Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, is stepping up its engagement with car dealerships and consumers by displaying crash-tested vehicle wrecks in new car showrooms.
The aim of initiative is to incorporate safety as an integral part of the sales conversation between dealers and car buyers.
“Dealers are crucial advocates for ANCAP and the safer vehicles message,” said ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin. “Having consumers able to see, touch and even sit in a vehicle that’s been crash-tested – complete with deployed airbags and visible dummy contact points – is a unique experience.”
A consumer poll carried out by ANCAP revealed that, of those who received safety information from dealers prior to purchase, that information played a direct role in the purchasing decision of 88 percent.
“We are stepping up our engagement with dealers, working with a range of vehicle brands, dealer groups and the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) to provide consumers with a tangible example of vehicle safety,” said Goodwin. “It is important we engage with dealers and consumers at the point-of-sale, and in particular, it is important we bring our display vehicles to regional dealerships as two thirds [66 percent] of all road deaths occur in regional and remote areas.
“With the introduction of automated vehicle technologies, the car buying experience must also change, to educate consumers on the benefits and function of safety assist features.”
The Kia Stinger is the first crash-tested vehicle to go on display, alongside its pristine equivalent. ANCAP’s national roadshow will also incorporate a Mazda CX-5, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Kona, LDV D90 and Toyota Corolla.
