‘Ute ban’ fears for Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger debunked

Reports suggesting future safety criteria around driver vision could force a major redesign of popular utes such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are unfounded, according to ANCAP.

Claims that utes were in the firing line emerged after EuroNCAP technical director Richard Schram spoke to Australian and New Zealand journalists about penalising “really big pickups” for their lack of forward vision.

But ANCAP says the proposed protocols won’t mean a “radical redesign” and will most likely affect large American vehicles such as the RAM 1500 and Chevy Silverado rather than Australia’s smaller utes.

Environmental standards are also likely to pose a much larger threat to the future of Australia’s current ute designs than the upcoming “direct vision” protocols.

“Direct vision relates to what a driver can physically see from the driving position,” said ANCAP CEO, Carla Hoorweg. “This includes factors such as window size and placement, pillar design, seating position, mirrors and camera systems.”

These safety protocols, aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety, aren’t expected to come into effect until 2029 and will apply to all vehicles, not just utes.

“As with all future protocol developments, any proposed requirements will be subject to a structured consultation process with vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders, alongside supporting research and analysis, before any final criteria are confirmed,” Ms Hoorweg said.