2009 Volkswagen CC gets IIHS Top Pick award

Advanced vehicle systems like stability control, ABS and traction control have become so common that we often gloss over them in a car's spec sheet, but they are important innovations for safety. Volkswagen's CC has taken that to heart, outfitting a core complement of technologies that have helped it secure the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award.

The basics - ESP, ABS, brake assist and traction control - are all accounted for on all 2009 Volkswagen CCs. The entire VW lineup for 2009 features ESP as standard, but bringing all of these systems together gives the CC the edge. Standard side airbags in 2009 models also helped to push the car over the top.

"The TOP SAFETY PICK award from the IIHS is a tremendous honor for our CC," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We are thrilled when organizations like the IIHS recognize the hard work of our engineers who are dedicated to the safety of our customers. This award further validates Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System approach to vehicle safety."

To get the Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicle has to score tops in front, side and rear impact results. The CC fits into the IIHS's 'midsize, moderately priced cars' category for measurement purposes. No roof crush tests were performed on the car.