The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has had a significant impact on the Australian and New Zealand motor vehicle landscape over the past 20 years through its independent, non-regulatory, consumer-driven program. Five star cars are now available in all vehicle categories;​ the majority of manufacturers now approach ANCAP to obtain a rating prior to launch to leverage sales;​ and ANCAP assessments are now seen as the de facto standard, taking the place of regulation. Since 2011 ANCAP has been increasing the stringency of its requirements for each star rating level annually. In future years ANCAP will continue to raise the bar, updating and broadening its suite of physical crash tests and introducing performance testing of safety assist technologies (SAT). These advancements will see consumers provided with even safer vehicles, and in time, perhaps even cars that will not be able to crash at all.

NCAPs drive vehicle safety improvements through a non-regulatory approach. This paper examines the effectiveness of the Australasian NCAP, its achievements and its future direction.