FLEETDRIVE
However , there is often a mismatch between the 6 year validity period that ANCAP uses and the automotive manufacturers vehicle lifecycles , which culminates in these ratings gaps .
It seems a new Corolla is being touted for 2026 , which will result in Toyota having a full year with the current Corolla deemed ‘ Unrated ’.
As Fleet Managers consider their procurement requirements , where their preferred vehicle has an expired safety rating which conflicts with their stipulated fleet policy they will be faced with a series of options , which may include :
• Holding existing vehicles for a longer period to wait on a new model
• Considering alternative 5 star vehicles , either within the same brand or other brands
• Ignoring the ‘ Unrated ’ status imposed by ANCAP , reasoning that the vehicle remains a safe vehicle for its employees ( if originally rated with 5 stars )
• Reassessing their fleet policies so that they are not solely reliant on ANCAP safety ratings , although this could be at the jeopardy of WHS obligations where maintaining a safe workplace for employees should be a top priority
Automotive Manufacturer Challenges
It ’ s clear that the traditional vehicle lifecycles of legacy automotive manufacturers are now being challenged by more nimble entrants to the market . Notably , the flood of Chinese manufactured vehicles coming into the country is hard to keep up with but in most cases , it seems they ’ re ticking all the right safety boxes for ANCAP .
2024 Top Performers
Another January announcement from ANCAP was their ‘ 2024 Top Performers ’. These vehicles not only received the maximum 5 star rating but were awarded the highest combined assessment scores :
1 . Toyota Camry @ 88.4 % 2 . Mazda CX-80 @ 87.6 % 3 . Zeekr X @ 87.4 %.
The results highlight that top-of-the-line safety technologies are not the domain of luxury vehicles , or beyond the financial reach of most consumers . These top performing vehicles are all priced under $ 60K and include a new entrant to the Australian market , the Zeekr X .
The Underperformers
While there are perceptions amongst some members of the public that all vehicles brought to our shores would achieve a maximum safety rating , there was again evidence to the contrary last year .
The Suzuki Swift may have been the most notable , achieving just 1 star when assessed . While the Jeep Avenger and Hyundai i30 Sedan recorded 3 stars , and the MG ZS 4 stars .
Driver Safety
ANCAP ’ s efforts as both a gatekeeper and advocate for vehicle safety standards , along with the efforts of automotive manufacturers in bringing safety technologies to market has resulted in most of today ’ s fleet vehicles being the safest we have ever had .
However , the fatalities from vehicle crashes continue to rise and organisations must look beyond a reliance on vehicle safety ratings to fulfil their ‘ duty of care ’ responsibilities to employees .
The need for driver training and / or the management of driver behaviour through the use of technology such as telematics must be a high priority for 2025 and beyond .
Paul Oliver is the Director & Principal Consultant of Fleet Advisory . Paul provides independent expert advice and fleet consulting services to business , not for profit organisations & government – see Fleet Advisory for more information .
ISSUE 51 FEBRUARY 2025 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 7