DETROIT The 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, achieving good scores in four types of crash tests and offering crash-avoiding electronic stability control.
The IIHS tests vehicles to determine how well they protect occupants in front and side crash tests, a rollover test, and simulated rear impacts to evaluate seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries..
Safety remains one of the most important factors buyers weigh when purchasing a vehicle, said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive. The IIHS designation reiterates the Volt as a safe, practical vehicle that can be a familys only car without compromises.
Safety features on the Volt include:
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control
- Front side, knee and full-length side curtain airbags
- LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children)
- Five-year subscription to OnStars Directions and Connections Plan including Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation
Because the Volt operates so quietly in all-electric mode, a driver-activated feature sounds a noise to alert pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments, in an intersection. The alert was developed in conjunction with the American Federation of the Blind.
With this rating, the Volt joins the Chevrolet Cruze, another small car that recently earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick.
About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. From todays Cruze Eco which consumes just 4.6 L/100 km on the highway to the Volt coming this fall, which provides up to 80 kilometres of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 500 kilometres of extended range, Chevrolet offers gas-friendly to gas-free solutions. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse and a host of new, smaller, highly efficient models to come including the all-new Orlando and Sonic (fall 2011) and Spark (2012). Chevrolet also provides iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro as well as dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada.