Hi Folks …

Yes – I know it’s Australia – but given our liking of and propensity to purchase ‘bakkies’ it is worth sharing the following information with our readers who are fleet owners.

In the first half of 2014, 90 percent of new passenger vehicles sold held a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. However, only 55 percent of light commercial vehicles offered the same high level of safety.

Road Safety experts in Australia continue to exert pressure on manufacturers to improve the safety of light commercial vehicles, which are currently granted regulatory concessions when it comes to safety.

In 2014, the Great Wall V200 4x4 single cab once again achieved an unacceptably low score of only 3 stars. Among light commercial vehicles, it joined the Foton Tunland 4x4 dual cab and the Mahindra Pik-Up, both of which have only 3 stars.

Alex Forrest, RAC Manager Vehicles and Fuels said a lower price point continued to pull buyers to some of the lesser rated commercial vehicles such as the Great Wall.

"While passenger car buyers can now confidently put safety at the top of their priority list regardless of their budget, those buying light commercials are not being afforded the same choice."

The “Caution  List” of vehicles according to  experts are:

Great Wall Motors V200 4x4 single cab - 3 stars
Nissan Patrol Y61 series 3 litre diesel - 3 stars
Foton Tunland 4x4 Dual Cab - 3 stars
Mahindra Pik-Up Dual Cab 4x4 - 3 stars
Geely MK hatch and sedan - 3 stars