ANCAP marks 30 years of vehicle safety testing in Australasia

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program, simply referred to as ANCAP, is celebrating 30 years of safety testing for vehicles sold in both New Zealand and Australia.

ANCAP began in 1993 when it tested the first vehicles in a single crash test, a full-width frontal impact at 56km/h. Before then, there was no way for new car buyers to tell how well a vehicle performed in a collision.

Today, the program’s testing regime involves seven different crash tests covering a wide variety of scenarios, in addition to driver assistance and safety systems testing, each of which has become more strict over time.

“When ANCAP began, its ultimate aim was to make safety as important to new car buyers as engine size, styling, and comfort,” said ANCAP Chair, Andy Cornish.

“Today, consumers and fleet purchasers expect the highest levels of safety, and vehicle manufacturers work hard to not only satisfy the market, but lead the development of new safety features and technologies.”

ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg added: “As we drive around our suburban streets, cities, highways, and regional roads, a quick glance at today’s vehicle fleet reveals the vast improvements realised as a result of ANCAP’s influence. And the benefactors… All Australian and New Zealand road users.”

With vehicles now safer than they ever have been before, we thank ANCAP for their 30 years of pushing carmakers to protect the motoring public.