NEWS
NEW INITIATIVE TO REDUCE PEDESTRIAN INJURY Government calls for submissions on crash-reducing brake technology for light vehicles The Australian Government has begun consulting on the future of vehicle safety technology – Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems for new cars. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said Australia was playing a lead role in the international development of a United Nations regulation for AEB systems, which for the first time includes pedestrian protection measures. “The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety through strong investment and national leadership on our way to preventing deaths and serious injuries occurring on our roads,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Vehicle technology has an important role to play, which is why we are opening consultation on the introduction of a new standard for AEB. “This process will allow industry and the community to express their views on the use of AEB across the new light vehicle fleet. “We know there is already strong market and consumer demand for AEB systems, with ANCAP Safety research showing a significant increase in the technology being included in the standard fit on light vehicles – going from 18 to 66 percent in under three years.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, said increasing deployment of effective AEB systems in light and heavy vehicles was a priority action of the National Road Safety Action Plan, recognising the significant safety benefits technology can bring to road users. “AEB systems detect likely forward collisions, provide the driver with a warning and if the driver does not respond, applies the brakes automatically,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said. “To date, many systems have been unable to detect pedestrians. “This draft new regulation would require light vehicle AEB systems to detect likely forward collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians to help keep some of our most vulnerable road users safe. “The measure is expected to save 586 lives and avoid 20,600 serious injuries.” Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Kevin Hogan said this would build on the Government’s significant progress achieved to improve road safety by increasing the fitment of AEB across the heavy vehicle fleet. “Increasing the uptake of AEB across the heavy vehicle fleet is expected to save 78 lives and prevent 2,152 serious injuries,” Assistant Minister Hogan said.
“Late last year we held a similar consultation process for heavy vehicle AEB technology, which helped us explore the options and their impacts for the heavy vehicle industry more closely. “The Regulatory Impact Statement process has been completed and we are now considering stakeholder submissions to help shape the content of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). “The ADRs are being increasingly harmonised with international vehicle regulations. “This means regulation based on internationally agreed standards provides consumers with access to the safest vehicles from the global market at the lowest cost.” The consultation Regulation Impact Statement is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/ design/adr_comment.aspx It will remain open for public comment until 10 December 2020. Submissions can be made by emailing standards@infrastructure.gov.au
GPC ASIA PACIFIC RALLIES BEHIND CHARITY PARTNERS IN 2020 The automotive aftermarket parts supplier has launched a new philanthropic Foundation The Foundation has been developed to assist employees and communities in need, allowing GPC Asia Pacific to continue to support a number of charity partners whilst also rallying behind a range of special causes throughout 2020. Earlier in the year, as Australia suffered through its worst bushfires on record, GPC Asia Pacific was able to raise over $300,000 to support organisations assisting impacted communities. In October, the Repco crew threw their support behind Tyrepower during their recent Prostate Cancer awareness campaign, donating $25,000. And despite an unprecedented global pandemic, the Repco and NAPA teams were able to continue to support their long-standing charity partner, The Starlight Children’s Foundation and to commence a new partnership with the newly established LifeChanger Foundation. NAPA, which includes the heritage businesses,
Ashdown Ingram, has been a proud partner of The Starlight Children’s Foundation for more than ten years. A key feature of NAPA’s philanthropic calendar is NAPA’s “Troppo Day” sales events in February and October, which this year raised more than $75,000 for The Starlight Children’s Foundation. At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis the NAPA team also volunteered alongside EB Games to create 4,300 gift packs for the Starlight Children’s Foundation which were distributed to sick children via GPC Asia Pacific’s logistics team. Supporting The Starlight Children’s Foundation is also a feature of Repco’s year, and between support of Starlight Day in May and a Battery recycling program, the Repco team were able to raise over $80,000. A Christmas campaign is also underway, with the first $10,000 of customer donations being matched by Repco.
NAPA team members creating gift packs with SCF
This year GPC Asia Pacific also commenced a new charity partnership with The LifeChanger Foundation which aims to build more resilient teenagers by empowering them through positive self-identity, identifying and developing inspiring community mentors, and supporting, sustainable, connected communities. Eight hundred team members across the GPC Asia Pacific group took part in the KMs4Kids challenge in September, raising over $25,000 – enough to cover the cost of one Lifechanger mentor training program. For more information, visit www.gpcasiapac.com Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2020
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