Twelve Chrysler Group Models Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick Honors

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Second consecutive year with 12 Top Safety Picks
• Two – the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 sedans – earn new Top Safety Pick+ rating
• Second time in less than 12 weeks the 2013 Dodge Dart has been acclaimed by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety

For the second consecutive year, 12 Chrysler Group models have made the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's annual list of Top Safety Picks.

Two – the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 midsize sedans – earned the new IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

The remaining Chrysler Group winners for 2013 are:

• Fiat 500 in the minicar category
• all-new Dodge Dart in small car
• Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger large family cars
• Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans
• Dodge Journey, Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUVs
• Jeep Patriot small SUV, when equipped with optional side air bags

"We are honored to receive these awards," said Mark Chernoby, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President - Engineering. "Occupant safety is a key ingredient to the design and manufacture of all Chrysler Group vehicles."

The Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 sedans earned Top Safety Pick+ designation because of their performances in a new IIHS driver-side crash test that subjects 25 percent of a vehicle's front end to a 40-mph collision with a five-foot-tall rigid barrier.

Both vehicles feature advanced multi-stage, front-passenger air bags; front-seat side air bags; electronic stability control with electronic traction control; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; supplemental side-curtain air bags and the LATCH child-seat anchor system.

The Dodge Avenger is America's most affordable mid-size sedan – starting at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of only $18,995.

The Chrysler 200 sedan, which also starts at only $18,995 MSRP, provides outstanding value for consumers with affordable entry-level model pricing, great fuel economy and best in class performance.

Both cars also come with exceptional levels of standard content and a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Today's announcement of the 2013 list further validates the market acclaim accorded the all-new Dodge Dart, the first product born of Chrysler Group's alliance with Fiat S.p.A. The news marks the second time in less than 12 weeks the stylish compact sedan was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121220/DE33195 )

Following its May 2012 production launch, the 2013 Dart was added to the 2012 IIHS list of honorees.

The popular compact was engineered with a class-leading total of 60+ safety and security features. In addition to its solid structure – the Dart's 68-percent high-strength-steel content ratio is one of the highest in the industry – it features 10 standard-equipment, advanced-design air bags, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control, available ParkView back-up camera, Blind-Spot Monitoring.

The Dodge Dart also is the only car in its segment to feature Rear Cross Path detection, which alerts drivers to traffic that approaches the vehicle's rear from a 90-degree angle.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC