Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan Named Top Safety Picks by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Pair of minivans latest models from Chrysler Group to receive Top Safety Pick by IIHS
• 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country top competitors in rollover ratings
• Minivans Join Nine Other Chrysler Group models recently named Top Safety Picks
• New Chrysler Group models unsurpassed with 11 Top Safety Picks in past year 

The newest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models have been named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2012. In addition to receiving top scores in rollover tests, both minivans achieved Good ratings in the areas of frontal, side and rear crash protection.

Additionally, to be considered, vehicles must have standard electronic stability control systems.

For 2012, both minivans offer more than 40 standard or available safety features. Front seat mounted airbags, three-row side curtain air bags, driver-side knee blocker air bag and all-speed traction control are among the standard safety features.

Both models also include an available SafetyTec group with features including ParkSense rear park assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

"Safety-conscious parents shopping for a family hauler should be pleased with today's minivan choices," said David Zuby, the Institute's chief research officer.

The 2012 models of Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country received strength–to- weight ratio ratings of 4.51, among the highest of the minivans tested, and above the IIHS requirement of 4.0. Minimum requirements by the government are 1.5.

"With the latest addition of Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Group has 11 vehicles that have been named Top Safety Pick since we began our unprecedented launch of new vehicles a year ago and is unsurpassed," said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president – engineering. "This latest recognition by IIHS underscores our commitment to engineering safety and security across all vehicle segments. As we continue our product transformation, we'll continue to engineer new technology and more capabilities into all our vehicles."

Last month, the 2012 Fiat 500 was named Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Additionally, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Patriot, Chrysler 300 and 200, Dodge Durango, Charger, Journey and Avenger received Top Safety Pick designations earlier this year from IIHS.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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About Dodge

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are sporty, functional and innovative. With nearly 100 years of heritage, the brand has a history of providing its customers excellent quality, innovation and value. Dodge is building on the momentum of introducing six all-new or significantly redesigned products, solidifying its message that the brand offers an excellent value for American families looking for top performance in all the places that matter – from power off the line and handling in the corners to high-quality, dependable vehicles that deliver unmatched functionality and excellent fuel economy in everyday driving situations. In fact, Dodge now offers six vehicles that deliver 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, while retaining that distinctive Dodge innovation and style. With the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger and significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, Dodge also now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the country with more new product coming.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC