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2011 Chevrolet Volt earns U.S. IIHS Top Safety Pick

2011-04-26

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DETROIT – The 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability has been named a Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 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 family's 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 OnStar's* 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.

* OnStar is GM's U.S. on-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.