The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today named two Audi models as “Top Safety Pick” in their respective categories. The Audi A6 was the only car listed in the large car category, while the Audi A4 took honors in the midsize category. Audi is the only European, and only premium, auto manufacturer to have two models on the list. To achieve a “Top Safety Pick” rating from IIHS, vehicles must have a rating of “good” in front, side, and rear crash protection. A new requirement for 2007 is that the vehicle must also have an electronic stabilization program as standard or optional equipment. The Audi A6 and A4 achieved the highest-level crash ratings, and have Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program as standard equipment. The A4 and A6, as with all Audi models, come standard with dual front, front side, and depending upon model, either Side Curtain Protection or seat mounted thorax/head airbags. All Audi models have anti-lock braking and an Electronic Stabilization Program. Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet models also add automatically deploying roll-over protection bars. The Audi Q7 has a special stabilization program that can detect, and help prevent, a potential rollover, and itself has received the highest possible safety ratings for frontal impact, side impact, and rollover protection in the New Car Assessment Program conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Audi Q7 also debuts a new safety technology with Audi sSide aAssist, which alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spot. About Audi
Audi’s history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the new V10-powered S6 and S8 performance sedans. About IIHS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. For over 30 years, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been a leader in finding out what works and doesn't work to prevent motor vehicle crashes in the first place and reduce injuries in the crashes that still occur. The Institute's research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular, and environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during, and after crashes to reduce losses.