Most Safe Cars in 2011

Many factors weigh in to determine Forbes’ list of Safest Cars for 2011. First, all cars had to be chosen as a 2011 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Second, in order to create a list exclusively made up of cars, all trucks, vans, SUVs, and crossovers were removed. Then, any models that did not receive a perfect score of “good” on every IIHS crash test were removed.

The four crash tests include; front-, side-, and rear-crash tests as well as a rollover test. The front test includes a 40-mph frontal offset crash that measures how well the car’s restraint system controlled the dummy’s movement during the crash. The side tests are based on crashes where the side of the vehicle is hit by an object moving at 31 mph. The rear-crash test measures the dummy’s neck pressure when they are hit from behind by an object moving at 20 mph. The rollover test, tests the strength of the roof when a metal plate is pushed against the roof at a rate of 0.2 inches per second. To get a “good” rating on the rollover test, the roof must withstand a force four times greater than the vehicles weight before reaching five inches of crush.

After all the tests had been completed and the numbers were calculated, Forbes’ named these vehicles as the safest cars in 2011:

• BMW 5-Series
• Buick LaCrosse
• Cadillac CTS Sedan
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Lincoln MKS
• Mercedes C-Class
• Mercedes E-Class Sedan
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback

Mercedes Celebrates 125 Year Anniversary

January 29, 2011 will mark the 125th birthday of one of the most important innovations of our time: Mercedes-Benz. In 1886, Karl Benz created the first modern automobile by attached a gasoline engine to a carriage. He patented his gasoline engine on January 29, 1886, and since then he has been known as the father of the modern automobile. Mercedes-Benz is the oldest automotive brand still in existence in the world today.

To celebrate 125 years Mercedes-Benz is releasing a new global TV commercial. This commercial will highlight their past, present and future and will begin their new campaign selling “The Best or Nothing.”

The CEO of Mercedes-Benz is calling for a worldwide declaration of January 29th to be the “Day of the Automobile.” After 125 years of innovation, Mercedes-Benz is certainly on the path to some big changes for the future of their vehicles. The CEO agrees, stating that “the automobile is heading for the biggest changes in its 125-year history.”

Popular Cars by Region

What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.

This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).

So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?

Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala

Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500

Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan

Mercedes-Benz CLS: Best Car in Luxury Class

Worldwide the Mercedes-Benz CLS has been voted the Best Luxury Car of 2011, and with that was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” award, one of the most important automotive awards in Europe.

Across Europe more than a quarter million readers and a top-class jury comprising of 40 automotive experts and prominent figures chose from 10 executive and luxury class vehicles to vote for the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel.” The vehicles were put through extensive tests and were rated on performance and style. The top 5 finalists for the award were the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLS, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volvo S 60.

According to the results of the road tests the Mercedes-Benz CLS is efficiency at the highest level with lightweight construction and aerodynamics as well as supreme driving dynamics and ride comfort, perfect for a long trip. There’s no doubt why the CLS was voted Best Car in its class and why it deserved the “Golden Steering Wheel” award.