2018 VW Atlas Named IIHS Top Safety Pick: Award Guidelines

The first Volkswagen vehicle developed expressly for the American market, and built here as well, has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2018 VW Atlas, the carmaker’s three-tow crossover built at the its Chattanooga assembly plant, was equipped with VW’s Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist).

Top Safety Pick Award Guidelines

For a vehicle to receive a Top Safety Pick Award, it must earn Good ratings in IIHS’ five crash testing categories:

• Frontal impact moderate overlap
• Frontal impact small overlap
• Side impact
• Roof strength
• Head restraints

And, the vehicle must offer an autonomous braking system (AEB) that earns at least an Advanced rating for front crash prevention. The 2018 VW Atlas earned a Superior rating.

“Volkswagen’s commitment to safety and driver assistance technology is unwavering,” said Hendrik Muth, senior vice president, product marketing, and strategy. “We take great responsibility to ensure our driver assistance technologies get smarter. The VW Atlas is an example of our ongoing commitment to offering these features and we are proud it has been recognized” as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

VW Atlas Sole Vehicle Offering Special Braking System

Atlas is the only vehicle class to offer Automatic Post-Collision Braking. The theory on which this system work is simply complex: a collision is rarely a single action; instead, it is a series of events that follow the initial impact – the most significant of which can cause additional collisions.

The Post-Collision Braking System handles this by tripping the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors. This helps reduce residual kinetic energy and the chance of extra damage. Post-Collision Braking is available not only on Atlas but also on all VW lines and trim levels.

Atlas features a variety of driver-assist systems to help make the crossover safer. For example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is included in Atlas’ list of safety packages as well as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. Also, Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), High-Beam Control (Light Assist), and Overhead View Camera (Area View).

IIHS Rating Program Launched In 2013

IIHS launched its front crash prevention rating system in 2013. The purpose is to help consumer sort the maze of technologies available so the buyer can focus on the most effective systems. For more information, visit IIHS Programs Outlined All IIHS ratings are available at IIHS Ratings Listed.

Sources: Volkswagen, IIHS