The Australian Government has reaffirmed its support for the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), pledging $16.3 million over the next five years. The announcement came during ANCAP’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, where Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Carol Brown, emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of vehicles available to Australian consumers.
Senator Brown highlighted the significance of vehicle safety within the Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, stating, “Safe Vehicles form the cornerstone of road safety improvement. Encouraging advanced safety features and promoting newer, greener, and inherently safer vehicles are pivotal actions identified in the NRSS, and we’re proud to support ANCAP in achieving these objectives.”
This financial commitment from the government, spanning from 2023 to 2028, aims to empower ANCAP in furthering its independent safety testing and rating program for passenger and light commercial vehicles. Notably, a key focus will be on prioritizing safety ratings for electric vehicles, aligning with the evolving automotive landscape.
“The Australian Government’s commitment will have a direct impact on reducing the number of lives lost and serious injuries sustained on Australia’s roads,” Senator Brown emphasized, underlining the tangible benefits expected from this investment.
ANCAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, hailed the government’s renewed support as pivotal in accelerating road safety benefits for all Australians. “This commitment ensures that ANCAP can continue to play a crucial role in raising safety standards and protecting lives on our roads,” Hoorweg stated.
ANCAP, a collaborative effort involving 21 member organizations, has played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety of vehicles traversing Australian roads. Over the past three years, ANCAP’s interventions are estimated to have added $442.2 million in value to the safety of the Australian vehicle fleet. In 2021 alone, measures like expediting the fitment of autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and center airbags are credited with saving nine lives and reducing 236 serious injuries.
The government’s continued commitment to ANCAP underscores its recognition of the program’s significance in fortifying vehicle safety standards. ANCAP also benefits from industry collaboration and receives test results from Euro NCAP, further enhancing its credibility and reach.
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