Two new Chrysler Group LLC vehicles, the 2011 Chrysler 300 and the 2011 Dodge Charger, have been named Top Safety Picks for 2011 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), marking the first time both vehicles have achieved the highest ratings. 

IIHS recognizes vehicles with outstanding crashworthiness in front, side, rollover and rear crashes. The new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger both received 'good' ratings, the highest achievable, in all four categories.

The new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger join five other Chrysler Group LLC vehicles that were named Top Safety Picks by the IIHS in December. Dodge Avenger and Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Patriot, when equipped with optional side airbags, and the Chrysler 200 were recognized for superior crashworthiness.

To be considered, vehicles must have available electronic stability control (ESC) systems that significantly reduce crash risks. Both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger have standard ESC. Other standard safety features including full length side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax air bags, driver's knee bag, front-row reactive head restraints, Hill Start Assist, Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking.

"With the addition of the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, Chrysler Group now has seven Top Safety Picks in the 2011 model year. This recognition by the IIHS underscores our commitment to safety across all vehicle segments," said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president of engineering for Chrysler Group LLC. "As we continue our product transformation, we'll continue to engineer safety leadership and more capabilities into all our vehicles."

Both the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger employ a two-fold approach to safety with active safety items, such as electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, as well as passive safety features, including head restraints for front seat occupants and supplemental side-curtain or side seat airbags.

"Automakers deserve credit for quickly rising to meet more challenging criteria for Top Safety Pick," says Adrian Lund, the Institute's president. "That gives consumers shopping for a safer new car or SUV - from economy to luxury - plenty of choices to consider when they visit a dealer showroom."