The Lexus GS 430 featuring VDiM (Vehicle Dynamics integrated Management) which is the Lexus version of electronic stability control.
The availability of potentially lifesaving electronic stability control (ESC) systems on new motor vehicles is spreading quickly.
Figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that the combined proportion of new passenger cars and Sports Utility Vehicles fitted with standard ESC has grown from 20 per cent to 34.7 per cent in just 12 months.
Between January and June this year 30.6 per cent of cars and 48.1 per cent of all new SUVs sold in Australia featured the technology.
FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said that ESC had gone from being virtually unheard of a few years ago to becoming a commonly accepted new car feature.
“The spread of ESC is a good example of competitive market forces and consumer demand driving the spread of new safety technology,” said Mr McKellar.
“Australian motorists have access to this technology at very affordable levels and they have demonstrated that they do place a value on enhanced vehicle safety.”
Mr McKellar said it was notable that the fitment rate amongst SUV models was approaching 50 per cent.
“That’s good news, given that ESC is particularly helpful in improving the stability of taller vehicles such as SUVs,” he said.
ESC uses computer-controlled individual braking of wheels to help restore a motor vehicle to the chosen cornering line in the event of loss of control by the driver.
The FCAI says 17 of the 38 automotive brands in the survey are fitting ESC to either 100 per cent of their passenger car models, 100 per cent of their SUVs, or in some cases both.
“These figures demonstrate that vehicle brands are responding rapidly to adopt advances in vehicle safety technology and to make these technologies available in the Australian market,” Mr McKellar said.
“We welcome this positive trend and we expect the uptake of ESC to continue to grow.”
For further information contact:
Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
P: 02 6229 8221
M: 0458 038 555
E: [email protected]