Australia's leading independent safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has received $5M in funding from the Federal Government to increase the number of crash tests conducted on new cars entering the local market. It's hoped the funding will improve the level of new vehicle safety over time, arming consumers with as much safety information as possible when selecting a new vehicle.
"We are committed to improving safety on our roads and cutting the carnage through a multi-layered approach -- safer vehicles, safer drivers, and safer roads," said Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese.
"This is one more step we are taking to save lives and prevent injury on our roads.
"We are joining forces with Australia's motoring clubs, state road agencies, our NZ counterparts, the Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation as a full member of ANCAP to drive home the safety message."
ANCAP chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, welcomed the government's involvement saying the ability to test more vehicles and the subsequent levels of safety information made available to motorists was a positive step in making our roads a safer place.
"This is a real fillip for new car buyers and testimony to the important role ANCAP plays in testing and rating new cars for safety," Mr McIntosh said.
"ANCAP is now working closely with most sections of the automotive industry in ensuring safety is built into new cars on the Australian market -- this partnership with the Government will allow us to ensure the latest safety features are available for new car buyers."
Mr Albanese said the Government's decision to partner with ANCAP was a significant demonstration of the importance crash testing played in consumer decisions, complementing the Government's existing role in regulating vehicle safety.
"This funding will allow ANCAP's testing to cover a greater proportion of the vehicle fleet," explained Mr Albanese.
"In doing so, it will increase Australians' expectations that vehicles will have ANCAP ratings and encourage manufacturers to provide the safest vehicles possible.
"Already we are seeing many more four- and five-star vehicles on the market and that is a trend the Australian Government wishes to continue."
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