DETROIT, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Buick LaCrosse received a five-star safety rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov), the agency has announced. Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA has introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash-avoidance technologies.

The LaCrosse received five-star ratings for both the Overall Frontal Crash and Overall Side Crash. The ratings help consumers evaluate vehicle safety attributes when shopping for a new vehicle.

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"Car buyers today want the peace of mind that comes with buying a vehicle they know will help protect their family," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "This five-star overall vehicle score for safety shows Buick can equip an affordable luxury midsize sedan with top safety features."

The LaCrosse offers these safety features:

• Intelligent technologies delivering a "360-degree" field of vision behind the steering wheel for a greater feeling of comfort, control and safety
• Side blind zone alert technology notifying the driver if a vehicle in adjacent lanes is traveling in the driver's blind spot
• Rearview camera system featuring a display integrated into the navigation system screen
• Front- and side-impact air bags as well as roof-mounted head-curtain air bags that help protect occupants in the event of a rollover crash
• An advanced front-seat safety belt system including a dynamic locking latchplate, dual pretensioners that help tighten the safety belt for earlier restraint of the occupant during the onset of moderate to severe crashes; and load limiters that help limit the forces on the occupant to help reduce the risk of injury
• GM's StabiliTrak stability- and traction-control system
• OnStar (included for the first year of ownership)

GM engineers developed the dynamic locking latchplate, which is part of the front safety belt system. It locks under dynamic crash loading to help securely restrain the occupant's pelvis, and it works in concert with the safety belt load limiting feature to control loads on the occupant's upper torso. This safety feature helped the LaCrosse achieve the five-star frontal crash rating for both driver and front-seat passenger.

About Buick

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan and highly anticipated all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan. Buick is the fastest growing major brand in the U.S. and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.

SOURCE General Motors