Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Watch a Jeep Grand Cherokee fail Sweden's Moose Test *UPDATE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-a-jeep-grand-cherokee-fail-swedens-moose-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-a-jeep-grand-cherokee-fail-swedens-moose-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-a-jeep-grand-cherokee-fail-swedens-moose-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeep Grand Cherokee threatens to roll over during moose test

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has proven to be a rock-solid off-road-capable SUV with a dose of civility on public roads. But while the top Jeep has a terrific reputation and a long list of accolades, at least one model apparently didn't have the chops for the Teknikens Moose (or Elk) test over in Sweden.

The moose test is a lighting-fast emergency lane change maneuver that takes place at a relatively staid 40 miles per hour. While most vehicles clear the obstacle with little fuss, the below video shows that a Grand Cherokee Overland got up on two wheels and very nearly rolled. Teknikens Värld tester Linus Pröjtz points out in the Overland model comes standard in Sweden with 20-inch wheels, rollover protection and electronic stability control.

The Swedish car magazine (translation: "World of Technology") goes on to call on Chrysler to put a stop sale on the Grand Cherokee in Sweden until this issue is addressed, and they claim Chrysler has yet to provide an explanation as to why the vehicle performed so poorly.

Here in the States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Grand Cherokee four stars, including a five-star score for side impacts. However, in rating the SUV's rollover resistance, the GC only managed three stars in rear-wheel drive configuration, while four-wheel drive models netted four stars.

Scroll down to take in the press release from Teknikens, followed by the one-minute video that shows the GC Overland going all Dukes of Hazzard.

*UPDATE: Chrysler brand fan site Allpar has published an article that alleges that the rollover test was rigged, arguing the test was conducted in an intentionally overloaded vehicle. Further, it reports that the magazine conducted the test again - with Chrysler engineers standing by - in three different correctly loaded Grand Cherokees over eleven separate runs, but they were "unable to reproduce" the wheel lift condition.

**UPDATE: Chrysler confirms it is actively investigating the test and has just furnished Autoblog with an official response which you can read by scrolling down.

Continue reading Watch a Jeep Grand Cherokee fail Sweden's Moose Test *UPDATE

Watch a Jeep Grand Cherokee fail Sweden's Moose Test *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 jeep grand cherokee2012 jeep grand cherokee overlandelkelk testgrand cherokeejeepmoose testoverlandroll overrolloverstability controlswedenteknikensvideoMon, 09 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20274182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/watch-a-jeep-grand-cherokee-fail-swedens-moose-test/20274182/article-detail.xml 20274182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/grand-cherokee-overland-roll-over_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/grand-cherokee-overland-roll-over.jpg <![CDATA[This is why drag racers should stay on dragstrips]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/this-is-why-drag-racers-should-stay-on-drag-strips/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/this-is-why-drag-racers-should-stay-on-drag-strips/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/01/this-is-why-drag-racers-should-stay-on-drag-strips/#commentsFiled under: , ,

funny car wreck

We've seen some dumb ideas before, but this one may take the cake. The post-jump video shows what happens when a dragster that should stick to the strip goes on a track that requires a mild left turn. Actually, this "track" looks more like the cart path at the local golf course, except most owners wouldn't put the path this close to a ditch.

Of course the dragster ends up in said ditch, and we're thinking the driver is mighty lucky that his car rolled back into the upright position, or he could have been in a heap of trouble. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, if only to enjoy the second vantage point of the crash, which shows just how useless a steering wheel can be in a drag car.

Continue reading This is why drag racers should stay on dragstrips

This is why drag racers should stay on dragstrips originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashditchdrag racefunny carrollovervideoSun, 01 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206008/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/01/this-is-why-drag-racers-should-stay-on-drag-strips/20206008/article-detail.xml 20206008 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/funny-car-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/funny-car-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/brothers-make-tribute-video-for-mom-who-died-when-explorer-rolle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/brothers-make-tribute-video-for-mom-who-died-when-explorer-rolle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/brothers-make-tribute-video-for-mom-who-died-when-explorer-rolle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nicole Miller Ford Explorer rollover video

It is with mixed emotions that we share this particular video, which stars two young boys who lost their mother, Nicole Miller, in 2004 after the Ford Explorer she was riding in blew a tire and rolled, causing her fatal injuries.

