Safety
Road safety is one of the most important concerns for us and our customers. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the risk of being injured in a road accident has fallen substantially. Nevertheless, statistics indicate there were more than 43,000 deaths and 2.7 million injuries in road accidents in the U.S. in 2005. Nowadays, the market calls for vehicles with more and more comprehensive safety features. In the development of vehicle safety systems, the Volkswagen Group has traditionally made accident prevention, occupant protection and pedestrian safety its top priorities. We combine active and passive safety measures in a holistic approach to safety.
Every 2008 model year Volkswagen vehicle is equipped with advanced passive and active safety features that can make driving in inclement weather easier and safer. Depending upon the model, technology such as Engine Braking Assist (EBA), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Hydraulic Brake Assistant (HBA), available Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) (includes EBA, EDL, and HBA), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) are among the features that will help keep Volkswagen drivers more secure when driving conditions are less than ideal. In addition, the 2008 Touareg includes both Hill Descent Assist (HAD) and Hill Climb Assist (HCA), which engages only in low range gear.
Sit Safe™
Sit Safe™ is the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. dealer-based Child Passenger Safety Program. Using program curricula developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada, dealership staff and community individuals throughout North America became certified as Sit Safe Specialists.
More than 500 Volkswagen and Audi dealerships have opened Sit Safe Education Stations. Each of these dealerships is able to offer free education, advice and child seat inspections to their customers, clients and community.
Many dealers provide LATCH education and correct installation demonstrations in their showroom; others provide education and assistance during new car delivery presentations or in the parts, warranty and service departments. Many dealers host regular inspection events in their service bays or by appointment.
To locate a Certified Sit Safe Specialist or Education Station at a Volkswagen or Audi dealership near you, please click here.
Recognition
Volkswagen Group vehicles have an excellent reputation for safety and reliability. The latest models from Volkswagen and Audi have recently received a number of awards for their safety features in the USA and Europe. In 2007 and 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7 both received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s prestigious five star award for both frontal and side impact tests.
Many of our latest models also have earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Audi A6 and A4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2007, and the Audi A6, Audi A4, and Audi A3 all received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2008.
The Volkswagen Eos, Jetta, Passat and Rabbit all have been recognized by the IIHS for their “Good” rating in frontal and side impact crashes in the latest IIHS Status Report (pdf).
