The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its new “top safety pick” awards Wednesday, giving 66 vehicles the top 2011 award.
2011 model Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen vehicles received the most awards, with nine each, but were joined with more safe vehicles than past years, according to news reports. Only 27 2010 model vehicles made the safety list last year.
The vehicle list was chosen to influence safety-minded consumers looking to buy a new car.
“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.
“Hyundai’s Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize and Santa Fe and Tucson sport utility vehicles picked up awards, while Kia was recognized for the Optima midsize car, the Forte and Soul small cars, and the Sorento and Sportage SUVs. Volkswagen won plaudits for the Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, the Golf and GTI small cars and the Touareg and Tiguan SUVs. Audi’s A3 and A4 sedans and Q5 SUV also made the list.
“Subaru and Chrysler received five awards apiece while Volvo and Mercedes had four. Subaru was the only automaker to win awards in every vehicle category in which it competes. Nissan and Honda had two awards each and Mitsubishi and BMW had one.”
As a North Charleston car accident attorney, , I’m glad to see more vehicles make the safety list because it means manufactures are working harder to add safety features in their vehicles and make the vehicles safer in the event of a car accident.
To view the Top Safety Pick 2011 list, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety .