Holden's VE ute has gained a perfect score in the latest Aussie crash tests. 
 
The utility is the first Aussie built workhorse to make the grade - with Ford's rival currently only meeting the four-star standard. 
 
Ratings are given by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
 
"As
         well as the growing number of locally-made 5-star vehicles now competing with similar imports, we have just awarded Australia's first 5-star light commercial van rating and now the first 5-star ute," said ANCAP boss Lauchlan McIntosh. "this is great news for motorists and their families and even better that it is a locally-made vehicle."
 
This comes after two extremely poor showings for imported vehicles.
 
"This rating compares to other, recent ANCAP tests which have produced poor 1 and 2-star ratings," said McIntosh.
 
The Malaysian-made Proton Jumbuck only managed one star,  and the super-cheap Great Wall Motors utes were awarded two stars. 
 
"Those motorists who need a work vehicle such as a light commercial or a ute can now opt for 5-star safety in making their new ute purchase," he said.
 
- NZ HERALD STAFF