RAM dismisses emphasis on ute safety

The boss of RAM Trucks Australia has defended the safety credentials of the new RAM 1500 pick-up and described the broader push for utility safety as “lacking focus”.

In comments that have put the US pick-up distributor under the spotlight of Australia’s chief crash safety authority, RAM Trucks Australia general manager Alex Stewart told carsales.com.au he believes that safety is not a standout priority among most utility buyers.

“Is it always about safety? It always comes back to this five-star ANCAP safety rating when there’s a lot of other aspects that I think are just as important,” he said.

“At the pointy end, we lose focus of the bigger picture.”

Stewart’s remarks coincide with the Australian release of the sub-$80,000 RAM 1500, which can tow up to 4500kg but is unavailable with important safety aids including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and will likely go without a local crash test rating despite an extensive Melbourne-based right-hand drive conversion process.

The RAM 1500 comes standard with basic safety systems such as electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and four-wheel disc brakes. In the US, it is also fitted with front and rear airbag protection.

“There’s no capability to have [AEB] in this model,” said Stewart, who is nonetheless confident of the safety credentials of the RAM 1500, which currently carries a four-star crash rating under its native American NHTSA protocol.

Asked whether it mattered that the RAM 1500, like many other new vehicles, would likely fall short of a maximum five-star safety rating in Australia under the tighter 2018 testing regime because it misses out on AEB, Stewart was nonchalant.

“I don’t think so. That’s a moving feast. There’s a lot of other vehicles that wouldn’t comply with today’s standards,” he said.

Rival ute manufacturers, including those competing in the hotly-contested premium dual-cab segment that RAM wants a piece of, have different views.

The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class offers a raft of advanced safety features including AEB and Ford will offer a similar suite of drive-assist equipment in its upcoming 2019 Ranger update.

On the other hand, popular dual-cabs such as the Volkswagen Amarok have enjoyed moderate sales success despite missing out on key equipment; in the Volkswagen’s case, rear curtain airbags.

The chief executive of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), James Goodwin, said utility customers should be afforded the same safety credentials as all other new-vehicle buyers.

“We’ve seen a wide range of utes on the market step up in terms of safety in the past few years and five stars is now what’s expected from the ute buyer. The expectation for the RAM would be no different,” he said.

“All consumers, regardless of the type of vehicle they’re buying, deserve a high level of safety.”

motoring.com.au understands the RAM 1500 will not be required to be crash-tested in Australia under its full-volume importation approval. The lack of correlation between US and Australian crash testing procedures will likely leave the RAM 1500’s safety status as “unrated” locally.

In that case, the best point of safety information for prospective Australian buyers is available from the NHTSA website.

“To achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating today, models must perform well both physically as well as offer collision prevention technology,” Goodwin said.

“Safety should be front of mind for all buyers and all vehicle brands.”