2008 Chrysler Vehicles Earn Five Stars in Government Crash Tests

AUBURN HILLS, MI /PRNewswire/ -- The 2008 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica, and Chrysler Town & Country received the U. S. government's highest safety ratings for frontal- and side-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Through a broad range of engineering technologies, Chrysler is offering its customers the safety they expect and deserve," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President, Product Development, Chrysler. "Both passive and active safety systems enhance the inherent stability and safety we design into all of our Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles."

When it comes to safety, Chrysler employs a twofold approach: conventional features, such as pretensioning and load-limiting seat belt retractors, and supplemental air bags are combined with accident-avoidance features, including improved steering, handling, and braking.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is equipped with 35 safety and security features, including the company's side-occupant protection system. The system includes supplemental side-curtain air bags, with extended up time, tethers, and multiple sensors in case of a rollover. Adding to the mid-size SUV's long list of standard safety and security features are the Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock brake system, tire-pressure monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, and three new technologies—Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control.

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers technologies such as electronic limited slip differentials and the Electronic Stability Program, which help to contribute to the vehicle's on-road and off-road dynamics. Advanced multistage front and supplemental side-curtain air bags, tire-pressure monitoring system, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, SmartBeam headlamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps and rain-sensing wipers offer the latest innovation in occupant protection, safety, and security on the road. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008—Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and Trailer Sway Control.

Reinforcing Chrysler's commitment to safety and security, the 2008 Dodge Caliber gives customers an outstanding level of technology in the value-conscious compact car segment. More than 25 advanced safety technologies are available, including standard supplemental side-curtain air bags, optional seat-mounted supplemental side air bags, standard driver and passenger front air bags, available Electronic Stability Program, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2008 Dodge Nitro offers a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment is the advanced electronic chassis controls—the Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-Speed Traction Control, brake assist, and advanced anti-lock brakes.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans are equipped with many standard safety and security items, such as advanced, multi-stage driver and passenger air bags; all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, with added rollover protection; driver and front-passenger knee blockers; the Electronic Stability Program, with traction control and brake assist; a patented energy-absorbing steering column, and three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children child-seat anchors. The new minivans also feature an Enhanced Accident Response System. This system switches on the interior lamps, unlocks doors, turns on hazard-flasher exterior lamps, and turns the engine off by cutting off fuel in the event an impact causes air bag deployment. Other safety and security features include a rearview interior conversation mirror; power-adjustable pedals; remote, keyless, illuminated entry; power sliding passenger doors; power liftgate; tire-pressure monitoring system; ParkSense Rear Back-up Assist System, and ParkView Rear Back-up Camera.

Available safety and security features on the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica include standard supplemental three-row side-curtain airbags; driver and passenger-side knee blockers; advanced multi-stage air bags, with occupant classification system; the Electronic Stability Program; brake assist; patented energy absorbing steering column; available ParkSense Rear Park Assist System and ParkView Rear Back-up Camera.