Intelematics has thrown its support behind ANCAP’s plan to introduce eCall into its 2026–2028 safety assessment protocols — a move that will bring Australia and New Zealand closer to global best practice in post-crash response.
The change forms part of ANCAP’s new ‘Stages of Safety’ framework, with eCall included under the 2026–2028 post-crash category. For fleet operators, Fleet Managers and Procurement Managers, this signals a shift toward connected-vehicle safety technology becoming a mainstream expectation in the new-vehicle market.
What eCall Does — and Why It Matters for Fleet
eCall is an in-vehicle crash detection system that activates when sensors such as airbags or rollover detectors deploy. Within seconds, the vehicle automatically transmits critical data — crash information, GPS location, and a live voice connection — to support faster and better-informed emergency response.
For fleets operating across regional and remote Australia, where response times can make the difference between minor and catastrophic outcomes, the introduction of eCall into ANCAP protocols could become a defining feature of vehicle selection from 2026.
Intelematics currently delivers eCall services to more than 900,000 connected vehicles across major brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Genesis.
Industry Reaction: A Turning Point
Rob Finney, General Manager at Intelematics, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the automotive sector in Australia and New Zealand. ANCAP’s decision brings us one step closer to a more proactive, connected, and consistent safety framework.”
“It’s a major step forward in how our region approaches vehicle safety. It signals that the market is ready for advanced in-car technology and increasingly confident in connected vehicle capabilities.”
This aligns Australia and New Zealand with long-established international settings. eCall has been mandatory in Europe since 2018 for all new cars and light vans, and adoption is advancing in Russia, the UAE, China and parts of North America.
Safety Benefits Extend Beyond Consumers
For fleet operators, the benefits are well understood: better crash response times, more precise location data, improved post-incident reporting, and a more consistent way of managing high-risk events involving staff and contractors.
Katherine Anderson, Senior Product Manager at Intelematics, highlighted the importance for rural and remote operations, saying:
“Two-thirds of Australian road fatalities occur in rural and remote areas, often involving single-car, high-speed crashes. In these situations, time is critical, and having eCall may be the only chance of survival.”
“Our research shows eCall could save up to 200 lives and prevent 2,500 serious injuries every year. With every road death, we are reminded why integrating eCall into new vehicle assessment protocols is so critical to protecting our communities and a vital step toward meeting national road safety targets.”
For Fleet Managers, these numbers reinforce the value of connected safety features in procurement decisions — particularly for organisations with higher-risk operating profiles.
Recognition for Australian Innovation
Intelematics’ connected car platform — the technology underpinning eCall, Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and SOS Emergency Call services — recently received gold in two categories at the Australian Good Design Awards. This recognition highlights the growing maturity of domestic capability in safety-critical connected vehicle systems.
What Fleet Managers Should Watch Next
As ANCAP embeds eCall into its 2026–2028 testing protocols, several fleet considerations will come into focus:
- Vehicle selection criteria: eCall capability is likely to become a differentiator among mainstream fleet models.
- Policy updates: Fleet safety and procurement policies will need to reflect the availability and value of eCall-equipped vehicles.
- Telematics integration: Organisations already using telematics may evaluate how eCall complements existing safety and incident-response systems.
- Training and response processes: Drivers and supervisors will need clarity on how eCall works, what to expect in an incident, and how to integrate the technology into post-crash procedures.
The adoption of eCall brings Australia and New Zealand into closer alignment with international safety standards — and signals a broader shift toward connected safety as a baseline expectation. For fleets, it represents another lever to strengthen duty of care, reduce response times, and support safer outcomes for drivers on every road.
