USA - The BMW 2-Series Coupe & 3-Series Sedan both gain the Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

BMW is proud to announce the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe and 2017 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick+”, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offer class-leading safety with each new model. 

In order to earn a 2017 Top Safety Pick +, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five IIHS crashworthiness tests — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. 

As well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and new for 2017, an acceptable or good headlight rating.

Following BMW’s commitment to safety, the BMW 3 Series Sedan underwent a series of small overlap enhancement measures for its 2017 model year. 

The IIHS evaluated this new 3 Series in December of 2016 receiving a “GOOD” rating in the tough small overlap crash test, ensuring the 2017 BMW 3 Series Sedan a TSP+ grade.

Since its introduction in 2014, the BMW 2 Series has been recognized by the IIHS every year for four consecutive appearances. The 2 Series has been praised for its body structure integrity receiving a top rating in all crashworthiness tests. 

Most recently the 2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe was awarded a “Top Safety Pick” in the 2017 IIHS TSP/TSP+ in early December 2016. 

BMW then implemented improvements to the 2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe headlights. The IIHS evaluated this vehicle at their proving grounds in late December 2016 and was awarded a “GOOD” rating. 

With this result the 2017 BMW 2 Series earns once again a “Top Safety Pick +” rating.

The 2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe and 2017 BMW 3 Series Coupe provide a high-level of standard safety features including BMW Assist eCall, BMW TeleService, Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Dry Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. 

Optional features such as Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning including Pedestrian Warning and City Collision Mitigation are also available.

USA - Lincoln takes two IIHS Top Pick awards for the MKX and MKZ models.

The new Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX have been named top safety picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in their respective categories:

• Lincoln MKZ, Midsize Luxury Car Winner*
• Lincoln MKX, Midsize Luxury SUV Winner*

IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine crashworthiness - how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. It also rates vehicles for front-crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision. 

The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick which has been awarded since the 2006 model year, or Top Safety Pick+, which was inaugurated in 2013.

According to IIHS, to qualify for 2017 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in five crashworthiness tests - small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints - as well as a basic rating for front crash prevention. Also, IIHS says, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

The new Lincoln MKX further strengthens Lincoln’s position in the midsize luxury utility segment, one of the largest luxury segments in the U.S., representing about one-quarter of the retail luxury automotive market.

The new Lincoln MKZ for 2017 combines intuitive technology, effortless performance and distinctive design to deliver an enhanced driving experience Lincoln calls quiet luxury.

The vehicles are available with a suite of intuitive, driver-assist technologies. Their Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses camera and radar technology to monitor the vehicle’s proximity to other vehicles and pedestrians. If a potential collision is detected, the system can alert the driver with visible and audible warnings and, if needed, pre-charge the brakes and increase brake sensitivity to help provide full responsiveness.

The lane-keeping system uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings. It can apply steering wheel torque and alert the driver with a steering wheel vibration should sensors detect drifting.

Both vehicles are equipped with BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert uses radar sensors to alert drivers with lights in their sideview mirrors if another vehicle is detected in blind spots. When drivers are backing up, the system can detect a vehicle approaching from either side, notifying drivers with a warning light and an audible tone.

An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for Lincoln owners. Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes or lessen the severity of such events.

* With optional front crash prevention

USA - The Genesis G90 flagship saloon also gains the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for 2017.

• 2017 Genesis G90 3.3T flagship sedan awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• G90 provides uncompromised standardized safety with comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technology

The 2017 Genesis G90 earned one of the industry’s highest safety honors as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ due to its exceptional performance during testing. 

The Genesis G90 embodies a smarter, more progressive approach to luxury and safety by keeping innovation and elegance as top priorities.

“Safety is a hallmark of the Genesis brand with advanced safety technology standard on the G90 and a suite of features that is unmatched in the premium luxury class,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. 

“We have the ultimate respect for our drivers and passengers and strive to offer vehicles with world-class safety innovations.”

To ensure driver confidence and occupant safety, the G90 features the most comprehensive array of standard safety technology in the premium luxury class including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Smart Blind Spot Detection. 

The automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection employs a camera and a radar sensor to engage the automatic braking power from 5 to 50 mph. In addition, the G90 puts passenger safety at the forefront by automatically tightening seatbelts when it detects a quick turn, slippery roads, acceleration or change in direction. Mechanical and technological advances have also added to the safety of the G90 due to its advanced high strength steel, rigid platform and Multi-view Camera System featuring four external cameras.

The IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine the overall crashworthiness and how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. It also rates vehicles for front crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision. To qualify for 2017 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating. The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick+, which has been awarded since 2013.

USA - The Mitsubishi Outlander has gained the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

• Mitsubishi Outlander* earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for fourth consecutive year

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced that the 2017 Outlander seven-passenger crossover has been named an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipient for the fourth year in a row when equipped with optional Touring Package*. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent non-profit scientific and educational organization that researches, performs evaluations, and assesses safety ratings in crash testing of production vehicles. 

To qualify for 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.

"At Mitsubishi Motors we are committed to safety and providing the best value for our customers," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MMNA. "Competitively priced, the 2017 Outlander remains a leader in reliability and has expanded upon last year's model enhancements with new advanced safety technologies."

With a starting MSRP of only $23,495, standard safety features in the 2017 Outlander include seven air bags including the driver's knee airbag, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist, Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). 

The 2017 Outlander SEL with 2WD and Touring Package features Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Pedestrian Detection (PD) system, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and is available for $29,495.

For more information on the Mitsubishi Outlander visit media.mitsubishimotors.com.

*Applies only to models with optional Touring Package

USA - The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica take a Top Pick+ safety rating in the latest round of announcements.

• All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica named IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2017; only minivan so-designated
• Second TSP+ rating for Chrysler Pacifica; complements five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA
• All-new Pacifica achieves “good” rating – the highest possible grade – in each of five tests used by IIHS to evaluate crashworthiness
• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica benefits from advanced engineering and a body structure that is 72 percent high-strength steel
• Available Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, earns “superior” rating from IIHS; features sensor-fusion technology – the industry’s first minivan to be so-equipped
• 2017 Chrysler Pacifica offers more than 100 available safety and security features
• Latest of more than two dozen recognitions for all-new minivan

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the lone minivan among vehicles to earn a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating** from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Today’s announcement by the IIHS reprises the Chrysler Pacifica’s 2016 TSP+ designation, and complements the five-star overall safety rating the Pacifica achieved in testing by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“With more than 100 available safety and security features, everything from Forward Collision Warning to a 360-degree Surround View Camera to the ability to parallel park itself, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is designed and built to check the box on key attributes many families value above all others – safety and security,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – FCA North America. 

“Pacifica is the only minivan to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2017, further solidifying its place as the leader in the segment.”

TSP+ status is contingent on achieving ratings of “good” in five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. The Chrysler Pacifica achieves “good” – the highest possible rating – in each. The tests simulate:

• a side impact with a large SUV or pickup truck;
• a moderate-offset frontal impact;
• a small-offset frontal impact;
• roof-deformation consistent with a rollover; and
• a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash.

High-strength steel accounts for 72 percent of its body structure, 38 percent of which is Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). Such material choice was a key contributor to the all-new minivan’s crashworthiness, however, advanced engineering contributed further.

Using an in-house process called Rapid Concept Development (RCD), FCA US engineers employed high-powered computers to identify optimal body-structure design. The computers help simulate vehicle performance and pinpoint strategies that best accommodate occupant protection.

In certain frontal impacts, these strategies include dividing crash energy between multiple components, such as frame rails and the vehicle’s engine cradle.

While the all-new Pacifica aces the required crash tests, the best safety features are those that help drivers avoid collisions. 

The Chrysler Pacifica’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system earns a rating of “superior,” the highest possible grade the IIHS awards for this technology and another prerequisite to achieve TSP+ status.

The Pacifica’s system is called Forward Collision Warning-Plus. It features sensor-fusion technology, which combines the particular attributes of radar sensors and cameras for greater precision. The system only responds when camera and radar agree that a frontal impact appears imminent.

System response comprises audible and visual driver warnings and/or AEB. And no other minivan features sensor-fusion technology; competitive systems employ either cameras or radar sensors.

