The handover took place this week at Global NCAP’s annual meeting in Antwerp, Belgium, with Mr Mosley stepping down after serving in the role since the organisation – the peak body representing the world’s independent NCAP crash-test authorities – was formed in 2011.
Mr McIntosh retired from the ANCAP board at the end of last year after more than 20 years of service, having helped shape independent crash testing of light vehicles in Australia and lifting vehicle safety standards – and the industry’s acceptance of its tough testing regime – to the point where the maximum five-star rating is generally considered the minimum requirement among consumers, fleet purchasers and the car manufacturers themselves.
Mr McIntosh remained on Global NCAP’s board of trustees this year and has maintained other posts such as president of the Australasian College of Road Safety – a position he has held since 2008.
Earlier this month, he was appointed principal adviser to the new ministerial inquiry into the federal government’s National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 announced by infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester.
As Global NCAP chairman, Mr McIntosh will work alongside secretary general David Ward in the ongoing promotion and running of independent research and testing programs and further development of NCAP in emerging markets.
Shake on it: Lauchlan McIntosh (left) with Max Mosley, who said this week he was “happy to have left Global NCAP in his charge”.
“Global NCAP’s work has fundamentally changed vehicle safety worldwide, I’ve been proud to be part of that work as a member of the board of trustees and look forward to continuing to do so as chairman,” Mr McIntosh said.
“I want to thank Max for his leadership and great work; he has been a true champion of road safety and an inspiration.”
A former long-standing FIA president (1993-2009) and Formula One racing car constructor and team owner, Mr Mosley’s influence on the broader car manufacturing industry stems from his pursuit of increased safety and the use of green technologies in international motor racing.
Current ANCAP chair Wendy Machin was quick to congratulate Mr McIntosh on his appointment – and to urge that he “take the lead” in encouraging closer co-operation between the various NCAP organisations.
“Lauchlan has been a dedicated advocate for road safety for decades – both in Australia and beyond,” she said.
“As a member of the Global NCAP board of trustees since its formation, he has been pivotal in encouraging collaboration amongst NCAPs around the world, and his appointment to chairman will no doubt accelerate this for the betterment of consumers in all regions.
“We would encourage Lauchlan to use his time as Global NCAP chairman to take the lead in assisting NCAPs to share their knowledge and experience.
“We all share a common goal to reduce the road toll through safer vehicles, whether that be through consumer information, industry encouragement or regulatory assistance, and we can accelerate road safety outcomes through increased collaboration.”
Ms Machin also pointed to Mr Mosley’s achievements as chairman, saying that “important vehicle safety initiatives undertaken under his leadership have highlighted the need for non-regulatory pressure to effect faster change, particularly in emerging mobility markets”.
“It is pleasing to see vehicle safety is now at the forefront of minds in these regions,” she said.
Mr Ward described Mr McIntosh as “an extraordinary champion for road safety in Australia and around the world”.
“He has always shown determined leadership, whether as executive director of the Australian Automobile Association, chairman of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and president of the Australasian College of Road Safety,” he said.
“Since Global NCAP’s foundation he has made a huge contribution serving on our board of trustees. I look forward to working with him to help fulfil the mission and objectives of Global NCAP.”
Mr Mosley also expressed confidence that Mr McIntosh wold “do a great job”.
“I’ve had the pleasure to know him for many years and seen first-hand his contribution to car safety during his 20-year tenure as chairman of the Australasian NCAP,” he said.
By Terry Martin
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