DETROIT, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended-range capability has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, achieving "good" scores in four types of crash tests and offering crash-avoiding electronic stability control.

The IIHS tests vehicles to determine how well they protect occupants in front and side crash tests, a rollover test, and simulated rear impacts to evaluate seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries..

"Safety remains one of the most important factors buyers weigh when purchasing a vehicle," said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive.  "The IIHS designation reiterates the Volt as a safe, practical vehicle that can be a family's only car – without compromises."

Safety features on the Volt include:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Front side, knee and full-length side curtain airbags
• LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children)
• Five-year subscription to OnStar's Directions and Connections Plan including Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation

Because the Volt operates so quietly in all-electric mode, a driver-activated feature sounds a noise to alert pedestrians, particularly those with visual impairments, in an intersection. The alert was developed in conjunction with the American Federation of the Blind.

With this rating, the Volt joins the Chevrolet Cruze, another small car that recently earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

SOURCE General Motors