Audi Ranks High in IIHS Whiplash Safety Study

Study measures effectiveness of head restraint systems in rear-end crashes

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 5 -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today released the results of their latest study measuring the effectiveness of head restraint systems in a rear-end crash. Audi had three models rated as "good" by the IIHS; the A4, S4, and A6, and is one of only two manufacturers to have achieved this. Audi also is the only manufacturer to have three models rated "good" in head restraint tests as well as two "Top Safety Picks" from the IIHS in 2007.

In the test, the IIHS simulates a rear-end collision by a vehicle traveling 20 mph. The IIHS then rates the effectiveness of the head restraints in preventing whip-lash injuries.

"The geometry of a head restraint has to be adequate, and so do the stiffness characteristics of the vehicle seat," said Institute president Adrian Lund. "Then the seat and head restraint have to work in concert to support an occupant's neck and head."

This is just the latest safety award for the A4 and A6 model line. The IIHS also rated the A4 and A6 models as "Top Safety Picks" in 2007 for their results in both frontal-offset and side collision tests.

Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of more than 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; and the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the new V10-powered S6 and S8 performance sedans.