Chrysler Group products are designed to improve not only handling and accident avoidance, but also to provide excellent crash protection as well. With the use of emerging technologies, the Chrysler Group is able to incorporate both passive and active safety features into vehicles.
“The Chrysler Group delivers safety to its customers by applying a broad range of technologies. Through advancements in computer aided engineering and the use of emerging technologies, practical safety innovation is achieved,” said Scott Redman, Manager Safety Planning and Strategy, Chrysler Group. “Our mission is to continuously improve each new generation of vehicles.”
Several innovative safety features have been developed to protect vehicle occupants in regulatory, consumer ratings and real-world impacts, including NCAP (New Car Assessment Program), SINCAP (Side Impact New Car Assessment Program), and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) offset impacts.
FRAME RAIL TIP
A patented, hydroformed tubular front body structure replaces a stamped, welded structure. Its attachment to the car is designed to prevent intrusion into the passenger space. Along with the frame, the front body panels are extended three inches farther forward of the wheels to enhance frontal and offset impact performance. This also helps focus the impact in the frame, which is the primary structural impact absorber. The octagonal front frame tips debuted on the 2004 Dodge Durango to absorb frontal impacts.
REAR STRUCTURE
The rear sill reinforcement was optimized through simulation to ensure consistent impact performance. The rear structure, including the sill reinforcement, was designed to allow the spare tire to rotate out of the way during a rear impact.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
Electronic Stability Program aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on road surfaces.
ALL-SPEED TRACTION CONTROL (TCS)
This system enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on road surfaces (up to 80 mph) by operating both the brakes and the Electric Throttle Control (ETC). It also provides a measure of directional stability control.
PANIC BRAKE ASSIST
Panic Brake Assist notifies the active brake booster electronically of the need for increased brake output, providing minimal stopping distances in emergency situations.
ENERGY-ABSORBING STEERING COLUMN
Manual-adjust steering columns utilize two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward and enhance energy absorption during a crash. The power-adjust steering column employs a calibrated bending element, which deforms during column stroke for optimal energy management.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
Equipped with electronic sensors that help prevent wheel lockup, the ABS offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions. The control modules for both systems communicate with sensors via the new CAN-C data bus.
ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM
Enhanced protection for a wider range of occupants, this system is also designed to identify the size of front passenger occupant based primarily on weight.