Chevrolet Volt and Malibu get 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating

ZURICH – November 23, 2011 –  The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability and Chevrolet’s new flagship in Europe, the Malibu, have both been awarded a top five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), which released its latest results today.

"The results confirm that both vehicles meet today's highest safety standards. The Volt's safety performance and propulsion concept highlight the reliability and practicality that is inherent to this outstanding design,” said Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe.

Euro NCAP is the latest third-party organization to give the Volt top marks. In April 2011, the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the car its "Top Safety Pick" while the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the car a five-star rating.

The Volt is the first electric vehicle from an American manufacturer to receive Euro NCAP's top rating in all categories.

The new Chevrolet Malibu is the first to be sold in Europe and the eighth generation of the Malibu, the auto industry’s longest-running midsize nameplate, spanning six decades and 35 years.  The European edition will be equipped with six air bags and a comprehensive range of chassis control systems.  

Earlier this year, the Aveo hatchback – currently the safest car in its segment – the Chevrolet Orlando and the Captiva SUV were awarded a five-star rating. The brand's best-selling nameplate, the Chevrolet Cruze sedan, too, has earned Euro NCAP's top safety award.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is General Motors' largest global brand with annual sales of about 4 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. It is the fourth biggest global car brand in terms of sales and also one of the fastest growing brands in the world. Chevrolet cars combine passion, bold design and practicality. They provide outstanding value for money. After re-launching the brand in Europe in 2005, Chevrolet more than doubled its sales to over 500,000 in 2008. In 2010, Chevrolet grew its market share in Europe to 2.5 percent, selling 477,194 cars. Chevrolet has a network of more than 2,700 dealers and service points in Europe. The Chevrolet line-up includes the Spark city car, the small Aveo, the compact four-door Cruze, the Captiva SUV and the legendary Corvette sports car. In 2011, Chevrolet is launching seven new cars: the all-new Orlando family van, the new Captiva SUV, the Corvette Grand Sport Coupé, the all-new five-door and four-door Aveo, the five-door Cruze, the Camaro coupé and convertible and the award-winning extended-range Volt electric car. Chevrolet's biggest markets in Europe are Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Turkey. Established in the U.S. by Swiss émigré Louis Chevrolet in 1911, the brand is celebrating its centenary in 2011. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.