UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has received a total of six Grand Prix awards from The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) for the best results in Crashworthiness Performance.
The six models offered by UMWT in Malaysia, received the awards for best Child Occupant Protection (COP) are the Rush, Hilux and the all-new Innova. while the Sienta scored the best points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). The award presentation ceremony was held at the Sepang International Circuit in conjunction with the Stop The Crash event held by Asean NCAP.
The Hilux and Rush received awards for the best performance in COP in the Pick-up and SUV category, respectively. The Innova, which will be launched in Malaysia very soon, is the second MPV model from Toyota tested by ASEAN NCAP and achieved the highest compliance for COP to date in the MPV category. With Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and 7 airbags available for the top range model, it also qualifies for the maximum 5-star rating for AOP.
The Sienta, which was launched in August this year, received the highest score for AOP in the MPV category to date. With VSC available for the model coupled with the excellent performance in the frontal collision and side impact crash tests, the Sienta was also awarded 5 star rating for its top variant.
The ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix commemorates the achievement of the cars involved in ASEAN NCAP assessment in the last two years. The awards consist of three main pillars: best occupant-protection, best safety technology, and special awards given to vehicles/companies which contributed to enhance safety in the region.
At the event, UMWT also received Special Award Safety Technology for Toyota Blind Spot Monitor system that is available in the Camry Hybrid. Subsequently, the Rising Star Recognition Award was also given to the Corolla Altis for expanding its safety features (VSC + 7 Airbags) as standard in all variants and countries.
However, in total there are eight awards given to Toyota models sold in Asean Region which include the Agya that scores high in COP and AOP. Since 2012, Toyota models have been participating and assessed by ASEAN NCAP.
“These awards show our commitment towards the safety of vehicles and its occupants, which Toyota has made a top priority. It is achieved through an integrated three-part strategy which involves people, vehicle and traffic. We also strive to meet the industry’s ever higher standards in vehicle safety and meet customers’ expectations. To achieve these, Toyota will continue to work with all road users, and government,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. Ultimately, Toyota’s safety vision is to completely eliminate all traffic fatalities.
“We’re very pleased to receive these awards which recognise our on-going commitment to improving vehicle safety. As one of the leading automotive manufacturers in the world, it is important to ensure our vehicles are equipped with the best safety features and some of our models have even been certified with the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. We will continue to enhance the safety features in order to upgrade protection for our customers,” said Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The awards were presented as part of the Stop the Crash event organised by ASEAN NCAP. Held for the first time in the ASEAN region, the event was led by Global NCAP as a new initiative to promote crash avoidance technologies in vehicles. The event is also open to the public so they can learn how these life-saving technologies can make roads safer.
