2011 Chevrolet Traverse Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Highest possible ratings achieved in all Insurance Institute safety tests

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Mar 10, 2011, 09:46 ET

DETROIT, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse today received a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for all models built after January.

"Car buyers shopping for safety get a big head start with vehicles earning our Top Safety Pick designation," said Institute president Adrian Lund. "This award highlights the elite group of vehicles that earn top Institute safety ratings across the board, and that have electronic stability control."

Vehicles named Top Safety Picks must achieve the highest possible IIHS ratings of "Good" in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests in addition to having electronic stability control.

The Traverse earlier earned a 5-star overall vehicle score in the revised New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2011 Traverse represents Chevrolet's commitment to continuous safety – before, during and after a crash. Before a crash, active safety features like StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes help drivers avoid crashes.

Technologies like rollover sensing, six standard air bags, front seat safety belt pretensioners and load limiters help protect occupants during a crash. Pretensioners reduce safety belt slack, and load limiters moderate the load of the safety belt on the occupant in a crash. Both safety belt technologies work together to help keep occupants in place during a crash.

After a crash, OnStar's Automatic Crash Response alerts first responders to get medical assistance on site as quickly as possible.

"The IIHS Top Safety Pick Award reinforces the already strong safety reputation of the Traverse," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "Traverse is a well-equipped crossover that provides the people- and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs – all delivered in a proven safe and efficient package."

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recently named the Traverse one of its Top 10 Family Cars for 2011. Vehicle safety was a key consideration in the assessment along with comfort, economy of operation, child-friendliness, purchase price and resale value.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com .

SOURCE General Motors