Light trucks added to ANCAP safety regime

In an Australian first, ANCAP has now expanded its performance testing regime to light trucks as part of a new initiative to boost safety standards in a segment which hasn’t kept technological pace with other vehicle classes.

To combat this, ANCAP’s 'Light Truck ADAS Safety Comparison' seeks to bring greater accountability and safety standards to the light truck segment through a new assessment regime.

The comparison from Australasia’s independent voice identified a baseline level of safety performance, with four light trucks assessed: the Isuzu N Series, Fuso Canter, Hino 300 Series and battery-electric Foton T5.

The four models, which accounted for 74 per cent of all new light-duty trucks sold in 2024, were examined against criteria and procedures that included input from truck manufacturers and industry representatives.

“When it comes to road safety, the human cost of doing nothing is too great to ignore,” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg. “We call on the entire industry to embrace this as an opportunity to prioritise improving the safety features in their vehicles and recognise the positive role they can play in making our roads safer for all Australians.

“Each of the truck models examined bring their individual merits, and all have complied with the Australian Government’s regulatory safety requirements ahead of their mandating, yet in comparison to other vehicle segments and consumer expectations, there is still a fair way to go.

“It’s not just about having the technology on board: we want to understand how well it works and where there can be areas of improvement.

“Through this program we are aiming to drive positive change among the truck industry, fleet operators, and small business owners.

“From these inaugural findings, we expect to see safety performance improve quite quickly through voluntary updates introduced by manufacturers.”

ANCAP’s assessment included the fitment and performance of low- and high-speed autonomous emergency braking, lane support systems, speed assistance systems and occupant detection. Airbag and seatbelt fitment were also examined, with all four trucks lacking these features for the centre passenger seating position.

Moreover, assessments were undertaken with each truck laden to 50 per cent of their carrying capacity to ascertain performance variants.

Full details on the safety comparison are on ANCAP's website.

Light trucks, along with other goods vehicles such as commercial vans and medium and heavy trucks, remain over-represented in fatal and serious injury crashes in Australia. These vehicles make up less than three per cent of all registered vehicles on Australia’s roads, yet they are involved in approximately 15 per cent of all fatal crashes.

Compared to other vehicle segments, light trucks offer carrying capacity at a sharp price point, and can be driven on a driver’s licence. These factors and the growing scale of online shopping and delivery demand since the pandemic has led to an increased presence on the roads, with Australian light truck sales increasing by an average of 6.6 per cent per year since 2012.