Media Europe

Chevrolet Volt earns NHTSA five-star overall safety rating

2011-06-06

Back to overview

Print   |  Word   |  Share This   | 

DETROIT – The Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle to earn a five-star overall vehicle score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program.

"Safety is a key consideration for all buyers no matter how a car is powered – gas, or in the case of the Volt, electricity," said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive.

The Volt also has been named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Safety features on the Volt include:

• GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
•  Front-, side- , knee- air bags as well as  roof-mounted head-curtain air bags that help protect occupants in a side or rollover crash
• Optional rearview camera system featuring a display integrated into the navigation system screen
• Five-year subscription to OnStar's Directions and Connections Plan including Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation *

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star safety ratings program that provide more comprehensive information about safety performance and crash-avoidance technologies.

The Volt has a total driving range of more than 600 kilometers. For the first 60 kilometers, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range for additional 550 kilometers on a full tank.

European customers will be able to get their hands on the Volt at selected Chevrolet dealerships by the end of 2011.

* available in North America only

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.