Commodore Is First 5-star Ute

Commodore Is First 5-Star Ute

20 October 2009

The Australian-made Holden Commodore is the first ute to gain a 5-star crash test rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The result, released today by the NSW Centre for Road Safety and the NRMA means Holden now has a 5-star Commodore fleet another first for an Australian-made model.

NSW Centre for Road Safety Director Soames Job congratulated Holden on the rating and said it was further good news for Australian motorists particularly tradespeople and those in regional areas.

"It is great news that Australian motorists are seeing an increasing number of
locally-made 5-star vehicles," Dr Job said.

"There are now locally-made 5-star safety rated passenger vehicles and utes meaning motorists don't need to look at imported models to find a safe vehicle."

NRMA vehicle expert Jack Haley said the Holden Commodore ute result
should be compared to last month's ANCAP tests which produced very poor
ratings for the Proton Jumbuck (1-star) and Great Wall Motors utes (2-star).

"Those motorists who need a work vehicle can now opt for 5-star safety in making their new ute purchase," Mr Haley said.

"Fleet managers and business owners have an obligation under OH&S legislation to provide a safe work environment for their employees and a 5- star ute fits this bill."

In addition to the crash test performance, the Commodore ute comes with dual front airbags, seat-mounted side and head-protecting curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard features.

For a full list of vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles, go to www.mynrma.com.au/ancap and www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

Contacts:
Shannon Mackay RTA 0438 272 701
Daniel Stanton NRMA 0439 133 092

SOURCE: NRMA Motoring & Services