Media Release: 2 November 2007

AA Congratulates Hyundai on Making ESP Mandatory

The AA congratulates Hyundai for implementing an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) across its entire range of vehicles, a first for a mainstream New Zealand car manufacturer.

ESP may also be referred to as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Vehicle Stability Enhancement (VSE).

Widely regarded as the most significant safety feature since the seatbelt, ESP helps the driver maintain control of a vehicle should a dangerous over-steer or under-steer situation be detected. The system does this by relaying vehicle and wheel speeds, steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle yaw rate (pivot angle) information to a computer that can rapidly brake individual wheels and reduce engine power. This considerably aids the stabilisation of a vehicle, helping keep it on track.

Importantly Hyundai has announced that the inclusion of the ESP system will not add any additional costs to their cars.
“Hyundai’s decision to make ESP a compulsory safety feature is a tremendous step towards making the New Zealand car fleet safer,” says Stella Stocks, General Manager of AA Technical Services.
“While some premium brands offer ESP across their niche range of vehicles, Hyundai is the first mainstream car manufacturer to do so in New Zealand. Given Hyundai’s wide variety of cars – from the affordable Getz through to the luxurious Grandeur – this safety feature has now become available to almost everyone.”

“I hope Hyundai’s announcement encourages more car manufacturers to make the ESP system standard throughout their range of vehicles.”

“Although the ESP system is expected to reduce the number of accidents, and potentially fatalities, drivers should not think they are bullet proof and must remember to drive to the conditions. An ESP system will only assist to a point,” says Ms Stocks.

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