GM Statement on NHTSA Side Crash Test on Chevrolet Cobalt

NHTSA Crash Data - Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan

Detroit May 24, 2005; Statement Attributable to Alan Adler, Manager, Product Safety Communications

The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is designed to help provide comprehensive safety before, during and after a crash.

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) side impact test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is one of these performance measurements. The Cobalt performs well in a range of internal and third-party crash tests.

"We were surprised by this outcome," said Bob Lange, GM executive director of vehicle structure and safety integration. "We are trying to understand the variations between NHTSA's and our laboratories that led to this result."

The result contrasts an "Acceptable" rating the Cobalt received in side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety earlier this year. It was one of only two compact cars of 16 tested to receive the institute's second-highest rating. The IIHS conducted tests with and without optional side curtain airbags. The NCAP test was conducted without side airbags.

"We believe the overall structure of the Cobalt to be exceptionally good," Lange said. The Cobalt received the IIHS "Best Pick" designation following frontal offset barrier testing and received 4 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the passenger in the NCAP frontal crash tests.

The Cobalt also received four of five stars in the dynamic rollover test that NHTSA conducts.