A sad story indeed, and we're quite certain everyone involved wishes that Mrs. Miller were still alive and that her boys would not have had a reason compelling them to make the tribute video in the first place. Certainly, the powers-that-be at the automaker hate seeing the Blue Oval's name brought up again in connection to older Explorers and the well-known lawsuits lodged against it after a number of owners reported rollover accidents.

While acknowledging the tragic loss of life, it's important to remember that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the Ford Explorer and found it just as safe - or just as dangerous, as the case may be - as any other sport utility vehicle of the same era, which, importantly, was before stability control had hit the market in real numbers (and long before it became federally mandated, which was only recently). Independent tests were also carried out, none of which found the Ford Explorer to be particularly unsafe. Vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive are often afflicted with a higher center of gravity, making them easier to roll than passenger cars that sit closer to the ground.

For what it's worth, Firestone did recall 14.4 million tires starting in August, 2000 after Ford and Firestone negotiated a very contentious agreement between the two companies, including the ones fitted as standard equipment on many Ford Explorers built between 1991 and 2000, due to "a safety-related defect" (read: tread separation). Ford later agreed to replace 13 million tires mostly on Explorers that weren't covered by the original recall. But it isn't Firestone that the Miller boys' video targets, it's the Ford Motor Company.

In response to a query from The Huffington Post, Ford spokesperson Marcey Evans said that the automaker was "familiar with this tragic accident and our sympathy goes out to the family involved." Evans added, "We believe it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time as the family has brought a lawsuit against Ford, which is coming up for trial later this year."

In any case, we've included Ryan and Gregory's video after the break. It's a heartstring tugger that sets new lyrics to Vanessa Carlton's hit song A Thousand Miles. It is worth noting again here that the kids' assertions that Ford should recall all the remaining Explorers from that era are understandably emotionally driven. What the kids know about the cause of the accident is probably supplied by the family lawyers. Still, grab the tissues and Ford should hope the jurors never see it.

Editor's note: Some additional reporting concerning the recall of Firestone tires was added to this story after its original posting.

Continue reading Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover

Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a thousand milesexplorerexplorer recallexplorer rolloverexplorer safetyfirestonefirestone tire recallfordford explorer recallnicole millerrolloverryan and gregory millervanessa carltonvideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157849/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/brothers-make-tribute-video-for-mom-who-died-when-explorer-rolle/20157849/article-detail.xml 20157849 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/miller-explorer-video-1327615316_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/miller-explorer-video-1327615316.jpg <![CDATA[Vehicles not immune to violent western winds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/vehicles-not-immune-to-violent-western-winds/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/vehicles-not-immune-to-violent-western-winds/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/vehicles-not-immune-to-violent-western-winds/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tractor trailer flipped in wind storm

A rare storm system working its way from the west coast has caused millions of dollars in damage, left many without power and spurred fires from California to Colorado. According to USA Today, wind speeds reached as high as 123 miles per hour, or the equivalent of a category three hurricane. In Eldorado County, California, a total of seven fires burnt more than 130 acres as the harsh winds whipped fueled the flames. In Southern California alone, 350,000 people lost power due to downed lines. Of that number, 270,000 were still in the dark as of Friday morning.

Meanwhile, in Utah, authorities temporarily closed Interstate 15 after ten semi trucks toppled over in the heavy gusts. Meteorologists are calling the wind storm one of the worst in recent history, and while the winds have died down significantly since they first made landfall, the storms are expected to make their way toward Oklahoma, Missouri and Indiana. Hang on tight.

Scroll through our above image gallery to see some of the automotive carnage that resulted from this storm system.

