2011 Chevrolet Cruze Achieves 5-Star Overall Safety Score

SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Buyers Guide

DETROIT, Dec. 23, 2010 -- The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze earned five-star crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further building on the vehicle's safety record in markets around the world.

The Cruze was tested under NHTSA's revised New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) implemented this fall for the 2011 model year. The rating is based on more rigorous frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing. Under the new system, the three test conditions are combined mathematically into an "Overall Vehicle Score."

The Cruze is the first vehicle tested under the new rating system to achieve five stars in each of the individual crash impact conditions, leading to an overall vehicle score of five stars – the highest rating possible.

"Cruze has achieved five-star crash safety scores everywhere it is rated in the world.  This is the direct result of our global engineering team's focused effort," said Jeff Boyer, General Motors' executive director of vehicle safety. "These safety ratings reflect the confidence we have in Cruze's state-of-the-art safety technologies and overall crashworthiness."

The 2011 Cruze offers more standard safety features than any vehicle in its class and represents Chevrolet's commitment to continuous safety – before, during and after a crash.  Standard features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, Panic Brake Assist and Enhanced Smart Pedal / Brake Override. The Cruze is the first car in its class with 10 standard air bags, including front knee air bags – a segment first. OnStar's safety and security package is standard.

"Cruze is winning over consumers with its design, amenities, fuel economy and strong value for the money," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "The five-star overall vehicle safety score provides another great reason for small car buyers to consider Cruze."

The Cruze also received the highest-possible ratings of "Good" in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which recognized Cruze as a 2011 Top Safety Pick.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial in 2011 as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. 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.