For fleet managers, understanding ANCAP’s safety ratings is essential, especially as these protocols evolve. As we approach the end of the year another batch of vehicles will be unrated by ANCAP, including the Toyota Corolla which is a fleet favourite, so Fleet Auto News spoke to Carla Hoorweg, CEO at ANCAP, to learn more about the current protocols and future direction of crash testing.
In 2024, ANCAP introduced a protocol for “rating expiry,” which affects vehicle ratings after six years. Hoorweg explained the implications: “The rating expiry is critical for fleet managers. Once a rating expires, the vehicle becomes unrated by ANCAP, even though that rating still applies to previously purchased units.”
For fleet managers, this means it’s crucial to check the manufacturing date and ANCAP rating of any vehicle they purchase. “It’s when the vehicle is built,” Hoorweg emphasised. “Working with the OEM and understanding that date is vital, as it might differ from when the vehicle arrives in the country.”
With more changes planned for the testing protocols in 2026, the need for fleet managers to stay up-to-date is vital. Hoorweg elaborated, “Our protocols are on a three-year cycle. The testing we’re doing today is based on the 2023 to 2025 protocols.” She highlighted the importance of date stamps, which indicate the year a vehicle was tested and the specific protocols used. This system helps fleet managers identify the safety features present in the vehicles they are considering, allowing them to select options with the most recent and rigorous safety standards.
One question on the minds of fleet managers is whether enhanced safety features come at an increased cost. In response, Hoorweg acknowledged that safety technology is just one component influencing vehicle prices. However, she stressed its value, particularly for fleet operators. “Your vehicle is a workplace, and you want the safest workplace possible,” she advised. She further noted the “cost-benefit trade-off” for fleets, explaining that safety features potentially reduce the severity of crashes, making them a worthwhile investment. “The cost-benefit trade-off stacks up when you look at it from that perspective,” Hoorweg added.
The newest ANCAP protocols have also heightened the focus on protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Hoorweg underscored the importance of these advancements: “We have been incorporating vulnerable road user protection since 2018, and we continue to add new features.” Testing now includes scenarios such as vehicles interacting with both adult and child pedestrians and cyclists, with an emphasis on crash avoidance technology, especially Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). “AEB has a huge potential to avoid crashes, particularly with vulnerable road users, who often come off second best in any interaction with a vehicle,” Hoorweg remarked.
Recognising that fleet operators often manage a diverse range of vehicles, ANCAP has extended its safety assessments to include commercial vehicles. Since 2020, ANCAP has offered a grading system for vans based on crash avoidance technology, as these vehicles are not typically crash-tested. The grading system has already influenced the market, with more vans achieving higher safety grades over recent years. Hoorweg noted, “We started with a lot of vans in the lower categories, but now we’re seeing more in the platinum and gold categories, indicating a significant improvement.” ANCAP plans to expand these assessments to include larger U.S.-style pickup trucks and light trucks, encouraging manufacturers to integrate similar safety features seen in passenger cars.
Fleet managers should take these developments into account when planning vehicle purchases. ANCAP’s proactive grading approach not only raises awareness but also incentivises manufacturers to prioritise safety features in commercial vehicles. The upcoming heavy vehicle testing program, in collaboration with Euro NCAP, will further support fleet managers in making informed decisions. As Hoorweg concluded, “We want to create incentives for OEMs to include safety technologies and for fleet managers to consider these ratings in their purchasing decisions.”
For fleet managers, leveraging ANCAP’s latest ratings and protocols can be pivotal in building a safer fleet, ensuring that each vehicle purchased meets rigorous safety standards. With evolving protocols and the new grading systems for commercial vehicles, ANCAP continues to set a benchmark, empowering fleet managers to enhance the safety of their fleet while minimising risks associated with fleet operations.
