Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

SYDNEY – Dec 21, 2011: The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today urged consumers to buy ANCAP 5 star rated vehicles if they are looking to purchase a new or used car during the holidays.

This announcement came with the release of the latest ANCAP results for 2011. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe maintained that brand’s reputation for safety with a 5 star ANCAP rating. The popular Toyota Yaris, in both 3 door and 5 door variants, also achieved the top rating of 5 stars.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mini Countryman and the Range Rover Evoque were assessed at a 4 star ANCAP rating.

The Chairman of ANCAP, Lauchlan McIntosh, welcomed the 5 star results and urged Jeep, Mini and Land Rover to move quickly to improve their vehicles to reach 5 stars.

“ANCAP 5 star ratings are now the standard and it is quickly becoming the case that even a good 4 star rating may not be good enough in a competitive market.

“The holiday period is typically a time when consumers will look to buying a new or used car. ANCAP 5 star rated cars are a must on the Christmas shopping list this year.

“Consumers can also opt for a 5 star used late model car if their budget does not run to a new car. Fleet buyers have been purchasing 5 star cars for several years and these are now appearing in numbers in the used car market. The presence of these 5 star ex-fleet cars in the market is truly a gift that keeps on giving. All consumers can benefit from the higher safety levels of these cars.”

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings, other vehicle safety information and the specifications of the rated vehicles go to www.ancap.com.au