Thatcham Research hails Volkswagen as a "trailblazer" as it announces standard fitment of AEB on all UK vans from 1 June 2017

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research, commenting on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ decision to fit Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard on all UK vans from 1 June 2017 said:

“Volkswagen is a trailblazer and 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.”

Not only does autonomous emergency braking have the potential to reduce the number and severity of accidents, it has also been proven to cut third party injury insurance claims by 45 per cent. For van drivers and fleet operators, this means lower costs as well as less downtime thanks to fewer crashes and therefore drivers and vans kept on the road – and working – for longer. In addition, vehicles fitted with autonomous emergency braking systems have an average insurance premium reduction of ten per cent compared to those which don’t.

Volkswagen is the first commercial vehicle brand to fit all its vans (Caddy, Transporter and Crafter) with autonomous emergency braking systems (Front Assist with City Emergency Braking).