With the goal of enhancing automobile safety performance, new vehicle models must not only possess robust passive safety features but also meet the demands of current active safety and Level 2 driver assistance systems in order to have a chance at receiving a five-star crash rating certification. However, recent actions by certain Chinese car manufacturers seeking to promote more budget-friendly car models have stirred controversy. These manufacturers have not only removed active safety features but have also asserted that the criteria for a five-star crash rating are "excessive and impractical."
According to the foreign media outlet "Which Car?", the Chinese automotive brand MG, through its Australian subsidiary, recently introduced a four-door sedan named the MG5. Priced considerably lower than the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, and even the Mazda 2, the MG5 has become the most economical four-door car model in Australia.
Nevertheless, the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) discovered that the safety features of the MG5 are quite basic. The entry-level model lacks a rear seatbelt reminder system, and the entire vehicle range lacks blind-spot warnings, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warnings, and driver monitoring. The MG5 only comes equipped with a low-speed automatic emergency braking system.
Peter Ciao, the CEO of MG's Australian subsidiary, noted that MG has made a choice between reducing prices and offering advanced safety features. He believes that MG could certainly provide these features for all models, but this would require a significant financial investment. He criticized the stringent safety standards in Australia as "difficult to comprehend."
Ciao also indicated that MG does not intend to submit the MG5 for testing by ANCAP and provocatively stated, "If testing is required, then buy the car yourself for crash testing." MG's Australian subsidiary further emphasized that when they entered the Australian market six years ago, their focus was on providing affordable car models, as "sales are the priority."
Carla Hoorweg, the CEO of ANCAP, countered MG's assertions in interviews with other foreign media outlets. She stated that while safety costs do indeed influence vehicle pricing, they represent a relatively small portion. For buyers of small cars, safety features become even more crucial when sharing the road with other vehicles. She also noted that if the MG5 fails to achieve the five-star crash test rating from ANCAP, it will not be eligible for government and services such as Uber.
