By John Simpson 31 October 2011
Ford’s new Ranger has become the first pick-up truck ever to be awarded a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
Scheduled to appear in showrooms in November, the Ranger scored 89% for overall safety and maximum stars, signalling not just the arrival of the safest pick-up truck ever but also one of the safest vehicles in any category.
It’s a far cry from the measly two stars picked up last time round in 2008.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, commented: “With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”
Stephen Odell, Chairman and CEO of Ford Europe, said: “Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP.
“No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians.”
Unprecedented abuse
The revised Ranger was subjected to 9,000 virtual and 110 actual crash tests - more crash simulations than any of Ford’s prior programs.
Adam Frost, a Chief Engineer for Ford, said they went to sure measures to ensure all parts of the vehicle’s safety performance were optimised.
“The end result is a world class outcome we are all very proud of,” he beamed.
A series of other new models have also been blessed with all five stars from Euro NCAP.
Sharing the stars
Audi’s Q3, the BMW 1-Series, Chevrolet’s Captiva, Fiat’s Freemont, Mercedes’ M-Class, Toyota Yaris, and Vauxhall’s Astra and Zafira Tourer all picked up maximum stars.
Rating 96% in the ‘adult occupant’ category, Hyundai’s Veloster [pictured] also grabbed five stars, making it the sixth consecutive Hyundai to do.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “The five-star rating for Veloster further demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers.
“Veloster is attracting a new audience to the Hyundai brand, combining practicality and ‘fluidic’ design in a unique 1+2 door package. Recognition of its class-leading safety performance will further add to its appeal.”
Commenting on Vauxhall’s five star achievements, Rita Forst, Vice President of Vauxhall Engineering, concluded: “Passenger safety has always been high on our agenda and we are pleased not only to have met the safety standards with Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer but to have surpassed them.”
Categories: Fleet news , Ford , EuroNCAP
