Volkswagen Transporter - First Van to Be Awarded Four Stars by ANCAP

AUTO CENTRAL - August 1, 2008: Australia’s leading vehicle safety organisation, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has awarded its first 4-star rating for a commercial van – to the Volkswagen Transporter.

ANCAP Deputy Chair, Soames Job, said manufacturers should make safer commercial vehicles in line with other new cars. “There is a massive light commercial vehicle fleet in Australia – and it is important for all road users to be confident that these light commercial vehicles and people movers are safe for occupants and other road users such as pedestrians,” Dr Job Said.

“Four-star utilities have been available for several years now but, up until today, the best commercial van was just three stars. Today I am pleased to announce that the Volkswagen Transporter is the first van to be awarded four stars for occupant protection,” Dr Job said. “These rating show there is no longer an excuse for fleets to accept less than a 4-star ANCAP rating for any light vehicle purchase.”

The Volkswagen Transporter range offers a long list of features and superb optional extras. It comes in a variety of standard, mid and high roof options and can be tailored to suit any need with options such as 4MOTION all-wheel-drive, sliding doors, tailgate and more.

Volkswagen recorded a 14.1% increase in 2007 in the Light Commercial Vehicle segment, with both the Transporter and Caddy products achieving a combined 15.1% share in the van market segment. The Transporter continues to be Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles best selling model with 1714 delivered last year with a share of 8.4%.

The Director of Commercial Vehicles - Volkswagen Group Australia - Mr Philip Clark said “to be the first van to receive a 4-star rating from ANCAP is a tremendous milestone for a vehicle with a history spanning over half a century. The Transporter continues to be a strong performer for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and this latest achievement demonstrates it is not only a great choice when it comes to performance and features, but also when it comes to safety.”