The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received a Top Safety Pick award by US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the highest rating bestowed by the independent and nonprofit organisation.

“The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first production vehicle to launch since our alliance with Fiat and a Top Safety Pick is a great way to start our 2011 product offensive,” said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president – engineering, Chrysler Group.

“IIHS’ recognition of five products underscores Chrysler Group’s engineering capability and leadership in occupant protection,” he added.

“The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee provides consumers with enhanced safety and security, in addition to legendary Jeep capability and a premium driving experience,” said Mike Manley, president and CEO – Jeep brand.

“With more than 45 different safety and security systems working in harmony – including electronic stability control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, active head restraints, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and a blind-spot/rear cross-path detection system – our new Jeep Grand Cherokee will allow customers to benefit from a new level of protection, on- and off-road,” he added.

Chrysler Group vehicles represent more than 20 per cent of the total mid-size SUVs awarded Top Safety Pick status by IIHS to automakers and more than 12 per cent of the overall Top Safety Picks in all segments, a statement said.

The awards recognize automobiles with ESC that perform well in the Institute's front-impact, side-impact, rear-impact and new for 2010, roof-strength evaluations.

“Vehicles that earn Top Safety Pick meet the highest standards for crash test performance,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

“This award means that buyers of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee are getting state-of-the-art safety for the best protection in the most common kinds of crashes, and electronic stability control, which our research shows can help prevent crashes altogether.”

More than 45 safety and security features are available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including standard active head restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway control, the statement added.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland. It will be available in the Middle East towards the end of this year, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service