FleetDrive 21 February 2020 | Page 22

SMARTBAR AUSTRALIA’S AWARD-WINNING NEW REAR PROTECTION BAR ANNOUNCED Sponsored Content S martBar Australia is excited to announce the launch of their Rear Protection Bar (RPB). The first version of this new, innovative system is specifically designed for the Mercedes Sprinter VS30 and has already won awards in both Australia and overseas. The Rear Protection Bar (RPB) has been fitted to most ambulance vehicle fleets around Australia, and a version for the Ford Ranger is currently in development. As a leader in vehicle protection systems SmartBar Australia understands that protection is needed at both the front and back of vehicles, so using similar materials and principles to their frontal protection systems, they saw an opportunity to create rear protection. They are gaining great recognition in the international product design industry, winning a 2020 German Design Award for Excellent Product Design - Automotive Parts and Accessories, for the Mercedes Sprinter VS30 Vehicle Protection System, which includes the 22 ISSUE 21 2020 / WWW.AFMA.ORG.AU RPB. The award will be presented in Frankfurt this year. This follows SmartBar’s success at the 2019 Good Design Australia Awards where they won a Product Design Award for their SmartBar Vehicle Protection System (Mercedes Sprinter VS30) - Product Automotive and Transport, with the judges noting: “The SmartBar Vehicle Protection System (VPS) is a front and rear bumper bar structure that offers outstanding vehicle protection without compromising pedestrian safety. Specifically designed for the Mercedes Sprinter VS30, it perfectly complements the design and aesthetic of the vehicle while maintaining all the factory features and on-board safety systems.” Ian Tarr from the Queensland Ambulance Service said their service had used SmartBars since 2007 and was now rolling out the rear protection systems. “Around 40 per cent of collision incidents happened when reversing. A rear protection system does decrease the amount of subsequent