Nearly five dozen 2019 models meet stricter criteria to qualify for a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 30 first-tier “plus” award winners earn the highest rating for passenger-side protection in a small overlap front crash and have good-rated available headlights, while the 27 winners of the second-tier award qualify with an acceptable or higher rating in the newest IIHS crash test and the nighttime headlight evaluation.
All 57 vehicles in this elite group earn good ratings in the Institute’s five other crashworthiness evaluations and have an available automatic emergency braking system that rates advanced or superior for front crash prevention.
IIHS now requires a good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test to earn a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ versus an acceptable or good rating for the 2018 award. An acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side test is a new criterion to earn a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK.
This marks the sixth time that IIHS has raised the bar to earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award since introducing it in the 2013 model year to recognize vehicles that offer a superior level of safety. The TOP SAFETY PICK accolade launched in the 2006 model year to help consumers identify vehicles with the highest ratings. Over the years, IIHS has added to and strengthened criteria for both awards to encourage manufacturers to speed up safety advances.
Just over half of 2018 model vehicles evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are available with headlights that do an adequate job of lighting the road at night and limiting glare for oncoming drivers, but most good-rated headlights are optional or bundled with other features that can raise the price of the vehicle.
Since IIHS released its first headlight ratings for passenger vehicles in 2016, most manufacturers have focused on improving this key safety component. That year, only 2 of 95 headlight systems on 2016-model vehicles evaluated earned a good rating.
For the 2018 model year, the best-available headlights on 32 of 165 models evaluated earn the highest rating of good, and the best-available headlights on 58 models earn the second-highest rating of acceptable. Thirty-two models have only marginal-rated headlights, while poor-rated headlights are the only ones available for 43 models.
In a new round of evaluations, 5 of 7 small SUVs earn good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for occupant protection in a passenger-side small overlap front crash.
The ratings bring to 16 the number of small SUVs the Institute has evaluated in the passenger-side small overlap front test, which was introduced in 2017 to encourage manufacturers to offer the same level of protection for front-seat passengers as drivers in this type of crash.
The BMW X1; Chevrolet Equinox and its twin, the GMC Terrain; Jeep Compass and Mitsubishi Outlander earn good ratings in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earns a marginal rating, and the Ford Escape earns poor. For the 2018 model year, the Equinox shed weight to join the small SUV size class. Earlier models were classified as midsize.
None of the newly rated 2018 models earns better than acceptable marks for structure. (The Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are the only small SUVs evaluated so far to earn good ratings for structure in the passenger-side small overlap front test.) The Outlander Sport is marginal, and the Escape is rated poor. Both the Outlander Sport and Escape allowed too much intrusion into the occupant compartment on the right side.
Just 15 vehicles qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from IIHS after the requirements were strengthened to include good-rated headlights and good or acceptable passenger-side protection in small overlap front crashes.
Another 47 vehicles earn the TOP SAFETY PICK award, which now requires acceptable or good headlights. In contrast, headlights weren’t factored in for 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK, and an acceptable headlight rating was enough to bump a 2017 award winner into "plus" territory.
The inclusion of a passenger-side crash test is a first for any IIHS award. The Institute developed the passenger-side small overlap front crash test after it became clear that some manufacturers weren't paying sufficient attention to the passenger side as they made improvements to achieve better performance in the driver-side small overlap front test.
A new crash test program from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety aims to ensure that manufacturers pay attention to the safety of front passengers as well as drivers.
The test was developed after it became clear that some manufacturers were giving short shrift to the right side of the vehicle when it comes to small overlap front crash protection. A good or acceptable passenger-side rating will be required to qualify for the Institute’s 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
The first test group in the passenger-side small overlap front test program did better overall than vehicles IIHS previously evaluated for research. Ten out of 13 midsize cars tested earn a good rating, while one is acceptable and two earn a marginal rating.
In contrast with a group of 2014-16 model small SUVs tested for research, none of the 2017-18 midsize cars had a poor or marginal structural rating. Instead, the biggest problem in the new group was inconsistent airbag protection in five cars, which would put passengers’ heads at risk.
Consumers who choose a 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winner shouldn’t have trouble seeing the road on nighttime drives. Good or acceptable ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s new headlight evaluations set the latest crop of qualifiers apart. Thirty-eight models earn the “plus” accolade, and 44 earn TOP SAFETY PICK.
IIHS toughened the criteria for TOP SAFETY PICK+ to reflect new headlight evaluations launched in 2016. The recognition program is meant to encourage manufacturers to offer state-of-the-art protection for people in crashes, along with features that help drivers avoid crashes in the first place. In addition to good or acceptable headlights, the latter includes automatic braking technology, which has been part of the criteria since 2015.
