VE and WM range, including Ute, also receives a steering column shroud energy absorber that helps to reduce driver knee injuries and a passenger seat belt reminder.

Holden wouldn’t be drawn on whether the Ute would now achieve a five-star rating from ANCAP but said the vehicle would be tested very soon. A five-star rating would make the Holden Ute the first locally produced LCV to achieve this standard.

The improvements join a long list of safety features found standard including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which incorporates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The combination of front, side and curtain airbags, together with ESC as standard across the range is unmatched in the light commercial segment.

GM Holden Director of Safety and Integration, Ian Butler, said making six airbags standard across the entire Ute range was a positive step forward for occupant safety in the LCV market.

“Holden believes that occupant safety is just as important in the LCV market as it is in the family sedan market,” Mr Butler said.

“Safety features are not something that should be limited to vehicle types or models and should be standard on all our vehicles, including those in the light commercial market.

“When it comes to safety we are absolutely committed to continually improving the passive and active safety features we offer.”

The upgrade follows the recent announcement that Holden’s entire range of locally manufactured passenger cars has been awarded the maximum five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating for the first time ever.

The five-star rated MY10 range – Commodore sedans, Sportwagon, Statesman and Caprice – and the upgraded Ute will go on sale later this month.