Vehicles not immune to violent western winds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdamagerolloversemi trucksemi trucksstorm damagewind stormsFri, 02 Dec 2011 15:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20119706/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/02/vehicles-not-immune-to-violent-western-winds/20119706/article-detail.xml 20119706 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/aptopixwesternwindsutah-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/aptopixwesternwindsutah-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Buick rolls Enclave in the name of safety]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/video-buick-rolls-enclave-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/video-buick-rolls-enclave-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/video-buick-rolls-enclave-in-the-name-of-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

buick enclave rollover
Buick Enclave rolls over, plays dead - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Here's an interesting statistic: Rollovers account for just 2.2 percent of all accidents. A small number, no doubt, but those rollovers account for a massive 35.4 percent of all traffic fatalities. With that in mind, Buick engineers are hard at work perfecting technology like the company's StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Available on the 2011 Buick Enclave, among other vehicles, the system features anti-lock brakes, traction control, panic brake assist and rollover mitigation to keep the Enclave and other Buicks on four wheels whenever possible.

When a rollover is unavoidable, Buick's rollover sensing technology will sense the danger within a fraction of a second, firing off seatbelt pretensioners and deploying side-curtain airbags. Hit the jump to pore over GM's press release, then watch the Buick Enclave go head over heals in the name of traffic safety.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Video: Buick rolls Enclave in the name of safety

Video: Buick rolls Enclave in the name of safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 buick enclavebuickbuick enclave rollover safety videoenclaveenclave rolloverrolloverrollover accidentrollover protectionstabilitrakstability controlWed, 23 Mar 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19886956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/23/video-buick-rolls-enclave-in-the-name-of-safety/19886956/article-detail.xml 19886956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/enclave-rollover_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/enclave-rollover.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA announces new 'ejection mitigation' regulation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/nhtsa-announces-new-ejection-mitigation-regulation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/nhtsa-announces-new-ejection-mitigation-regulation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/nhtsa-announces-new-ejection-mitigation-regulation/#commentsFiled under: ,

RolloverThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is looking to reduce the number of injuries sustained by people ejected from vehicles during accidents. To that end, the government organization has just ruled to establish a new mandate that forces automakers to institute new ejection mitigation systems.

In the common tongue, that means side air bags will need to be more robust and longer than they are at present, and that in some cases, side glass will need unique glazing. There's also some indication that side impact air bags will now need to be tethered at the bottom. The rules only apply to vehicles under 10,000 pounds.

Automakers only have a short period of time to implement the new standard. NHTSA says that the law will begin being enforced starting September 1, 2013.

While the rules seem to be aimed at catering to people who refuse to wear their seatbelts, NHTSA says that the regulations will help protect everyone in the event of a rollover, even those who are properly secured with traditional restraints. Head over to the NHTSA using the link below to read the full ruling.

[Source: NHTSA - PDF link]

NHTSA announces new 'ejection mitigation' regulation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingejectionejection mitigationnational highway transportation safety administrationnhtsarolloverrollover protectionFri, 14 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19799950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/14/nhtsa-announces-new-ejection-mitigation-regulation/19799950/article-detail.xml 19799950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/rollover_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/rollover.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Ford wins new trial in $31M Bronco II rollover case]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-ford-wins-new-trial-in-31m-bronco-ii-rollover-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-ford-wins-new-trial-in-31m-bronco-ii-rollover-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-ford-wins-new-trial-in-31m-bronco-ii-rollover-case/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Bronco II old stock shotIn 2001, Jesse Branhalm III was a 12-year-old in the back seat of a 1987 Ford Bronco II. When the Bronco's driver turned around to either look at or argue with the kids in the back seat, she nearly ran off the road. After making a quick steering correction, the Ford flipped, leaving the unbuckled Branhalm with severe brain injuries. Branhalm's parents sued Ford, saying that the way the Bronco was engineered increased its propensity to roll over. In the first trial back in 2006, a South Carolina jury agreed with the family and awarded $16 million in damages and another $15 million in punitive damages.

According to a new article in BusinessWeek, the South Carolina Supreme Court, citing inadmissible and highly prejudicial evidence that the trial judge should have barred, has just reversed the decision. Ford gets the victory for now, but it's not over: family attorney Ronnie Crosby said, "We believe there is ample evidence to demonstrate the Bronco II is defective and unreasonably dangerous and we're eager to present that evidence to another jury."

