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A ute manufacturer has been called out by one of Australia’s largest independent vehicle safety authorities for misinformation about the number of airbags fitted to one of its key new models.
This week, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) reported that all versions of the KGM Musso EV sold in this country have six airbags, not the eight stated in advertising material since the battery electric dual cab ute series launched in November.
It does not have a centre airbag, situated between the front seats to reduce person-to-person contact in side impact crashes, or a driver’s side knee airbag, designed to mitigate leg injury.
The Musso EV does contain the six airbags as listed in the Model Year 2026 specifications: dual front, side curtain and head airbags, totalling to six airbags.
No other models from the manufacturer are involved, including the diesel-powered Musso ute, Actyon and Torres medium-sized SUVs and Rexton large SUV.
A KGM spokesperson said the miscount was due to human error, made in published product information about the MY26 Musso EV.
“Some materials incorrectly described the vehicle as being equipped with eight airbags, including a driver SRS knee airbag and front seat centre airbag,” a statement from the company said.
“The correct Australian specification is six airbags. The vehicle has always been manufactured in this six-airbag configuration.”
KGM had already begun alerting owners of the Musso EV, as well as to discuss any possible compensation, and immediately rectified the marketing and specification materials.
“KGM Australia takes the accuracy of information provided to customers seriously and is reviewing the circumstances that led to the error,” the company said. “Customers with questions or concerns can contact KGM Australia or their authorised KGM dealer.”
It is believed that the misinformation regarding airbag count affects around 306 vehicles at the time of publishing.
ANCAP said it encouraged KGM to change its production to fit the additional centre and driver knee airbags to the Australian-supplied vehicles.
The Musso EV is a notable vehicle in Australia for two reasons.
Firstly, it is the first comparatively affordable EV ute ever sold in Australia, with the base two-wheel drive model starting at $60,000 drive-away. In contrast, the fully electric Toyots Hilux is priced from $85,000, while the now-discontinued LDV eT60 cost over $90,000.
Secondly, the KGM is among the few monocoque-bodied dual-cab utes in this country, as part of a wider global trend to lighter and more-efficient pick-ups, as defined by North America’s ultra-successful Ford Maverick. This does away with the bulky and heavy truck-like separate-chassis construction, as offered by alternatives such as the Toyota HiLux.
KGM is part of KGM Mobility; the brand formerly known as SsangYong in Australia from the mid-1990s until 2023. It dates back even further, to a light commercial manufacturer known as Dong-A-Motor established in 1954.
