Ford F-150 Joins Australian Pickup Market without ANCAP Safety Rating

Will the lack of an ANCAP safety rating deter buyers from considering the Ford F-150?

The locally remanufactured Ford F-150 has entered the full-size pickup market in Australia, but it will not be rated by ANCAP for safety. Ford Australia CEO, Andrew Birkic, confirmed that the F-150 will only be tested if chosen by ANCAP.

The Ford F-150 joins the Australian market as a locally remanufactured vehicle, but it will not receive an ANCAP safety rating. Ford Australia’s CEO, Andrew Birkic, recently stated that the company has no plans to submit the F-150 for ANCAP crash testing. However, Birkic mentioned that if ANCAP selects the F-150 for testing, the company would comply. Ultimately, it is ANCAP’s decision whether to include certain vehicles in its assessment program.

The Ford F-150 is not alone in lacking an ANCAP safety rating among full-size pickups. The Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, as well as the entire Chevrolet Silverado range, are also waiting for ANCAP assessment. There have been talks of ANCAP expanding its testing to include larger utes, light trucks, and even motorbikes or scooters, signaling a potential shift in its evaluation criteria. While test protocols are yet to be established, ANCAP might focus more on active safety collision avoidance features rather than traditional crash tests.

In terms of safety rating alternatives, one possibility for non-rated vehicles is a grading system similar to the Commercial Van Safety Comparison program. This program assesses advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on a scale from ‘Platinum’ to ‘Not Recommended’. Such a system could provide a more comprehensive evaluation of vehicle safety beyond traditional star ratings.

It is important to note that in the United States, the Ford F-150 and all other full-size pickups are required to undergo crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, these tests may not directly translate to ANCAP safety ratings in Australia.

The Australian-specification Ford F-150 undergoes significant modifications during remanufacturing, including the transition from left- to right-hand drive. These modifications ensure compliance with local regulations and preferences.

The 2024 Ford F-150 range includes a wide range of standard safety equipment. All models come with six airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring with trailer tow coverage, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, a driver alert system, cruise control, a rear-view camera, reversing sensors, and Ford Pro Trailer Back-Up Assist. The Lariat trim level adds additional safety features such as intersection assist, lane centring, evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, speed sign recognition, a surround-view camera, and front parking sensors.

• The Ford F-150 will not have an ANCAP safety rating in Australia.
• Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado are also unrated.
• ANCAP may expand its testing to include larger utes, light trucks, and potentially motorbikes or scooters.
• The grading system for non-rated vehicles may be similar to the Commercial Van Safety Comparison program.
• The US requires crash testing for all full-size pickups.
• The Australian-specification Ford F-150 undergoes significant modifications.
• The 2024 Ford F-150 range includes standard safety equipment.
• The Lariat trim level offers additional safety features.

While the Ford F-150 enters the Australian pickup market without an ANCAP safety rating, it offers a comprehensive range of standard safety features. As ANCAP considers expanding its testing and evaluation criteria, the future of safety ratings for full-size pickups remains uncertain.