2012 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger Achieve 5-Star Safety Rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

February 8, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  The 2012 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger have achieved 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 5-star rating is the highest rating for safety by the Administration and measures vehicle safety performance in three categories, including front and side crashes as well as for rollover.

“We’re very pleased that both the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger have achieved the highest overall rating,” said Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President-Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC. “The results of these tests reflect crashworthiness and performance in different scenarios.”

Both Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger achieved an overall 5-star vehicle safety score. The rating is a combination of frontal, side pole and barrier performance with the static stability factor accounting for the rollover rating.

Both Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger also achieved high marks in rollover testing with a 4-star rating.

“These vehicles are comprehensively equipped with advanced safety features,” added Kunselman. “Both vehicles are robustly designed with a rigid structure to protect occupants and have numerous advanced safety features including, available Adaptive Cruise Control which NHSTA notes as a technology proven to reduce crashes.”

The advanced Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance between vehicles when the cruise control is engaged. Other safety and security features on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger include standard electronic stability control and available blind-spot monitoring.

Earlier this year, the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger were named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are equipped with more than 65 safety and security features, including segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support features to support overall vehicle handling and performance under all weather and pavement conditions.

Safety ratings are just part of the story with both the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 2012 Dodge Charger.

Both vehicles also are equipped with a new 8speed automatic transmission, a first by a domestic automaker. Combined with the award-winning 292 horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine, both vehicles achieve a Best-in-Class EPA-rated 31 miles-per-gallon on the highway. The eight-speed transmission also is available for all-wheel-drive models.

Both Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger also include state-of-the-art Uconnect® navigation and entertainment systems. The Garmin navigation system found in both vehicles recently was recognized by J.D. Power as the top consumer choice for in-vehicle navigation, Additionally, Dodge Charger recently received the Breakthrough Technology Award for 2012 from Edmunds.com for the Uconnect driver information system. The award recognizes a vehicle that sets the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable automotive technology.

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar® brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat’s complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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