AEB is available in 10 FCA US vehicles across seven segments:

• Full-size SUV (Dodge Durango)
• Mid-size SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee)
• Small SUV/Crossover (Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X)
• Mid-size sedan (Chrysler 200)
• Premium mid-size sedan (Alfa Romeo Giulia)
• Full-size sedan (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger)
• Minivan (Chrysler Pacifica)

Forward Collision Warning-Plus is among more than 100 safety and security features available on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which starts at $28,595, excluding destination charges. 

Earning a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ designation is the latest in a string of more than two dozen honors accumulated, so far, by the all-new Chrysler Pacifica. Numerous North American automotive publications and journalism organizations, such as the following, have named it among 2017’s “best” vehicles:

• Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)
• Car and Driver
• Cars.com
• Consumer Guide® Automotive
• Kelley Blue Book
• Ruedas ESPN
• The Car Connection
• The Car Guide / Le Guide de L'Auto 
• Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA)

** The designation applies to any 2017 Chrysler Pacifica produced after August 2016.

Volkswagen has six models that have a rating of at least Good in the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Ratings.

• Jetta earns TSP+ rating, Golf 4-door and Passat models earn TSP

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that several of its 2017 models have earned 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• The 2017 Jetta, when equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Xenon headlights, has earned TOP SAFETY PICK+
• The 2017 Volkswagen Golf 4-door, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI 4-door and Golf SportWagen, when equipped with optional Front Assist, have earned TOP SAFETY PICK 
• The 2017 Passat, featuring standard Front Assist, has earned TOP SAFETY PICK

The 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK award is issued to vehicles that have earned good ratings in IIHS tests evaluated in five categories: frontal impact moderate overlap; frontal impact small overlap; side impact; roof strength; and head restraints. 

It must also offer an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) that earns at least an advanced rating for front crash prevention.

The 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating is issued to vehicles that have met all of the TOP SAFETY PICK criteria and must offer headlights that earn at least an acceptable rating for visibility and lack of excessive glare.

“At Volkswagen, we strongly believe that the latest advanced driver assist technologies can be delivered without being in the premium segment,” said Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy. ”The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings awarded to a variety of Volkswagen models compliments our ongoing commitment to offering these features .”

Volkswagen’s Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking system (Front Assist) driver assistance system uses one or more radar sensors combined with a camera to help monitor the distance of traffic ahead of the vehicle. 

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps alert the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a clear warning symbol in the instrument cluster above 19 mph, and, if necessary, braking is initiated to slow the vehicle in the system speed range. 

If the driver fails to apply the brakes, the system autonomously applies them; if the pedal is engaged but the driver brakes too lightly, the pressure is increased by the system (targeted braking).  Front Assist is optional on 2017 Jetta and Golf models and standard on the 2017 Passat.

Other available driver assistance features on the 2017 Jetta, Golf family and Passat include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, an active Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), and Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Availability depends on model and trim.

All Volkswagen models offer a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. The 2017 Jetta, Golf models and Passat are equipped with the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard.

IIHS launched its front crash prevention rating program in 2013 to help consumers sort through the maze of available technologies and zero in on the most effective systems. 

Honda has six cars that have the Top Safety Pick ratings, one of the best brands around.

• Six Honda models among top IIHS-rated vehicles for 2017
• Honda is a top leader in safety ratings

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline, a finalist for the 2017 North American Truck of the Year award, is the first and only pickup truck to earn the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

For the 2017 model year, three Honda models earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ and three models received a TOP SAFETY PICK rating under the Institute’s more stringent 2017 ratings requirements, making Honda a top leader in safety ratings in the automotive industry.

2017 Honda TOP SAFETY PICK+Vehicles:

• Ridgeline with Honda Sensing™ and LED headlights
• Accord Sedan with Honda Sensing™ and projector beam halogen headlights
• Pilot with Honda Sensing™ and LED headlights

2017 Honda TOP SAFETY PICK Vehicles:

• Accord Coupe with Honda Sensing™
• Civic Coupe with Honda Sensing™
• Civic Sedan with Honda Sensing™

Honda vehicles offer a broad range of active and passive safety features, including the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, which can help avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. 

There are more than 300,000 Honda Sensing-equipped vehicles on U.S. roads today. Honda Sensing is available on the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline. Honda Sensing technologies include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

All 2017 Honda models come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera as standard equipment. Additional standard safety equipment on all Honda models include Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); advanced front airbags; and front side airbags.