IIHS Releases Low-Speed Crash Tests for Four 2002 Vehicles; Video on Progressive.com
Progressive Helps Consumers Make Smart Choices When Buying A Car; Makes Full Motion Video of Latest Bumper Tests Available on progressive.com
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio — March 13, 2002 —A little "tap" when you back out of a parking space or a "nudge" into the car in front of you in heavy traffic — two mishaps in which bumpers should minimize damage to your vehicle. The reality is that not all bumpers are created equally, so it's important that consumers understand how they fare in low speed crash tests and that cars that perform well in crash tests can be safer and cost less to repair and insure. That's why Progressive (NYSE: PGR), one of the largest auto insurance companies in the country, makes full-motion video of the latest five mile per hour, low-speed front and rear bumper crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) available on its Web site, progressive.com. All tests conducted by IIHS since November 2000 are also archived on the site.
The videos released today include tests of the 2002 models of three small cars including, the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer and Volvo S40 and one minivan, the Kia Sedona. All three small car bumpers received "marginal" ratings and sustained damage in four different bumper tests that ranged from $2,515 to $3,169. The Kia Sedona received the lowest rating, "poor," with IIHS citing costly repairs due in part to airbag deployment in one test.
"It was the worst performance of any minivan we've tested," said Adrian Lund, Institute chief operating officer. "The Sedona's bumpers simply failed — the plastic bar cracked in all four tests and the bumper cover had to be replaced after three of the four tests. The worst result was the airbag deployment in the flat-barrier test. This shouldn't happen."
The Institute's bumper crashworthiness evaluations ranging from good to poor are based on results from a series of four five-mph crash tests conducted to assess how well bumpers resist costly damage in the kinds of impacts that frequently occur in commuter traffic and parking lots.
"We want to help consumers be smart shoppers when it comes to purchasing a new car and the insurance to cover it," said Toby Alfred, site manager, progressive.com. "Bumpers that resist damage keep repair costs down if you are in an accident. Lower overall repair costs help insurance companies give consumers what they tell us they want — lower auto insurance rates."
Progressive.com is the only site where consumers can view vehicle crash test results and then check out the insurance rates for the vehicle from Progressive and up to three other leading companies. And it is the only site that allows consumers to see the comparison rates offered to other visitors. To highlight the spread that exists in rates available to consumers from different companies this unique "rate ticker" feature displays an up-to-the-minute sampling of comparison rates provided to consumers across the country who used Progressive's online service.
Visitors to progressive.com can also find an agent in their neighborhood, get a quote on motorcycle, boat and RV insurance and purchase an auto, motorcycle and boat policy instantaneously online. Also at progressive.com: a repair facility-locator service; shopping tools that help consumers calculate vehicle-related costs; a vehicle recall search link; and online resources that define terms and provide the latest information and tips on driving-related issues.
Most recently, progressive.com received the "Standard of Excellence" award from the Web Marketing Association and was recognized as one of the "top 10 Web sites that work" by InfoWeek magazine. The site has also been named the top insurance carrier Web site by GomezT, a leading e-commerce authority, for five consecutive periods. And, Gomez recognizes personal.progressive.com, the company's online customer service center, for providing "best-of-breed functionality for consumers desiring to manage their vehicle insurance policies via the Internet."
Progressive (NYSE: PGR), with headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business since 1937, the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person and online services. The company sells its products over the phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVESM, online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about the company can be found at progressive.com.
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