Four Chrysler Group vehicles have now earned 2010 Top Safety Pick Status with the further announcement that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has handed this important U.S. safety accolade to the Jeep Patriot.

Four Chrysler Group vehicles have now earned 2010 Top Safety Pick Status with the further announcement that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has handed this important U.S. safety accolade to the Jeep Patriot.

The 2010 Chrysler Sebring when equipped with available Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the 2010 Dodge Avenger when equipped with available ESC are now joined by the 2010 Patriot with available seat mounted air bag, to become 2010 Top Safety Picks according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Journey have been awarded IIHS Top Safety Picks for both the 2009 and 2010 model years. The 2010 Jeep Patriot joins the trio in the highest possible rating from the nonprofit research organisation.

For the 2010 model year, Chrysler Group products comprise almost 15 percent of the total vehicles awarded Top Safety Pick status by the IIHS to automakers. The award recognizes automobiles with ESC that perform well in the Institute's front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

“With the addition of the Jeep Patriot, Chrysler Group has received four Top Safety Picks in the 2010 model year—a great accomplishment for our company,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President—Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “IIHS’ recognition of our products underscores Chrysler Group’s engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection.”

The 2010 Jeep Patriot, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger and 2010 Dodge Journey encompass a two-fold approach to safety—passive features combined with accident-avoidance features. Available safety and security features on all four vehicles include ESC with traction control, Brake Assist and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and front-passenger active head restraints, front seat-mounted side airbags and advanced multi-stage front airbags.

“Chrysler showed the most improvement of any automaker for 2010,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “These Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models are part of an elite group that afford the best overall crash protection and have electronic stability control, which can help keep drivers out of crashes altogether.”

Chrysler Group’s four Top Safety Picks all feature the company’s new active head restraint system for front-seat occupants. This new system augments the head restraints ability to minimise neck injuries caused by rear-impact accidents. In the event of a rear impact, the head restraints deploy to remove the space between the occupants head and the restraint to help minimise whiplash type injuries.