The Society of Automotive Engineers — Australasia (SAE-A) say recent one and two star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) scores for new low cost imported light commercial vehicles highlight a gap between today’s acceptable safety standards and the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
SAE-A Executive Director Max Chanter says there is a risk that some new low cost imported commercial vehicles may not offer sufficient occupant and pedestrian protection in certain types of crashes.
“The ADRs prescribe vehicle engineering performance criteria. The ANCAP tests measure the crash performance of the vehicle,” Chanter says.
“It is clear that vehicles, which may satisfy the ADRs, may not meet community expectations for safety in a crash.
"The SAE-A recommends the alignment of the ADRs and the engineering standards required to achieve low injury and high crash survival outcomes.
“It appears that the ADRs are allowing the sale of vehicles which are not manufactured using the materials and engineering design technology required for structural integrity that will protect occupants at the level of four or five ANCAP stars,” he says.
Marketing priorities
Max Chanter says another critical issue with low cost imported vehicles is the lack of safety equipment such as anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, and even air bags.
“These are proven safety devices," he points out. "The lack of such equipment has a direct impact on the injury type and survival rate of occupants.
“The SAE-A advocates that these proven vehicle control and life saving devices should be integrated in the ADRs.
"Business operators have a duty of care to employees and to other family members, who are drivers or passengers in these light commercial vehicles.
“Our community is investing heavily to increase awareness of vehicle safety and many marketers are actively promoting ANCAP scores to vehicle buyers. These investments are motivating more and more people to seek out and buy safer vehicles.
“However, the Society is concerned that safety is almost an afterthought in the case of some vehicle marketers. In today’s crowded market, the SAE-A does not understand why the ADRs should allow vehicles with poor structural integrity and safety equipment," Chanter says.
About SAE-A
The Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A) promotes excellence in automotive engineering and is committed to the protection and betterment of the environment.
Its members are engineers, scientists and technicians working across the entire spectrum of the Australasian automotive industry — vehicle and component manufacturers; vehicle service, repair and aftermarket sectors; importers, insurance services, fuel suppliers, government authorities, and students.
SAE-A is a Council member of the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies, and is linked to SAE-International and the International Pacific Conference on Automotive Engineering.
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