(January 22, 2010) DETROIT — Marc Keinath miraculously survived an icy encounter with a tractor-trailer this week. His 2004 Malibu didn’t, but Chevrolet wrote the next chapter in the amazing story on Friday, presenting Keinath with the keys to a new 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

“This is an incredible story of survival that shows you just never know what’s going to happen on the road,” said Rick Scheidt, executive director at Chevrolet. “When you look at Marc’s Malibu, you would never expect anyone would ever walk away from it.”

Keinath, 30, of Millington, Mich., was driving his 2004 Chevrolet Malibu along Interstate 75 in Genesee County, Mich. when he encountered a patch of black ice and spun out.  When he regained control of the car, the tractor trailer hauling 20 tons of sugar smashed into the rear of Keinath’s Malibu before falling on top of it. As parts of the roof of the Malibu began to yield under the tremendous weight of the trailer, Keinath fully reclined his seat to give him more room inside, reached for his cell phone and dialed 911.

He walked away with no serious injuries.

Chevrolet Malibu Marketing Director
Jon Hahn presents Marc Keinath with
keys to a new 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

“It’s been a heck of a week for me,” said Keinath. “I want to thank God for giving me a second chance at life, the firefighters and first responders who helped me, and Chevy for making a car that can hold a semi.”

Keinath’s new 2011 Malibu, which was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the 2010 and 2011 model years, will come equipped with two years of lifesaving OnStar technology. 

OnStar has Automatic Crash Response. In the event of a collision, sensors built into the Malibu can automatically alert an OnStar Advisor, who is immediately connected into the vehicle to see if help is needed. Even if the occupant is hurt and can’t respond, the Advisor knows the vehicle’s exact location through GPS technology, and can direct emergency responders to the scene.

Over the past 15 years, OnStar Advisors have responded to more than 148,000 vehicle crashes, unlocked more than 4.8 million doors, provided 2.4 million subscribers with roadside assistance and located more than 51,000 stolen vehicles.

“Stories like Marc’s reminds us why we design and engineer every Chevrolet to help drivers avoid a crash, protect people in the unfortunate event of a crash, and with OnStar offer immediate help after a crash,” said Scheidt.