All GM Small SUVs Now Carry 5-Star/5-Star Crash Ratings

Chevy HHR Receives 5-Star Front and Side impact Safety Ratings

DETROIT - The 2006 Chevrolet HHR small utility vehicle earned best-in-class, "five star" crash safety ratings in the latest federal New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) frontal and side-impact crash tests.

NCAP results are conveyed via a star rating system - from one to five stars, with five being the highest.

All of GM's small SUVs now register a 5-star/5-star safety performance in the tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The HHR joins the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn VUE and Pontiac Torrent in being awarded five-star ratings in both frontal and side impact tests.

Chevrolet's latest entry in the SUV market, the all-new 2006 HHR, is an expressively styled, high-function compact. With a base price starting at $15,890 including destination charges, HHR's safety story begins with its strong body structure.

"An extraordinary amount of attention was given to HHR's rigid space frame design," said Vehicle Line Director Deb Lund. "For example, we developed an ultra-high-strength steel cross-car beam under the front seat. We used the same material for the liners of the reinforced rocker sections, a segment-exclusive application for these panels and a rarity in passenger vehicles."

HHR's standard safety features include dual-stage driver and front- passenger airbags that respond based on crash severity; a weight-sensing airbag suppression system that automatically turns off the front passenger airbag when the seat is occupied by a child or small adult, and lap-shoulder belts at all seating positions including the rear center.

Safety and security in the HHR can be enhanced with an available 4-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS) and integrated full-time traction control, roof rail side-curtain airbags to protect both front and rear outboard occupants, and OnStar which includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification that can alert emergency service providers in a moderate to severe crash -- even when no air bags deploy.

Information regarding NHTSA's findings is available at www.safercar.gov. More information on the complete family of all Chevrolet products including Aveo and HHR is available at www.chevrolet.com.