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Chevrolet Volt and Malibu receive five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

2011-11-23

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Zurich. Chevrolet's electric vehicle with extended range capability, the Volt, and the brand's new flagship in Europe, the Malibu, have both been awarded a top five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), which released its latest results today. The Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle from an American manufacturer to receive Euro NCAP's top rating in all categories.

"The results confirm that both vehicles meet today's highest safety standards. The Volt's safety performance and propulsion concept highlight the reliability and practicality that is inherent to this outstanding design", said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe.

Euro NCAP is the latest of several specialized organizations to give the Volt top marks. In April 2011, the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the car its "Top Safety Pick" while the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the car a five-star rating.

The Chevrolet Volt has an extremely rigid body structure consisting of advanced high-strength and ultra-high strength steels. Its active and passive safety features include:

• standard four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Control
• 8 standard airbags and a collapsible pedal assembly
• an ISOFIX child seat installation system for the rear seating positions
• adjustable head restraints on the front seats for protection against whiplash injury
• an acoustic signal that can be activated by the driver to warn pedestrians of its approach.

The new Chevrolet Malibu is the first to be sold in Europe and the eighth generation of a highly successful nameplate in the United States. It, too, features a sophisticated crash impact structure for maximum protection in the event of a collision. The European edition will be equipped with a total of 6 airbags and a comprehensive range of chassis control systems. Malibu is the auto industry's longest-running midsize nameplate, spanning 35 years, six decades, and eight generations.

Earlier this year, the Aveo hatchback – currently the safest car in its segment – the Chevrolet Orlando and the Captiva SUV were awarded a five-star rating. The brand's best-selling nameplate, the Chevrolet Cruze sedan, too, has won Euro NCAP's top safety award.

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.