Chrysler Enters IIHS Top Safety Pick Frenzy with Five Models

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested a new batch of vehicles and, after releasing the results, most companies that earned the Top Safety Pick rushed to step in front of the media to applaud its vehicles.

Chrysler is one of the carmakers that was awarded a Top Safety Pick for no less than five of its models, each of them specifically redesigned for the model year 2011 or upgraded with new safety features. The new Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Chrysler 200, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Patriot received the Good rating in the front, side, rollover and rear crashtests conducted by the IIHS.

"With the addition of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 200, Chrysler Group has five Top Safety Picks in the 2011 model year. This recognition by the IIHS underscores our commitment to safety across all vehicle segments," said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. "As we continue with our product transformation, we'll continue to engineer safety leadership and more capabilities into all our vehicles."

Both the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 200 are new entries in the Top Safety Pick category, while Dodge Avenger and Journey received the award for the third consecutive year. The Jeep Patriot on the other hand earned the recognition for the second straight year.

"Automakers deserve credit for quickly rising to meet more-challenging criteria for Top Safety Pick," says Adrian Lund, the Institute's president. "That gives consumers shopping for a safer new car or SUV – from economy to luxury – plenty of choices to consider in most dealer showrooms."