Two Audi Models Named as “Top Safety Pick” for 2007 by IIHS

AUBURN HILLS, MI – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 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 mid-size 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 rollover 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 (NHTSA). The Audi Q7 also debuts a new safety technology with Audi Side Assist, which alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spot.