In 2024, several commercial vans achieved Platinum status under the ANCAP safety framework, showcasing significant advancements in collision avoidance and overall safety systems.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom, a second-generation diesel van launched in March 2024, achieved the highest rating among commercial vans that year, with an outstanding overall safety score of 96%. It received the ANCAP Platinum grading, reflecting its exceptional performance in collision avoidance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems.
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Several Mercedes-Benz vans also earned Platinum status for their 2024 models:
- Mercedes-Benz eVito & Vito: Both the battery-electric eVito and the MY24 Vito earned Platinum ratings with a solid overall safety score of 90%. They featured advanced safety systems, including standard AEB (car-to-car, pedestrian, cyclist, and backover), lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and driver monitoring systems. These upgrades marked a substantial improvement over previous models, which had only achieved Gold status. While their AEB performance in cyclist scenarios was deemed “Adequate,” both vans performed “Good” across other safety indicators.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter & eSprinter: Both the petrol/diesel-powered MY24 Sprinter and its electric counterpart, the eSprinter, achieved Platinum status with an overall score of 89%. They marked a dramatic improvement over previous iterations, which were rated Silver. The Sprinter series now sets a new benchmark in the large van category, thanks to robust safety features such as comprehensive AEB systems and lane support technologies.
Comparison
While the Ford Transit Custom led the pack with the highest safety score (96%), Mercedes-Benz offered a diverse lineup of electrified and standard vans with Platinum-grade safety (ranging from 89% to 90%), establishing a competitive presence in both medium and large van segments.
These achievements underscore the evolving safety standards in commercial vehicles, with manufacturers prioritising the integration of advanced collision avoidance technologies to ensure both driver and pedestrian protection.
