Volkswagen has been hailed at as a “trailblazer” as it announces all its UK vans will now come with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard.
Effective for orders from 1 June 2017, VW’s Front Assist with City Emergency Braking technology will be included on all Caddy, Transporter and Crafter vans.
AEB technology has been found to cut third-party injury insurance claims by 45% in Thatcham research – in addition, vehicles fitted with AEB have an average insurance premium reduction of 10% compared to those which don’t.
Peter Shaw, chief executive at Thatcham Research, said: “Volkswagen should be applauded for being the first manufacturer to fit AEB as standard on all their vans in the UK. The truth is that we are seeing a year on year rise in deaths and serious injuries involving vans, which this technology can help to avoid.
“It is shocking that AEB, a proven lifesaving technology, has not been widely available to van owners or drivers until now. We call upon all vehicle manufacture to follow Volkswagen’s lead, and fit AEB as standard across all their light commercial vehicles as soon as possible.”
