IIHS Names Passat "Double Best Pick" in Side and Front Crash Tests

[ASurroca]

02 November 2005
PASSAT NAMED “DOUBLE BEST PICK” IN SIDE AND FRONT CRASH TESTS BY THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

Results follow on the heels of Jetta’s strong side and frontal performance

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has earned a “Double Best Pick” designation for outstanding performance in front and side tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Passat earned the top rating in every individual measurement category (head protection, injuries and structural design) for both the side impact and frontal tests.

Earlier this year, the all-new 2005 Jetta was named a “Best Pick” for side crash protection and earned good ratings for frontal crash protection by the IIHS. At the time it was the first vehicle ever to earn the top rating in every individual measurement category in side impact tests.

Together, the Jetta and Passat account for 67% of Volkswagen’s American sales.

“At Volkswagen our vehicles are designed for Autobahn safety from the inside out,” said Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America. “These findings are the result of years and years of testing, real world study of accidents, and German Safety engineering and development.”

The 2006 Passat is available from $22,950, and the lineup includes an all-new 2.0-liter, 200 horsepower engine starting at $23,900 or a powerful 280-horsepower V6 engine starting at $29,950.

The Jetta has a new, powerful 2.5-liter, five-cylinder base engine with a starting price of $17,900.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

source: Volkswagen of America press release