ANCAP Stars on Cars dealership program – increase sales of 4 and 5 star rated cars

Safer vehicles reduce the likelihood of a crash, and of death or serious injury in the event of a crash. The safety of new vehicles varies considerably and if buyers are to choose safer cars they need reliable, understandable and accessible information. Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) assesses the crashworthiness and safety features of new vehicles and assigns stars based on safety performance. Occupants have twice the chance of being killed or seriously injured in an ANCAP 1 star rated vehicle compared to an ANCAP 5 star rated vehicle. Aim: To initially undertake research to determine the requirements of new car dealerships to increase the sales of 4 and 5 star rated cars in South Australia. Results: 75% of the new vehicles sold in South Australia were sold by participating Stars on Cars dealerships. In 2010, 40.9% of new cars sold in South Australia were 5 Star. In 2011 this figure had jumped to 49.4%, ahead of the national average.