U.S. Government’s Upgraded 5-Star Safety Ratings System Reflects Automakers Progress

In response to the announcement by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the newly enhanced 5-Star Safety Ratings System, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) recognizes that while the ratings have changed, today’s vehicle continue to provide excellent levels of safety performance in a wide variety of real world crashes.

“We have seen traffic deaths on U.S. highways decline to their lowest levels in 60 years”

“AIAM member companies have invested billions of dollars developing and implementing advanced safety technologies, making current models among the safest vehicles ever available to consumers,” said Michael J. Stanton, AIAM’s president and CEO. “NHTSA’s new rating system now accounts for the advancements that our members have pioneered.”

The 5-Star Safety Ratings System provides consumers with information about the crash protection of new vehicles beyond what is required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Starting with 2011 model year vehicles, NHTSA will be using new crash test dummies, new tests, and new criteria, making it tougher to earn the highest ratings. As a result of the new program, scores for MY 2011 vehicles cannot be directly compared with ratings for MY 2010 and earlier. Also new for 2011, NHTSA will highlight new high-tech crash avoidance features.

“We have seen traffic deaths on U.S. highways decline to their lowest levels in 60 years,” said Stanton. “AIAM members are working to continue that trend by developing the next generation of safety technologies and introducing innovations such as lane-departure warning and collision mitigation systems and electronic stability control.”

AIAM believes that consumers should have information about crash protection and rollover safety so they can make educated buying decisions.