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June 26, 2003
For Model Year 2004, the Saab 9-5 has achieved a maximum five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. It is further evidence of the success of Saab's Real Life Safety philosophy.
EuroNCAP has upgraded its assessment of the Saab 9-5 for the new model year as Saab is installing a new seat-belt reminder system which fulfills the EuroNCAP criteria.
"When EuroNCAP first tested Saab 9-5 in 1998 it was awarded four stars and the highest individual score at that time," says Annika Kindberg, project leader responsible for crash safety in the 9-5. "Now the car is further improved as EuroNCAP test personnel were pleased with the logic in the new reminder system, which starts when the car has been driven for 30 seconds at more than 25 kph."
The reminder begins with a warning chime and a message on the information display telling the driver, or the front seat passenger, to use the seatbelt. If this request is ignored, a louder signal will be triggered 30 seconds later for a duration of 90 seconds, together with further information on the display. The system works independently for the driver or front seat passenger and it also restarts if a belt is unbuckled whilst the car is being driven.
The Saab 9-5 has already been awarded with highest possible rating, five stars, under USNCAP, the American equivalent to EuroNCAP, although a completely different crash procedure is used. It has also been given the highest safety rating by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in the US.
And in Sweden, a large survey by the Folksam insurance company, based on 76,100 real road accidents, found the Saab 9-5 to be the only car with a performance more than 40% better than the average. The Saab 9-5 was therefore given Folksam's top award Safest Car, 2003.
"The fact that the 9-5 has earned the highest rating in different kinds of consumer crash tests and performed so well in the Folksam survey is proof of the success of Saab's Real Life Safety philosophy," says Annika Kindberg.
For more information, see:
 www.euroncap.com
www.nhtsa.gov (US NCAP)
www.hwysafety.org (IIHS)
www.folksam.se
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