***out-dated figures for Lantra and Excel should be disregarded***

Hyundai Automotive today welcomed a statement by the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that the reported crash-test results for the Lantra and Excel models should be disregarded.

Hyundai’s chief executive Mr C. K. Liew said the results, without this qualification, would give customers a false impression about the safety of the Hyundai Lantra and Excel compared with other small cars.

Mr Liew said the latest NCAP data, released today, includes the crash-test results of 1998-model cars from several other manufacturers while the quoted results for the two Hyundai models are more than two years’ old.

"Since the Hyundai cars were crash-tested, Hyundai has introduced structural enhancements which can be expected to improve the results of these models in NCAP-type crash tests," Mr Liew said.

"NCAP says its results are designed to be used to compare the crash protection of cars. By including the crash-tested Excel and Lantra, potential customers would be mislead into believing that the results represent the latest Excel and Lantra models."

Mr Liew said all Hyundai cars pass Australian and international crash-test regulations - without the need for airbags, unlike several other cars.

He said the NCAP testers are fully aware that car manufacturers such as Hyundai are constantly improving their vehicles.

"NCAP, which is run by the automobile clubs and some state road and transport departments, should not publish material which is several years out of date.

"Hopefully the NCAP clarifying statement will restrict the release of confusing and misleading information that could damage our company."

Several changes made
Since the NCAP-type tests were conducted on airbag-equipped and non-airbag versions of the Lantra, Hyundai has incorporated three significant specification upgrades which will greatly influence crash-test results.

"These changes are the addition of seatbelt pre-tensioners, a shock-absorber structure in the steering-wheel centre, and a two-piece lower steering shaft (previously one-piece).

"In addition, the airbag-equipped Lantra was the wrong specification at the time of the crash test. We informed NCAP of their mistake last year.

"The Excel has also undergone structural changes as well as a 1998 model-year facelift since the last NCAP test was conducted on this vehicle.