The Chevrolet Equinox and its twin, the GMC Terrain, are the only midsize SUVs out of nine evaluated to earn a good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small overlap front crash test, which continues to challenge manufacturers more than a year and a half after its introduction.
The Equinox and the Terrain qualify for the Institute’s highest award for 2014, TOP SAFETY PICK+. The Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV whose acceptable small overlap rating was announced in December, also qualifies. The award is given to vehicles with a good or acceptable small overlap rating, good ratings in four other occupant protection tests, and a rating of basic or higher for front crash prevention.
Three other midsize SUVs in the test group rate poor for small overlap protection, and three are marginal.
A group of four minivans recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for protection in small overlap front crashes shows some of the worst possible outcomes for this type of crash, with only one vehicle performing acceptably.
The Nissan Quest, the Chrysler Town & Country and its twin, the Dodge Grand Caravan, all earn poor ratings. The exception to the disappointing pattern is the 2015 Toyota Sienna, which earns an acceptable rating. It joins the Honda Odyssey, which last year earned a good rating in the test, in the ranks of TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners.
Nearly 50 vehicles meet tougher criteria for 2016 to take home the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, earning good ratings in all five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations and an advanced or higher rating for front crash prevention. An additional 13 models qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.
The baseline requirements for both awards are good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash prevention system. The 48 winners of the “plus” award have a superior- or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities. These vehicles must stop or slow down without driver intervention before hitting a target in tests at 12 mph, 25 mph or both. Models with a basic-rated front crash prevention system, which typically only issues a warning and doesn’t brake, qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.
IIHS inaugurated TOP SAFETY PICK in the 2006 model year to help consumers home in on vehicles with the best safety performance. The TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade was introduced in 2012 to recognize vehicles that offer an advanced level of safety.
With lower fuel cost and less emissions, many automakers and fleets are turning to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a vehicle fuel. Even though the fuel has been used in this capacity for decades, increasing prices of gasoline and growing concern for the environment has reignited interest. In this video we talk with Kathryn Clay, the executive director of the Drive Natural Gas Initiative, and Stephe Yborra, the director of market development at NGV America, about the growth, development and future of CNG in America.
GAC Motor, China’s fastest-growing automaker, has wowed the Fortune Global Forum 2017 (“the Forum”) as the official service car provider with 380 cars including the GA8 sedan, the GS8 SUV and the GM8 MPV. The vehicles have provided safe and reliable service for leaders of the 152 Fortune 500 companies who attended, in addition to more than 1,100 distinguished guests from around the world. During the Forum, 40 CEOs from Fortune 500 companies including McKinsey & Company, Aisin Seiki (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and iFLYTEK Co., Ltd visited GAC Motor’s factory in Panyu, Guangzhou to get a glimpse of China’s advanced smart manufacturing capability.
“We are proud to have had the chance to display our advanced smart manufacturing capabilities to some of the world’s top corporate leaders,” said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor. “Being chosen as the official service car provider for the Forum is a recognition of GAC Motor’s accomplishments in openness and innovation; it further enhances our brand’s international influence. After years of development, the Chinese automotive industry is now capable of creating top auto brands, and we hope to build GAC Motor into a world-class Chinese brand.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8241551-gac-motor-fortune-global-forum/
Luxury transportation is now more attainable than the days of “Daddy Warbucks.” In the midst of the holiday season, new-car shoppers can step up into a luxury car without breaking the bank by checking the expert recommended list of 10 Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000 from Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65119-kelley-blue-book-kbb-10-best-luxury-cars-under-40k-of-2014
What if there were a way to prevent a leading cause of childhood death, but three out of four of us were doing it wrong? The startling truth is that a car seat can dramatically reduce childhood death and injury from motor vehicle crashes, but 75 percent are installed incorrectly.1
With Child Passenger Safety Week upon us, the good news is that community-based programs are making a difference. Buckle Up for Life is a national education program, created in 2004 by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Toyota, to save children's lives. Over the last ten years, it has grown to include a network of more than a dozen of the nation's leading children's hospitals and has educated more than 17,000 people about the proper use of car seats and seat belts. Toyota's sponsorship has provided funding for over 40,000 car seats for families in need.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7318951-toyota-cincinnati-children-s-hospital-child-passenger-safety-buckle-up-for-life/
The 2014 model-year brand and category winners of the annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period, were announced today by Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information. Both Toyota and Lexus earned top honors for best brand and best luxury brand, and each of those top brands had six segment winners from a total of 22 different segments. Honda earned three segment awards, while Chevrolet captured two segment awards and placed an impressive three vehicles in the overall top 10 list.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/63131-kelley-blue-book-kbb-2014-best-resale-value-awards/
The 2014 Chicago Auto Show is now open to the public. Held in the McCormick Place complex, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. Exhibitions include: multiple world and North American introductions; a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles; and experimental or concept cars. In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65459-kelley-blue-book-chicago-auto-show
A National Safety Council public opinion poll found more than eight in 10 Americans believe cell phones are addictive, underscoring the need to help drivers kick their cell phone use habit – even hands-free. The Council is launching a national campaign, Calls Kill, to illustrate that hands-free cell phones are not risk-free, and no call is worth a life. Visit nsc.org/CallsKill for downloadable posters, infographics, videos, tip sheets and other information related to this important topic.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7398051-nsc-cell-phone-calls-kill/
The Air National Guard (ANG) is proud to announce the return of the Air National Guard Mobile Experience. The hands-on, interactive tour returns to the road for a fifth year to immerse participants in an experience that simulates the real-life roles of Air Guard men and women and highlights the ANG’s dual role, supporting both federal and state missions.
While participating in the tour, attendees learn how they can serve their country and maintain a fulfilling civilian life, by serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year near their home. The Air National Guard Mobile Experience includes five separate touring vehicles each designed to educate the public about the ANG. The touring vehicles are traveling nationwide through November, visiting fairs, festivals, air shows, fitness and music events.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7555451-air-national-guard-mobile-experience-returns/
