ATECO claims on Chery J1 incorrect

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) today expressed concerns over incorrect public comments made by ATECO Automotive regarding the recall of and modifications to the Chery J1 sedan.

ANCAP tested this vehicle in May 2011 and assessed it as a 3 star safety rated vehicle.

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said ATECO now claims the modifications would "almost certainly get a 4 star rating" if the vehicle was tested again. That is not correct.

"We are disappointed at these comments, particularly given ANCAP works closely with the automotive industry to deliver safer vehicles for Australian motorists," Mr McIntosh said.

"The Chery J1 performed poorly in the crash tests - the passenger compartment lost structural integrity in the frontal impact test, providing limited protection from serious chest injury for the driver.

"The testing also threw up an issue concerning the design and integrity of the seats in the Chery J1, leading Chery to initiate a voluntary recall of the J1 to replace seat backs across the range.”

"We were surprised to hear ATECO’s spokesman, Daniel Cotterill, comment in the media that the modifications would now see the Chery J1 almost certainly get a 4 star rating if crash tested again. These comments are clearly incorrect, as the modifications would not impact the overall crash test result, and the ATECO engineering staff should be aware of this.

ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, all Australian state governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation. For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to ancap.com.au.