Insurance Institute Top Safety Picks

(Adapted from The Associated Press, Ken Thomas, December 22, 2010) 

WASHINGTON (AP) -- South Korean automaker Kia was one of the vehicles to lead the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, used by safety-minded consumers looking to buy a new car.


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized 66 vehicles on Wednesday with its "top safety pick award" for the 2011 model year, the most-ever awarded by the Virginia-based group. The number was more than double the 27 vehicles selected last year.

Hyundai Motor Corp. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp., and Volkswagen AG and its Audi brand received the most awards with nine, followed by eight awards apiece by General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. The awards, used in advertising to attract car buyers, bolster Hyundai and Volkswagen as they attempt to build a larger foothold in the United States.

Kia was recognized for the Optima midsize car, the Forte and Soul small cars, and the Sorento and Sportage SUVs.

GM's winners include the Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze and Equinox; Cadillac CTS and SRX; Buick LaCrosse and Regal and GMC Terrain. Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, said the award would build on "the already strong global safety reputation of the Cruze."

The vehicles were chosen for protection in front, side and rear crash tests. To qualify for the award, the insurance industry group also requires the vehicles to have anti-rollover electronic stability control, or ESC, and receive top scores in roof strength tests.

Institute president Adrian Lund credited automakers for "quickly rising to meet the more-challenging criteria for `Top Safety Pick.'" He said several automakers have requested tests for new models coming out early next year and Lund predicted more winners would be added