Sunday, December 04, 2005

Jetta and Passat Named "Top Safety Picks" by IIHS

Text from Volkswagen of America.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat are “Top Safety Picks” for 2006. They earned this distinction based on their results in front and side impact tests plus their seat and head restraints that protect the neck in rear impacts.

“Our vehicles feature precise German engineering and craftsmanship,” said Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Volkswagen cars are designed to meet the stringent safety requirements demanded by the Autobahn.”

Last month, the 2006 Volkswagen Passat earned “Double Best Pick” designation for outstanding performance in front and side tests conducted by the IIHS. The Passat earned the top rating in every individual measurement category (head protection, injuries and structural design) for both the side impact and frontal tests.

Earlier this year, the all-new 2005 Jetta was named a “Best Pick” for side crash protection and earned good ratings for frontal crash protection by the IIHS. At the time, it was the first vehicle ever to earn the top rating in every individual measurement category in side impact tests.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.