Chevrolet Replaces Malibu in Miracle Story of Survival

Marc Keinath walks away from horrific crash after his 2004 Malibu was destroyed, pinned under a 20-ton tractor trailer

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Jan 21, 2011, 01:59 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marc Keinath miraculously survived an icy encounter with a tractor-trailer this week. His 2004 Malibu didn't, but Chevrolet wrote the next chapter in the amazing story on Friday, presenting Keinath with the keys to a new 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

"This is an incredible story of survival that shows you just never know what's going to happen on the road," said Rick Scheidt, executive director at Chevrolet. "When you look at Marc's Malibu, you would never expect anyone would ever walk away from it."

Keinath, 30, of Millington, Mich., was driving his 2004 Chevrolet Malibu along Interstate 75 in Genesee County, Mich. when he encountered a patch of black ice and spun out. When he regained control of the car, the tractor trailer hauling 20 tons of sugar smashed into the rear of Keinath's Malibu before falling on top of it. As parts of the roof of the Malibu began to yield under the tremendous weight of the trailer, Keinath fully reclined his seat to give him more room inside, reached for his cell phone and dialed 911.

He walked away with no serious injuries.

"It's been a heck of a week for me," said Keinath. "I want to thank God for giving me a second chance at life, the firefighters and first responders who helped me, and Chevy for making a car that can hold a semi."

Keinath's new 2011 Malibu, which was named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the 2010 and 2011 model years, will come equipped with two years of lifesaving OnStar technology.

OnStar has Automatic Crash Response. In the event of a collision, sensors built into the Malibu can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor, who is immediately connected into the vehicle to see if help is needed. Even if the occupant is hurt and can't respond, the Advisor knows the vehicle's exact location through GPS technology, and can direct emergency responders to the scene.

Over the past 15 years, OnStar Advisors have responded to more than 148,000 vehicle crashes, unlocked more than 4.8 million doors, provided 2.4 million subscribers with roadside assistance and located more than 51,000 stolen vehicles.

Keinath's new Malibu also has six air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, four-wheel antilock brakes, and a high strength steel safety cage including enhanced roof strength as demonstrated by the IIHS roof strength test. All of this equipment is standard.

"Stories like Marc's reminds us why we design and engineer every Chevrolet to help drivers avoid a crash, protect people in the unfortunate event of a crash, and with OnStar offer immediate help after a crash," said Scheidt.

The Malibu was presented to Keinath as part of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan visit to General Motors' Flint Engine Operations.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. 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 Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. 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 can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About OnStar

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

SOURCE General Motors