New program puts consumers in the driver's seat for safer vehicles

Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | 23 November 2023

The Commonwealth Government has committed $16.3 million to ANCAP Safety to deliver the Australian Government’s New Car Safety Ratings stream, supporting consumers to choose safer vehicle models.

The Car Safety Ratings Program supports independent vehicle safety assessments, which provide information for consumers on the level of safety provided by both new and used vehicles.

Focusing on new vehicles, ANCAP safety ratings show how well a vehicle performs in protecting its occupants from death or serious injury, should a crash occur, and in crash avoidance.

Over the next five years, the program will support ANCAP’s core star ratings for new vehicles including EVs, hybrids and other alternative-powered vehicles.  It will also support new safety gradings for commercial vans and large utility vehicles.

Having published its first safety ratings in 1993, ANCAP is the independent vehicle safety assessment and rating organisation for Australia and New Zealand, conducting crash tests and performance assessments on vehicle safety features and technologies.  This year marks its 30th Anniversary.

The Car Safety Ratings Program is supported by an Australian Government commitment of $16.5 million over five years from 2023-24.

For more information on ANCAP safety ratings visit www.ancap.com.au.