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Report: Ford wins new trial in $31M Bronco II rollover case originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broncobronco iiBroncoIiford broncoford bronco iiFordBroncoFordBroncoIijesse branhalmJesseBranhalmroll overrolloverrollover lawsuitrollover suitRolloverLawsuitRolloverSuitsouth carolinaSouthCarolinaFri, 20 Aug 2010 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19602048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/20/report-ford-wins-new-trial-in-31m-bronco-ii-rollover-case/19602048/article-detail.xml 19602048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/ford-bronco-ii-eighties_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/ford-bronco-ii-eighties.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA angling to make stability control systems mandatory on big rigs?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/05/nhtsa-angling-to-make-stability-control-systems-mandatory-on-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/05/nhtsa-angling-to-make-stability-control-systems-mandatory-on-big/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/05/nhtsa-angling-to-make-stability-control-systems-mandatory-on-big/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Automakers are legally required to install stability control to all new cars and trucks for sale to the public, but as of yet, there is no such law for commercial tractor trailer trucks. That may soon change, however, as the Associated Press is reporting that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is studying whether to mandate the safety system for all big rigs. Stability control systems utilize an array of sensors to detect imbalance and possible rollover. If a risk is detected, the system applies the brakes to an individual wheel (or wheels) until balance is restored. NHTSA crash avoidance director Nathaniel Beuse claims that mandating standard stability control systems on all semi trucks could prevent 3,500 rollover accidents, 4,400 injuries and 106 deaths each year.

Those are awfully powerful numbers that appear to justify the estimated $1,200 cost to retrofit existing trucks and the $1,000 it is said to take to install such hardware on a new rig, but it would also appear to make more sense with some trucks than others. Tanker trucks, which the AP says account for six percent of all big rigs on the road, account for 31 percent of all rollover accidents. And since tanker trucks often carry hazardous, potentially explosive materials like propane or gasoline, adding stability control systems could greatly mitigate the loss of life and property. One trucking company that has already installed the systems in its trucks, Trimac Transportation Systems, tells the AP that rollover accidents dropped from an average of 11 per year to only one last year. While that's just one company's results, it does suggest that even with the heightened cost incurred to purchase stability control systems, that the money can be recouped in lower insurance claims and perhaps even lower premiums.

NHTSA is conducting a two-day hearing to study whether or not enough is being done to prevent tanker trucks from running over. If in fact NHTSA determines that more needs to be done to prevent these potential rollovers, we're thinking that legally compulsory stability control, at least for tankers, could be right around the corner.

[Source: Associated Press | Image: David McNew/Getty]

NHTSA angling to make stability control systems mandatory on big rigs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nhtsa truck rollover hearingNhtsaTruckRolloverHearingroll-overrolloverrollover riskRolloverRisksafe truckingSafeTruckingstability controlstability control in semisStabilityControlStabilityControlInSemistanker truck rollovertanker truck stability controlTankerTruckRolloverTankerTruckStabilityControltruck industrytruck rollovertruckersTruckIndustrytruckingTruckRolloverThu, 05 Aug 2010 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19582115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/05/nhtsa-angling-to-make-stability-control-systems-mandatory-on-big/19582115/article-detail.xml 19582115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tanker-rig-getty-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/tanker-rig-getty-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Lancer earns Top Safety Pick award, first Mitsubishi to pass new rollover test [*UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the Mitsubishi Lancer one of its top safety picks. The four-door sedan managed to be the first Mitsubishi that the Institute has tested to pass the new roll-over test with a "good" rating. As much as we like entertaining ourselves by thinking about the researchers flipping a bevy of cars and SUVs from 9-to-5, that isn't quite how the institute tests for rollover strength.

Instead, a large metal plate exerts a steady force on the roof of a vehicle until the crash structure deflects by five inches. At that point, the boffins measure the amount of force it took to bend the roof and compare it to the overall weight of the vehicle. From there, a strength-to-weight ratio can be established. Currently, the federal government requires a vehicle's roof to be able to withstand 1.5 times the weight of the car, and in order for a vehicle to earn a "good" rollover rating from the IIHS, the roof needs to be able to stand up to four times the weight of the vehicle.


Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES


[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Mitsubishi Lancer earns Top Safety Pick award, first Mitsubishi to pass new rollover test [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Mitsubishi Lancer2010MitsubishiLancercrash testCrashTestIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyLancerlancer ESLancerEsmitsuMitsubishiMitsubishi LancerMitsubishiLancerrolloverrollover safetyRolloverSafetyroof testRoofTestThu, 22 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19564641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/19564641/article-detail.xml 19564641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-mitsubishi-lancer-es-white-f-3-4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-mitsubishi-lancer-es-white-f-3-4.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.

Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.

Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: IIHS Rollover tests for CUVs


[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chevrolet equinox2010 ford edge2010 honda accord crosstour2010 honda pilot2010 jeep liberty2010 mazda CX-72010 mitsubish endeavor2010 nissan murano2010 toyota higlander2010 toyota venza2010ChevroletEquinox2010FordEdge2010HondaAccordCrosstour2010HondaPilot2010JeepLiberty2010MazdaCx-72010MitsubishEndeavor2010NissanMurano2010ToyotaHiglander2010ToyotaVenza2011 jeep grand cherokee2011 kia sorento2011JeepGrandCherokee2011KiaSorentochevrolet equinoxChevroletEquinoxhonda accord crosstourhonda pilotHondaAccordCrosstourHondaPilotiihsInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetykia sorentoKiaSorentoMazda CX-7MazdaCx-7mitsubishi endeavorMitsubishiEndeavornissan muranoNissanMuranorolloverrollover testRolloverTesttoyota highlandertoyota venzaToyotaHighlanderToyotaVenzaWed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19499352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/19499352/article-detail.xml 19499352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Citroën Nemo fails European "moose test," highlights value of stability control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/28/citroen-nemo-fails-european-moose-test-highlights-value-of-stab/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/28/citroen-nemo-fails-european-moose-test-highlights-value-of-stab/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/28/citroen-nemo-fails-european-moose-test-highlights-value-of-stab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Citroën Nemo on its tippy toes - Click above to watch the video after the break

We've recently had two shining examples of the importance of having a properly functioning electronic stability control system (ESC) in new vehicles. The instability of the 2010 Lexus GX 460 is a known problem and Toyota is working to address it. The Lexus was equipped with ESC, it just wasn't effective enough. Over in Europe, the Citroën Nemo failed miserably in a test conducted for a British consumer magazine because it lacked ESC entirely.

Which? is something of a British counterpart to Consumer Reports and had recently worked with German auto club ADAC to evaluate a trio of compact MPVs from Fiat, Peugeot and Citroën. The Qubo, Bipper Teepee and Nemo all share the same basic design, but only the Italian variant offers ESC as an option (and then only on diesel models). The Peugeot and Citroën do not offer ESC at any price. Needless to say, the results on the dreaded "moose test" (also known as the "elk test") were not good. This particular test is a double lane change obstacle avoidance maneuver at 50 miles per hour.

After the Citroën Nemo flipped over in this test, the remaining testing of the Peugeot was abandoned. PSA, the parent company of the automakers, has announced that it will start installing ESC on the Nemo and Bipper diesel models in July of this year. A version for gas engined will have to be developed and installed starting in fall 2011. Video of the test is after the jump.

[Source: Which?]

Continue reading Video: Citroën Nemo fails European "moose test," highlights value of stability control

Video: Citroën Nemo fails European "moose test," highlights value of stability control originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroen nemoCitroenNemodouble lane changeDoubleLaneChangeelectronic stability controllElectronicStabilityControllelk testElkTestESCfiat quboFiatQuboMoosemoose testMooseTestpeugeot bipperPeugeotBipperrolloverrollover safetyRolloverSafetystability controlStabilityControlvehicle rolloverVehicleRolloverWed, 28 Apr 2010 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19456430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/28/citroen-nemo-fails-european-moose-test-highlights-value-of-stab/19456430/article-detail.xml 19456430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/citroen-nemo-moose-test_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/citroen-nemo-moose-test.png <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> puts Lexus GX on "Do Not Buy" list due to rollover fears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/consumer-reports-puts-lexus-gx-on-do-not-buy-list-due-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/consumer-reports-puts-lexus-gx-on-do-not-buy-list-due-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/13/consumer-reports-puts-lexus-gx-on-do-not-buy-list-due-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has officially given the Lexus GX the automotive equivalent of a black eye. The publication has deemed the high-riding luxury SUV a "safety risk" for its likelihood to go shiny side down during emergency maneuvers, and as such, has put it on the publication's infamous "Do Not Buy" list. During testing, the Consumer Reports crew found that the traction control on the GX would allow the vehicle to slide nearly completely sideways before getting everything in line.

