An innovative initiative by Australasia's independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, has seen its consumer engagement activities extend into regional dealerships for the first time.

In an effort to incorporate safety as an integral part of the sales conversation, crash-tested vehicle wrecks are entering new car dealership showrooms across the country – in metropolitan and now regional dealerships.

"Dealers are crucial advocates for ANCAP and the safer vehicles message," said ANCAP Chief Executive, Mr James Goodwin.

"Having consumers able to see, touch and even sit in a vehicle that's been crash-tested – complete with deployed airbags and visible dummy contact points – is a unique experience."

ANCAP consumer polling shows, of those who received safety information from dealers prior to purchase, that information played a direct role in the purchasing decision of 88 per cent.

"We are stepping up our engagement with dealers, working with a range of vehicle brands, dealer groups and the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) to provide consumers with a tangible example of vehicle safety."

"It is important we engage with dealers and consumers at the point-of-sale, and in particular, it is important we bring our display vehicles to regional dealerships as two thirds [66%] of all road deaths occur in regional and remote areas," Mr Goodwin added.

"With the introduction of automated vehicle technologies, the car buying experience must also change, to educate consumers on the benefits and function of safety assist features."

The Kia Stinger is the first crash-tested vehicle to take up residence in a regional dealership, alongside its pristine equivalent on the showroom floor of Bathurst Kia. Its journey will continue over coming months with displays scheduled for dealerships in Dubbo, Orange and Lithgow.

A Mazda CX-5, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Kona, LDV D90 and Toyota Corolla also form part of the national display roadshow.

Images and crash test footage of the Kia Stinger, and other vehicle models, can be downloaded here.