(November 1, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The newest Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivan models have been named Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2012. In addition to receiving top scores in rollover tests, both minivans achieved Good ratings in the areas of frontal, side and rear crash protection.

Additionally, to be considered, vehicles must have standard electronic stability control systems.

For 2012, both minivans offer more than 40 standard or available safety features. Both models also include an available SafetyTec group with features including ParkSense rear park assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.

"Safety-conscious parents shopping for a family hauler should be pleased with today's minivan choices," said David Zuby, the Institute's chief research officer.

The 2012 models of Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country received strength–to- weight ratio ratings of 4.51, among the highest of the minivans tested, and above the IIHS requirement of 4.0. Minimum requirements by the government are 1.5.

"With the latest addition of Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Group has 11 vehicles that have been named Top Safety Pick since we began our unprecedented launch of new vehicles a year ago and is unsurpassed," said Scott Kunselman, senior vice president — engineering.

Last month, the 2012 Fiat 500 was named Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Additionally, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Patriot, Chrysler 300 and 200, Dodge Durango, Charger, Journey and Avenger received Top Safety Pick designations earlier this year from IIHS.