GM Mid-size Crossovers Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick
By Anna Kretz
Vehicle Line Executive
Yesterday, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) posted on its web site that the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook have earned its TOP SAFETY PICK award. While there are many different measures to consider a vehicle’s safety, IIHS may be one of the more recognizable organizations that conduct such testing.
As with other vehicle programs, when we began to develop these vehicles, we established high targets for safety and included a comprehensive safety system designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. We started with a safety cage using high-strength structural steel components to help maintain occupant space and included such safety technologies as an electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and Panic Brake Assist. It’s no surprise that these vehicles are leaders in safety ratings, and this award from IIHS underscores that. In fact, it complements the highest possible ratings of five stars that these vehicles received from the National Highway Traffic Administration New Car Assessment Program for front and side crash tests.
Very soon, we’ll be launching the Chevrolet Traverse, which has the same level of safety content and introduces a few new features like blind spot mirrors. Traverse also will offer other conveniences like a rearview camera image that appears in the rearview mirror and the ability to send travel directions from your computer to your vehicle’s OnStar system.
We recently invited the automotive media to drive and compare Traverse to competitive vehicles at our Proving Ground in Milford, Mich. Without giving away their impressions, I’ll simply say we’re looking forward to seeing more of their reviews. And as soon as Traverse arrives in Chevrolet dealerships, I look forward to hearing what customers have to say.
- Posted in Cars & Trucks
Christopher Popa
Remember, if the Buick Enclave truly is “the finest luxury crossover ever,” then it can’t stand still and its option level or features need to be continually improved and strengthened. You have a great, competitive vehicle there, GM, don’t squander it!
Matt Plevrakis
Picture this: A TV spot showing bulletins or headlines rolling through a black screen on the Quality, Safety, Performance, Practicality and Fuel Economy of these great cars. Then on the screen will appear the 3 Lansing build models with a crowd of employees in the background and a spokesperson in front pointing to all the great accolades and telling the public “Now you can buy these cars for what we the employees who build them pay”.
I have a friend who just recently purchased a GMC Acadia and simply loves it. and another who wished he could get out from a 3 year lease on a Acura to get into an Acadia.
Fred
GM seems to be on a roll. Malibu, Traverse, Cruze all seem to be very very nice cars.
Oh and I just saw spy shots of the production Volt… AMAZING! It’s one of the most beautiful compacts I have ever seen. The interior and interface also look really cool. I don’t see how GM could have come up with a much better or more appropriate design.
Rum Doodle
~ “I don’t see how GM could have come up with a much better or more appropriate design.”
They could give it some added usefulness by making a hatchback version. Something that would make it practical for those Saturday morning trips to the home improvement store.