Auto Safety Awards Get Harder to Win
IIHS increases requirements for its top awards in challenge to automakers to increase backseat, pedestrian safety.

IIHS said it’s challenging brands to increase back-seat safety and improve pedestrian crash-avoidance technology to get its top awards.
IMAGE: Pexels/Brett Sayles
An automotive safety tester said it’s raising the threshold that automakers must achieve to win its top safety vehicle award.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said it’s challenging brands to increase back-seat safety and improve pedestrian crash-avoidance technology in order to qualify for its Top Safety Pick awards.
Even with the increased standards, it said 22 models qualify for the top awards this year.
The nonprofit organization added a criteria this year after already toughening awards requirements last year.
“This year’s winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users,” said President David Harkey in a press release.
With the new requirement part of the consideration, Hyundai took the most 2024 safety awards, winning 16 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ nods, followed by Toyota 13, and Mazda with six.
IIHS said small and midsize sports-utility vehicles tied for the most top awards.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

Affordable, Safe Cars for Teen Drivers
Families looking to balance affordability and safety in vehicles for their teen drivers can look to the updated list of recommended vehicles by IIHS and Consumer Reports.
Read More →
Auto Dealers Feel Better But Not Great
A second-quarter Cox Automotive poll of franchised retailers and independents found better views of the current market after a good spring but anticipation of third-quarter storminess.
Read More →
Holman Opens Porsche Dealership in Miami
The North Miami store features the brand’s signature Destination Porsche design concept, combining contemporary architecture and technology to create what the auto group calls an ultra-luxury experience.
Read More →
Chicago to Gain Cadillac Rooftop in 2027
The two-story Cadillac dealership is being constructed at the former Lincoln Yards site, owned and operated by Canada-based Jack Carter Auto Group.
Read More →
Mid-Atlantic Ford Store Has New Owner
A growing Maryland automotive group is only the 93-year-old dealership’s third owner after its longtime proprietors retired.
Read More →
Porsche Dealership Breaks Ground in Illinois
Barrington Porsche will be the new location for Murgado Automotive Group’s existing Porsche dealership currently in the Motor Werks of Barrington auto mall.
Read More →
Michigan Auto Group Acquires Ohio Rooftops
Feldman Automotive Group added two new brands, Honda and Toyota, to its portfolio with its latest acquisition of four Fireside dealerships in Ohio.
Read More →
California VW Dealers Go After Scout
The franchisees’ state-level actions follow a California auto dealers trade group lawsuit against the VW affiliate last year, both efforts to stop the EV maker’s plan to sell direct to consumers.
Read More →
EVs Gain Traction in Europe
First-quarter auto sales increased as more consumers took advantage of government incentives. Hybrid deliveries are leading the way on the electrifieds boom.
Read More →
California Holds EV Lead Despite Annual Decline
At nearly 14%, California had the lowest zero-emission vehicle market share in the first quarter since the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.
Read More →