American Honda Leads the Industry with Six 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ Vehicles

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A total of six Honda and Acura models, the most of any auto maker, received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more challenging technology requirements in guidelines implemented for the 2014 model year.

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"As the industry leader in TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings for 2013 and now 2014, it's clear that our commitment to offer advanced safety technologies on mainstream products continues to pay dividends to Honda and Acura customers," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "Honda and Acura vehicles should be at the top of the shopping list for those who value safety ratings and the engineering prowess required to achieve them."

Four 2014 Honda models were named a TOP SAFETY PICK+ including the Accord Sedan and Coupe; Civic Sedan; and Odyssey, which is the only minivan yet to earn this designation. The Civic Coupe was named a TOP SAFETY PICK. Additionally, two 2014 Acura models, the new MDX and the RLX each achieved TOP SAFETY PICK+ status with the TL earning a TOP SAFETY PICK rating.

The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover and small overlap front crashes based on performance in the Institute's tests. Under this year's more challenging requirements, the IIHS is using the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation to recognize vehicles that not only performed well in its crash tests but also are equipped with technologies that help prevent or mitigate front-to-rear collisions. Front collision prevention, which includes both warning systems and automatic braking, is intended to help inattentive drivers avoid rear-ending a stopped or slower-moving vehicle in front of them.

American Honda's 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles offer a broad range of active and passive safety features along with available leading-edge safety and driver assistive technologies like the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system. FCW uses a camera or radar mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect a vehicle ahead. Audible and visuals warnings alert the driver when the system determines that a collision with a detected vehicle or object is likely. Intended as a warning system only, FCW will not automatically activate the brakes, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Other available safety and driver-assistive technologies available on Honda and Acura vehicles include: Collision Mitigation Braking System; anti-lock brakes; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); Lane Departure Warning (LDW), LaneWatch™ blind spot display; side curtain airbags; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and front-side airbags.

Honda Safety Leadership

Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda's goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

2014 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICK+ Vehicles:

2014 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICK Vehicles:

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.