MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed 6am, 28 August 2009
A 5-STAR SAFETY MONTH FOR MOTORISTS
The safety of vehicles on the Australian market continues to improve, with a record
number of 5-star new car safety ratings released by the Australasian New Car
Assessment Program.
The 5-star ratings cover nine vehicles crash tested by ANCAP – Australia’s leading
independent vehicle safety advocate –
and from data provided by complementary
overseas crash testing programs.
ANCAP announced the top occupant protection ratings for the Toyota Aurion,
Holden Statesman and Commodore (all models built from August 2009), Subaru
Outback, Subaru Liberty, Alfa Romeo Mito Hatch, Peugeot 308CC sports,
Mercedes-Benz Viano and Australia’s first 5-star light commercial van –
the
Mercedes-Benz Vito (when equipped with optional side curtain airbags).
ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said new car buyers have an increasing number
of 5-star vehicles to choose from across a range of price brackets and, with the Vito
rating, companies and fleet managers now had a top 5-star rating available in all
vehicle categories except utilities.
“We continue to see more and more 5-star vehicles on the market for consumers,
which is a great thing,” Mr McIntosh said.
“The Australian-built Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore, Statesman and
Caprice models now have the front passenger seat belt reminders that make them
eligible for a 5-star rating.
“We welcome the first 5-star rating for the Australian-made Aurion.
The Holden
models join the Commodore Omega that earned a 5-star rating
from ANCAP last
year.
“Alongside these vehicles, ANCAP also congratulates Subaru for maintaining its
industry-leading 5-star fleet with the new Liberty and Outback maintaining their top
ratings.
2
2
“So we are seeing these life-saving safety features – which used to be the preserve
of luxury vehicles –
available in small and medium categories as well as offering
professional drivers a 5-star van as their daily workplace. This is obviously good
news for all those looking for a new vehicle.”
ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, all
Australian state governments, the New Zealand government, the Victorian Transport
Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.
For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, including more commercial vehicles,
* * * * * * *
Contact:
Lauchlan McIntosh
ANCAP Chair
0418 424 886
Allan Yates
ANCAP
0421 150 229
NEWS 
