05 .06.10 LEXUS RX ACHIEVES HIGHEST SAFETY RATING

Saturday, 05 June 2010

LEXUS UNVEILS 'CT 200h' AT 2010 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

The IIHS subjected the Lexus RX to a number of tests including offset frontal, side and rear impacts and roof strength tests, rating it their Top Safety Pick.

To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of "good" in all the tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.

The IIHS testing was made more stringent in 2010 with the addition of the rollover test.

The Lexus RX performed outstandingly in all tests, receiving the maximum safety rating across the board.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said safety was a major focus during RX's development.

"Lexus devoted well over $30 million dollars and 233 vehicles solely for the purpose of RX crash-testing and development," Mr Cramb said.

"RX 350 and 450h models offer a number of safety features that should be seen as a right, not a privilege – reverse camera, stability control and airbags for both front and rear occupants.

"These are just some of RX's standard features," Mr Cramb said.

"It's great to see the IIHS recognise the efforts of Lexus engineers."

The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organisation funded by auto insurance companies.