Interestingly enough, while Consumer Reports tested the nearly-identical Toyota 4Runner, that SUV wasn't found to suffer the same problem with the traction control. Is it possible that all of the luxury goodies you'll find aboard the Lexus add enough pounds to overwhelm the vehicle's stability control, or that the Lexus has significantly different programming? It's possible.

So far, Toyota hasn't said much other than that it's concerned with the Consumer Reports findings. Considering that the Japanese manufacturer has had more than its fair share of bad publicity recently, being blacklisted by CR is just another log on the fire.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX460


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Consumer Reports puts Lexus GX on "Do Not Buy" list due to rollover fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Runnerbreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsConsumer ReportsConsumer Reports Do Not BuyConsumerReportsConsumerReportsDoNotBuyDo Not BuyDoNotBuyGX460LexusLexus GXLexus GX460LexusGxLexusGx460rolloverrollover riskRolloverRiskstability controlStabilityControlToyotaToyota 4RunnerToyota4runnerTue, 13 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19437379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/13/consumer-reports-puts-lexus-gx-on-do-not-buy-list-due-t/19437379/article-detail.xml 19437379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gx460-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gx460-630.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

IIHS compact pickup crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested five compact pickup trucks for both rollover and side impact crashes, and overall, it would seem that the trucks' performances were pretty dismal. Only the Nissan Frontier was given a 'Good' rating from the IIHS for rollover protection, with the Ford Ranger falling to second place with an 'Acceptable' rating and the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma earning lowly 'Marginal' scores.

Side impact scores also failed to live up to expectations for some trucks, with the Frontier, Ranger and Tacoma getting 'Good' ratings and the Colorado getting the lowest 'Poor' rating. Equally as disturbing, though, was the performance of the Dakota, which was tested with optional side air bags (all the other trucks come standard with the bags) that failed to deploy in IIHS testing. Chrysler has reportedly identified the software glitch that caused the air bags not to deploy and is working on a fix. The Dakota will be retested with properly functional air bags at a later date.

See the results of the testing in our image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release from the IIHS.


Gallery: IIHS Compact Pickup Tests


[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet coloradoChevroletColoradochevychevy coloradoChevyColoradocoloradocompact pickupcompact pickup crash testcompact truckcompact truck crash testCompactPickupCompactPickupCrashTestCompactTruckCompactTruckCrashTestford rangerFordRangerfrontieriihsiihs compact pickupsiihs compact trucksIihsCompactPickupsIihsCompactTrucksInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyNissan frontierNissanFrontierrangerrolloverrollover protectionrollover testRolloverProtectionRolloverTesttacomatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomaThu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19345170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/19345170/article-detail.xml 19345170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/colorado-roof_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/colorado-roof.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to The Detroit News, the Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that Ford Motor Company is at fault for a 2002 rollover crash involving a 1997 Ford Explorer and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker must pay $55 million in punitive damages. Benetta Buell-Wilson's Explorer rolled over four-and-a-half times after she swerved to avoid debris. When the roof collapsed on her neck, it severed her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.

Ford unsuccessfully argued that it shouldn't be punished due to the fact that the Explorer complied with federal safety standards when it was built. Buell-Wilson was originally awarded $369 million in damages, but a pair of California courts cut down the total value of damages to $82.6 million.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benetta buell-wilsonBenettaBuell-wilsonfordford explorerFordExplorerrolloversupreme courtSupremeCourtTue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19259037/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/19259037/article-detail.xml 19259037 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/1997fordexplorerside4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/1997fordexplorerside4.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

