| With consumers looking for more safety features on | | | | "Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for |
| new vehicles, automakers are also becoming more | | | | safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall |
| and more focused on manufacturing safe vehicles. | | | | choices without having to sort through multiple test |
| Case in point is the new Infiniti EX35, a luxury sport | | | | results." |
| utility vehicle. Said vehicle was recently given the | | | | The Top Safety Pick was only awarded to 13 |
| highest safety rating by the Insurance Institute for | | | | vehicles last year. For this year though, automakers |
| Highway Safety. The Top Safety Pick is only | | | | have stepped up their development and |
| awarded to vehicles which have passed rigorous | | | | implementation of safety features to vehicles. This |
| testing undertaken by the Institute. | | | | resulted to a jump in the number of vehicles given |
| A vehicle should be able to perform well on crash | | | | the Top Safety Pick rating. The IIHS announced that |
| tests devised by the Institute. Front, side, and rear | | | | there have been 34 cars, minivans, and SUVs which |
| crash tests are performed on vehicles to see if they | | | | were given the rating. That number is set to increase |
| can adequately protect occupants of the vehicle. | | | | as automakers are continuing their production of safe |
| Apart from that, a vehicle will only be given the | | | | cars. These vehicles if given the Top Safety Pick |
| highest safety rating by the IIHS if it is equipped with | | | | award will be included in the list throughout the year. |
| an electronic stability control system. | | | | Lund said that the Infiniti EX35 is a leader in its class |
| Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for | | | | when it comes to safety. "The EX35 is a leader in its |
| Highway Safety said that the rating is hard to | | | | class for state-of-the-art safety. You don't know |
| achieve but it is one good way to set a benchmark | | | | what kind of crash you're going to be in. That's why |
| for other automakers. "Criteria to win are tough | | | | it's important to choose a vehicle that will protect |
| because the award is intended to drive continued | | | | you in all kinds of crashes. The Top Safety Pick |
| safety improvements such as top crash test ratings | | | | designation is intended to help people find the safest |
| and rapid addition of electronic stability control, which | | | | choices. |
| is standard equipment on the EX35," said Lund. | | | | |