Suzuki Challenges Insurance

Mar 11, 2005
Contributor: Mel Jackson

The company’s Aerio and Forenza models received "poor" ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s test that simulated an SUV mashing into the side of a compact car at 31 mph. Ten other models also received poor ratings, only two scored "acceptable."

Official statement from Suzuki follows:



Suzuki’s official statement on the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s Side-Impact Test

American Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Response to the Recent IIHS Side-impact Test Results of the 2005 Suzuki Aerio and Forenza

Suzuki places a priority on manufacturing and selling safe vehicles. All our vehicles are designed to meet consumers’ safety needs through a full complement of safety features. The Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Aerio are safe, reliable vehicles that comply with all federal crash test standards. Like all 2005 Suzuki passenger cars, the Forenza and Aerio offer front seat-mounted side airbags for both the driver and passenger as one of multiple layers of standard safety equipment.

Both the Aerio and Forenza performed well in previous tests conducted by the IIHS. The 2002 through 2005 Aerio models earned the top overall rating from the IIHS for performance in the IIHS’s 40-mph frontal offset crash test and were deemed "Best Picks." The 2004-2005 Forenza models earned an "Acceptable" rating for performance in the IIHS’s 40-mph frontal offset crash test.

With respect to the recent IIHS side-impact test results, Suzuki is interested in this relatively new test and is studying the results not only for the Forenza and Aerio, but also for the other vehicles that were tested. Suzuki and other manufacturers recognize that larger, full-size SUVs and pick-up trucks may be more aggressive in accidents with passenger cars, and the IIHS test provides one method of evaluating these interactions.

Suzuki has joined other auto manufacturers in a voluntary effort to study vehicle "compatibility" issues and explore strategies that may help reduce occupant injuries. To this end, Suzuki continues to research and incorporate features aimed at enhancing vehicle compatibility into future vehicle designs.












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