iihs-roof-smartiihs-roof-smart-2iihs-roof-aveoiihs-roof-aveo-2

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy aveochevy aveo crash testchevy aveo roof testChevyAveoChevyAveoCrashTestChevyAveoRoofTesthonda fithonda fit crash testHondaFitHondaFitCrashTesthyundai accenthyundai accent crash testHyundaiAccentHyundaiAccentCrashTestiihsinsurance instituteinsurance institute for highway safetyinsurance institute for highway safety crash testInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyCrashTestmini coopermini cooper crash testMiniCooperMiniCooperCrashTestrolloverrollover caserollover protectionrollover testRolloverCaseRolloverProtectionRolloverTestsmartsmart fortwosmart fortwo crashsmart fortwo crash resultssmart fortwo crash t...smart fortwo roofsmartcarSmartFortwoSmartFortwoCrashSmartFortwoCrashResultsSmartFortwoCrashT...SmartFortwoRooftoyota yaristoyota yaris crash testToyotaYarisToyotaYarisCrashTestFri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19135284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/19135284/article-detail.xml 19135284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/iihs-roof-smart-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/iihs-roof-smart-opt.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford Explorer suit draws to close; lawyers big winners, plaintiffs less so]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-ford-explorer-suit-draws-to-close-lawyers-big-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-ford-explorer-suit-draws-to-close-lawyers-big-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/report-ford-explorer-suit-draws-to-close-lawyers-big-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As another costly Ford Explorer rollover lawsuit finally bogs to a close, the attorneys have again emerged standing on top of the flotsam. This suit, filed in California on behalf of consumers in four states who leased or bought 1991 to 2001 Ford Explorers, alleged the rollover problems associated with their vehicles diminished resale values (the lawsuit excluded personal injuries or wrongful death claims). The final settlement, authorized by a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge, awarded each of the class members $500 discount coupons towards the purchase of a new Ford SUV, or $300 towards another Ford vehicle.

While the attorneys argued the lawsuit was valued at $500 million (assuming that nearly one million consumers would flock to dealerships and cash-in those nifty coupons for new Fords), the settlement is really only costing the automaker about $27 million. All told, the attorneys will pocket an impressive $25 million of the bounty, while another $950,000 is donated to the Automotive Safety Research Institute for "research into protecting passengers in rollover accidents." The balance (at most $846,500) will go to the 1,693 class members who applied for the $500 certificates before the April 2008 cutoff. In case you were wondering... as of this June, only 75 of the vouchers ($37,500 worth) had been redeemed.

[Source: The Associated Press (via Yahoo) | Image: Alex Wong/Getty]

REPORT: Ford Explorer suit draws to close; lawyers big winners, plaintiffs less so originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 Coupon500CouponAttorneyAttorney feesAttorneyFeesford explorerFord Explorer LawsuitFordExplorerFordExplorerLawsuitLawsuitLawyerrolloverSacramentoSUV rolloverSuvRolloverTue, 04 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19118168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/04/report-ford-explorer-suit-draws-to-close-lawyers-big-winners/19118168/article-detail.xml 19118168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ford-explorer-rollover-hearings-nasser-630-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ford-explorer-rollover-hearings-nasser-630-getty.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS to raise the roof on crush standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/iihs-to-raise-the-roof-on-crush-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/iihs-to-raise-the-roof-on-crush-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/iihs-to-raise-the-roof-on-crush-standards/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has commissioned a study that seems to indicate that a dramatic increase in roof safety is in order. The group's resulting newly proposed standards would require a vehicle's roof to withstand two-times the specific vehicle's weight. According to the IIHS, this change could reduce the risk of fatalities in a single vehicle rollover by more than 20%.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also supports the tougher standards, though the Bush Administration had allowed three separate deadlines to pass without updating its requirements, which have remained the same since they were first instituted in 1973. Those initial rules standards require that the roof of a vehicle be capable of withstanding 1.5 times the vehicle weight.

So far, automakers have supported this standard, although they are requesting that the new requirements for roof strength be phased in gradually, partially over concerns of rising vehicle weight that negatively impacts fuel economy.

