Hyundai New Zealand has come out in strong support of the AA's crash statement this morning and is challenging other car makers to make safety a bigger priority. "Safety is not an option at Hyundai New Zealand; we have a responsibility as distributors to ensure only the safest products available are on the market and also do our bit to get unsafe, high carbon emitting vehicles off the road." Says Philip Eustace, Executive Director Hyundai New Zealand.

"As AA research has shown* consumers, choose a vehicle based on colour, fuel efficiency and price not safety. We believe it is the carmakers responsibility to make life saving features such as electronic stability program (ESP) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) standard.

Back in 2002 Hyundai upped the anti with safety by ensuring all their vehicles had ABS with EBD, twin airbags and putting full first aid kits, high visibility vests and fire extinguishers in every vehicle they sold.

"That was the easy bit;" says Philip.

"In 2007 Hyundai became the first car maker in New Zealand to offer the safety benefits of ESP across our entire range and we have long been campaigning for other car makers to do the same. This at times has meant not introducing certain models to the market here (such as the H-1 petrol van) as they do not come with ESP as an option from the factory."

Hyundai currently have some of the safest cars in New Zealand with the i30 and i30 Wagon recently being awarded a five star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and the H-1 Van is one of only three commercial vehicles on the road that has a four star rating, currently none have five star.

Philip continued, "We understand times are tough, we are doing everything we can to support the consumer into getting into safe vehicles - we launched an Assurance Scheme earlier this year that allows you to take a break from car repayments if you get made redundant and if you are unable to find a new job lets you return the car.

We really encourage people to look at all the options - owning a new car or newer second hand car is more attainable now than ever and as the AA has shown us this morning, could even save your life."