The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Established in the early 1990s as the second NCAP globally, after the United States, ANCAP’s star ratings have become synonymous with safety for new car buyers, manufacturers, and fleet operators.
ANCAP’s journey from a two-year campaign focusing on safety levels in Australia’s popular models to becoming the primary measure for new vehicle safety is remarkable.
“When ANCAP began, its ultimate aim was to elevate safety to the same importance as engine size, styling, and comfort for new car buyers,” expressed ANCAP Chair, Andy Cornish. “Today, safety is an expectation, and vehicle manufacturers strive not only to meet market demands but also to innovate new safety features and technologies.”
Acknowledging the organization’s milestone, Mr. Cornish emphasized the collective effort driving safety improvements: “It’s crucial to recognize all contributors who have shaped ANCAP’s success, ultimately saving lives and preventing serious injuries through their dedicated work.”
ANCAP’s evolution is evident in its testing methods. From initially conducting just one full-width frontal crash test at 56km/h with minimal safety features, today’s vehicles undergo seven destructive crash tests covering various scenarios. Additionally, collision avoidance performance tests now encompass hundreds of daytime and night-time scenarios involving vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
According to ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg, “In 30 years, ANCAP has introduced numerous new tests, raised minimum safety requirements across all star rating levels, and developed more sophisticated testing methods.”
The impact of ANCAP’s influence is visible on roads nationwide. “Today’s vehicle fleet demonstrates vast safety improvements attributed to ANCAP’s initiatives, benefiting all Australian and New Zealand road users,” Ms. Hoorweg affirmed.
Did you find this article interesting? Give it a ‘like’ by clicking the ‘heart’ button above!
