LDV commercial van scores just 2 stars.

ANCAP has today released a 2 star safety rating for the LDV V80 commercial van, scoring poorly in ANCAP's assessment.

The V80 achieved just 4.97 points out of a possible 16 points in the frontal offset crash test (conducted at 64km/h) with a risk of serious injury to the driver's head, chest and legs. In addition the V80's lack of electronic stability control (ESC) has limited its ANCAP safety rating to 2 stars.

"Under regulatory requirements the LDV V80 [and other light commercial vehicles (LCVs)] is afforded a number of safety concessions. Under the ANCAP assessment regime however, these concessions are not applicable," said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nicholas Clarke.

"ANCAP requirements are more stringent than those of regulation. ANCAP applies the same standards to both light commercial and light passenger vehicles. This is vital in providing consumers with transparent and easily comparable safety ratings - whether they be looking to buy for commercial or private purposes."

"More has to be done to encourage manufacturers to increase the level of safety provided in LCVs. Even newly released commercial vehicles are providing safety features as optional extras. The question is: Why?"

"The safety of those travelling in commercial vehicles is no less important than those travelling in passenger cars," said Mr Clarke.

The LDV V80 also lacks chest- and head-protecting side airbags and intelligent seat belt reminders.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.

To search individual crash test results for more than 530 vehicles, learn more about safety features and technologies, and explore interactive features, visit ancap.com.au. To watch videos and download images and media releases, go to ancap.com.au/media-and-gallery.