CASE STUDY I FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Supporting NSW vehicle and road safety
Published 20 November 2023
Crash test dummies
Anthropomorphic test devices, known as crash test dummies, are highly sophisticated instruments.
Crash test dummies are vitally important in simulating the human response to impacts, accelerations, forces and moments of inertia generated during a vehicle crash.
Each dummy is designed to model the form, weight and articulation of a human body. Over 100 sensors and transducers located within the dummy provide life-saving data, measuring physical forces exerted on key body parts in a crash event.
Issue
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) required a new anthropomorphic test device — commonly known as a crash test dummy — to complement an existing unit which has been in continuous use since its purchase in 2019.
The crash test dummy was sourced from US supplier Humanetics, the company that created the first such devices 70 years ago.
Representing a significant investment at just over US$915,000, TfNSW sought TCorp’s assistance to quantify the risks and determine an appropriate financial solution for the purchase.
How we helped
As the purchase price of the dummy was in US dollars, TfNSW faced budget uncertainty, unable to forecast exactly how much the unit would cost given constant fluctuations in the AUD/USD exchange rate.
TCorp was able to hedge the risk so that TfNSW could pay a known Australian dollar amount at the time of procurement of the unit.
This transaction not only supported TfNSW in terms of budget management and lowering of financial market risk, but also continued the long-term positive impact for government agencies collaborating with TCorp to achieve improved efficiencies and economies within their procurement practices.
Benefits to the community
The new crash test dummy will be based in the Crashlab test facility in Sydney. Using the latest technology, it will increase data gathering capabilities, assist with independent new car safety ratings and deliver research to support road safety initiatives in vehicles and on NSW roads.
For further information
Jennifer Roberts
Co-Head of Client Relationships,
Financial Markets
Yvonne Blunt
Co-Head of Client Relationships,
Financial Markets
Email: yvonne.blunt@tcorp.nsw.gov.au