For both awards, models must earn good ratings in the Institute’s small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention with standard or optional autobrake. Headlights are factored in only for the top award.
The latest booster seat ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that child seat manufacturers have mastered something that once eluded them: building a seat that provides good safety belt fit for the typical 4-¬ to 8-¬year-¬old passenger.
Out of 53 new models evaluated, 48 earn the top rating of BEST BET, meaning they are likely to provide good belt fit for a 4 to 8 year-¬old in almost any car, minivan or SUV. When the Institute first began rating boosters in 2008, only a quarter of the seats evaluated earned the BEST BET designation.
GAC Motor, one of China's leading automobile manufacturers, released its first 7-seat SUV, the GS8, at Hangzhou International Expo Center, the main venue of the G20 summit on Oct. 26.
A c-level high-end SUV self-developed by GAC Motor, the GS8 meets the North American SUV roof anti-force standard and redefines Chinese high-end SUV market. It integrates the GAC production system, global R&D network and global supply chain system and has formed the core competitive advantage of sustainable development, leading Chinese brands with innovative paces.
An important step in GAC Motor's strategic plan to fully enter high-end market, the GS8 is a c-level high-end product based on the creative cross-platform modular architecture, a platform focusing on technological innovation to guarantee quality consistency, lowers production and manufacturing cost, accelerates development speed, and expands technical advantages among competitors.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7977551-gac-motor-gs8-high-end-suv/
The first all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza rolled off the assembly line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), officially launching the first-ever American-built Impreza from the automaker. The Impreza had historically been produced only in Japan. The start of Impreza production marks the culmination of more than three years of preparation and highlights the consistent growth in Subaru demand in the United States (U.S.). The positive economic impact of that growth is clear in the investment Subaru made to increase SIA’s production capacity and prepare for Impreza production. SIA invested $1.3 billion over the past four years, and hired an additional 1,400 associates in the past year.
“In a time when some manufacturers are moving work out of the United States, we’re proud to be bringing Subaru Impreza production to the heartland of America,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of SIA. “The move has allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs not only at SIA, but also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”
The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza is the first vehicle built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility and driving pleasure. Available in sedan and 5-door models, the 2017 Impreza is equipped with new driver assist technology, multimedia features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new Impreza will be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines starting in late 2016.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7673252-subaru-impreza-first-2017-american-made/
Today, Ricola, one of the most innovative manufacturers of herb cough drops in the world, announced that it has partnered with multi-award-winning, platinum selling recording artist Pentatonix to help ensure they are always prepared to put their best voice forward.
Known for their breathtaking harmonies, unique arrangements and remarkable vocal percussion, the members of Pentatonix push their voices and throats to the max every day.
“We connect with our fans through our natural voices,” says the group. “That’s why we always have Ricola herb drops around to stay in pitch perfect shape on and off the stage.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7882251-ricola-pentatonix-partnership/
An estimated 48 million people in the United States have hearing loss, yet only 20 percent of people who could benefit from a hearing aid wear one. Cost is a major barrier as the average price of a hearing aid is $1,500 per ear, and can run as high as $3,000-$5,000 each. With the introduction of HearTEK™ Leasing from EPIC Hearing Healthcare (EPIC), individuals with hearing loss now have access to the latest name brand hearing aid technology without the barrier of huge upfront costs and with the peace of mind that they will not be locked into out-of-date technology.
“Consumers have gotten used to many of the benefits of leasing their smartphones – no one wants to pay upfront for technology that could be quickly outdated as hearing aid manufacturers regularly introduce new devices with updated features,” said Brad Volkmer, president and CEO, EPIC Hearing Healthcare. “The HearTEK Leasing program is an affordable new way to give more people with hearing loss access to quality hearing aid technology, so they can start hearing life to the fullest.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7808551-epic-heartek-leasing-hearing-aid/
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) today released new advertising as part of its “From Hope to Cures” campaign, highlighting the stories of rare blood and lung cancer survivors.
The newest video in the collection features Matt, who was diagnosed nearly seven years ago with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. When he was diagnosed, he was given a slim chance of living up to five years. However, today Matt continues to lead an active life due to recent advancements in targeted gene therapies and innovations in cancer medicines.
The latest print and digital ads feature Jamie, a vibrant woman diagnosed 15 years ago with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Watching her son grow up was a primary focus for her, and she’s been able to continue to do that and so much more. Thanks to advancements in CML treatments, today she maintains her sense of humor and imparts an infectious joy on those who meet her.
Earlier this year, the first collection of digital and print ads was released featuring Rhys, a five-year-old living with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. Unveiled alongside the advertising was a video, titled “We’re Fighting Back,” which features both Rhys and Jamie, as well as Jen, a researcher who wakes up every day working to find new treatments and cures for patients.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7738431-phrma-from-hope-to-cures/
