This paper traces the evolution of the methods of presentation of Australian NCAP (ANCAP) results to consumers.

ANCAP commenced in 1992 and has now tested over 60 vehicle models. The first two series of results in 1993 and 1994 were presented with an emphasis on NCAP criteria such as HIC and chest deflection measurements, with a colour-coded human figure included to indicate injury levels. The detailed dummy measurements were included in the back of the information brochure and this convention has been retained to the present.

The concentration on NCAP injury criteria was felt to be too technical for the intended general audience so for the next four releases of data the primary rating system became the risk of life threatening injuT (>AIS 3) calculated as per the NHTSA algorithm, although the first three of these releases retained the colour-coded human figure.

At this time the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began NCAP offset tests and published the results in a more traditional consumer format. ANCAP focus group research revealed that this format was preferred by general readers, so ANCAP adopted this consumer format as of November 1996.

The Euro NCAP group began publishing its offset and side impact test data in February 1997 using a star rating similar to the NHTSA system. ANCAP is working with Euro NCAP and other international NCAP groups towards a common rating system.