ANCAP builds on allegiance with Euro NCAP

STRONG ties between the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and its European counterpart, Euro NCAP will continue following the signing last week of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two vehicle safety watchdogs that will further strengthen the collaboration.

The two organisations were among the first of their kind in the world, established decades ago in their respective regions with the first MOU between them inked in 1999 to assist with the alignment of test protocols and results.

Coinciding with ANCAP’s 30th anniversary, the new MOU for these shared missions has been prepared to reflect the evolution of ANCAP and Euro NCAP over the past three decades, as well as the technological advancements made in vehicle safety and changing regulatory and environmental objectives.

Euro NCAP chair Niels Ebbe Jacobsen said at the ceremony last week: “It is my honour to be in Australia today to sign this MOU between Euro NCAP and ANCAP that is a strong reminder of the importance of the relationship that these two organisations have forged so far.

“This collaboration is a strong alliance that has further inspired global safety standards and, it is important that we continue to push forward this shared mission in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Looking forward, this MOU will assist us in meeting the challenges of technological advancements as well as enable us to work together more efficiently to meet the demands of our consumers.”

“I congratulate ANCAP on reaching the important milestone of their 30th Anniversary, which underscores their long history and commitment to safety. May this relationship long continue.”

From the Australasian side, ANCAP chair Andy Cornish said that since the original Euro NCAP MOU in 1999, ANCAP’s “ability to influence vehicle safety specification and encourage vehicle manufacturers to improve the level of passive and active safety provided in new cars sold in Australia and New Zealand has been assisted significantly”. 

“Our relationship over the decades has remained very strong, and I am pleased to be able to further cement this collaboration through the updating of this MOU.

“The MOU underscores our shared commitment – our shared mission – to improve the safety of new vehicles for consumers and fleet operators now and into the future,” said Mr Cornish.

Meanwhile, a continuance of federal government funding has been announced that will solidify its commitment to ANCAP for the next five years.

Assistant minister for infrastructure and transport Senator Carol Brown confirmed the federal commitment during ANCAP’s 30th Anniversary commemorative celebrations in Sydney of $16.3 million over five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28 that will assist ANCAP in delivering an independent vehicle safety test and rating program – including the prioritisation of ratings for electric vehicles. 

The funding will enable ANCAP to maintain its testing regime and also expand to test a broader range of vehicle types and market segments for commercial vans and large utilities (pick-up trucks) as well as explore the opportunities for more “real world” testing.

Senator Brown said: “The government’s National Road Safety Strategy places ‘Safe Vehicles’ as a cornerstone to road safety improvement. 

“Encouraging the prioritisation and proliferation of vehicle safety features and promoting consumer and fleet uptake of newer, greener and inherently safer vehicles, are clear actions identified in the NRSS and we’re proud to support ANCAP in delivering these objectives.”

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and this renewed commitment will have a direct impact on reducing the number of lives lost and serious injuries sustained on Australia’s roads.”

ANCAP estimates the value of its road safety activities across the Australian vehicle fleet over the past three years is “conservatively” $442.2 million.

In a statement it said in 2021 alone, ANCAP’s influence in expediting the fitment of autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and centre airbags can be attributed to the saving of nine lives and a reduction of 236 serious injuries.

The road safety body’s chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg said; “The Australian Government is a key contributor to ANCAP, and this renewed commitment will ensure the acceleration of road safety benefits for all Australians.” 

A total of 21 “members” contribute funding to the maintenance of an independent ANCAP including the federal government which has provided funding since 2009.

Support for ANCAP is also received through industry collaboration and the provision of test results from sister organisation, Euro NCAP, that tests more vehicles than ANCAP.