Tougher testing limits auto-safety stars
A crash test run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2009) Credit: Handout
Three new models crucial to resurgent U.S. automakers received positive, four-star ratings in U.S. government crash-safety tests that were toughened in response to concerns voiced by safety and consumer groups.
The news was less encouraging for Toyota Motor Corp. Its Camry, the best-selling vehicle in North America, earned an average three stars and was outperformed by virtually every other vehicle included in a first analysis of 2011 models conducted by the Transportation Department.
Just two models of nearly three dozen tested - the Hyundai Sonata sedan and the BMW 5 series sedan - received the highest mark of five stars.
The tests, whose results were released yesterday, used a reworked rating system that measures front, side and rollover crash protection for 2011 vehicles. More results are due out in coming months.
General Motors' Chevrolet Malibu earned good ratings for front crash protection and excellent in the side test.
Ford Motor Co.'s Fiesta compact posted scores identical to those of the Malibu in the safety tests. Ford is placing a large bet on the vehicle, whose early sales are promising.
Chrysler's redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee four-wheel-drive SUV received the same marks as Malibu and Fiesta. A rear-wheel version scored only average marks for rollover.
The new system adds an overall score, and for the first time the tests will include dummies representing women and collect data about a wider variety of injuries.
The so-called "Stars on Cars" system began in 1979 but is being revamped for the 2011 model year because so many vehicles received top marks under the old system, making it difficult to distinguish the best performers.
Typically, more than 90 percent of the vehicles tested under the old system earned four or five stars. In 1979, less than 30 percent got four or five stars.
"We are raising the bar on safety," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
With AP
Updated 53 minutes ago As we remember those we lost on 9/11, we're looking at the ongoing battle to secure long term protection for first responders and the latest twists and turns in the casesof the accused terrorists.
Updated 53 minutes ago As we remember those we lost on 9/11, we're looking at the ongoing battle to secure long term protection for first responders and the latest twists and turns in the casesof the accused terrorists.