[Source: Detroit News]

IIHS to raise the roof on crush standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iihsiihs rolloveriihs rollover studyiihs testingIihsRolloverIihsRolloverStudyIihsTestingrolloverrollover standardsRolloverStandardsroof crushroof standardsroof strengthroof strength standardsRoofCrushRoofStandardsRoofStrengthRoofStrengthStandardsFri, 06 Feb 2009 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1451569/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/02/06/iihs-to-raise-the-roof-on-crush-standards/1451569/article-detail.xml 1451569 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/suv_rollover_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/02/suv_rollover_580.jpg <![CDATA[Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've been following the ongoing roof strength regulation saga, this will likely come as no surprise. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has again asked for an extension to rewrite the government's vehicle roof strength rule. We've been reporting on this for more than three years, and the delays never seem to end (of course, we can assume the big cheese in Washington have more pressing issues on their plates these days). Rewriting the legislation set back in the 1970s isn't as simple as specifying stronger roof pillars. Beefing up the roof will add weight - potentially making a vehicle more top heavy and likely increasing the possibility of a rollover. The new rules will need to address these concerns, and take into account new safety technologies (curtain airbags, stability control, etc...) that are on our current-generation models. While each previous request for an extension included new deadline dates, this latest appeal didn't. A wise move considering the administration's track record on this issue.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testCrashTestcrushMary PetersMaryPetersNHTSArollrolloverroof regulationsRoofRegulationsTransportation SecretaryTransportationSecretaryFri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1331155/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/1331155/article-detail.xml 1331155 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/trends_july_suv_rollover_600_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/trends_july_suv_rollover_600.jpg <![CDATA[Feds to release new roof-strength regs in July]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/feds-to-release-new-roof-strength-regs-in-july/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/feds-to-release-new-roof-strength-regs-in-july/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/feds-to-release-new-roof-strength-regs-in-july/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While rollover resistance is improving, current vehicle roof strength regulations date back nearly 35 years. With that in mind, Congress will be taking a careful look at federal regulators as they work on upgrading the standards early next month before they unveil a final regulation at the end of July. Current standards require a vehicle under 6,000 pounds to withstand a force of 1.5 times the vehicle weight without crushing and striking the head of a belted average-size adult male. In August 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed toughening that standard to 2.5 times the vehicle weight (and adding it should cover all vehicles under 10,000 pounds). Safety advocates, however, have argued that the standard should be 3 to 3.5 times the vehicle weight.

According to the NHTSA, increasing the crush resistance to 3 times the vehicle weight would cost automakers at least $1.1 billion more that it would to meet the 2.5 standard. Automakers have shown resistance to the proposals too. They have asked for more time to comply with the toughened rules, and that some vehicles (such as the Jeep Wrangler) be exempt. They have also pointed out that increased roof strength means added weight -- counterproductive in their continued efforts to meet stringent fuel economy standards.

[Source: The Detroit News, Photo from Volvo]

Feds to release new roof-strength regs in July originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CrashFederalFlipNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSARegulationsRollRolloverRulesTue, 27 May 2008 13:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1206948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/27/feds-to-release-new-roof-strength-regs-in-july/1206948/article-detail.xml 1206948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/xc90-rollover-test-resized_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/xc90-rollover-test-resized.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS studies effectiveness of roof strength: Surprise! It matters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/12/iihs-studies-effectiveness-of-roof-strength-surprise-it-matter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/12/iihs-studies-effectiveness-of-roof-strength-surprise-it-matter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/12/iihs-studies-effectiveness-of-roof-strength-surprise-it-matter/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's been considerable debate between automakers, legislators and safety advocates over how roof strength correlates to deaths in rollover crashes. The majority of the focus has appropriately been heaped on SUVs, whose high center of gravity makes them more prone to rollovers, particularly when they leave the road.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released a study that proves that more roof strength can reduce injuries by some 39 to 57 percent when compared to the weaker models it tested. The IIHS used the same roof strength test as the feds on a group of SUVs that currently meet the government's roof requirements. At the top of the heap was the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra that was able to withstand almost 12,000 pounds of force, while the lowest ranked vehicle, the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, lost its head(room) after 6,500 pounds of force was applied to the roof.


[Source: IIHS]

IIHS studies effectiveness of roof strength: Surprise! It matters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iihsiihs rollover studyIihsRolloverStudyinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyrolloversuvWed, 12 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1138426/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/12/iihs-studies-effectiveness-of-roof-strength-surprise-it-matter/1138426/article-detail.xml 1138426 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/new_xterra_cc_450-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/new_xterra_cc_450-op.jpg -1 2