Auto Safety Awards Get Harder to Win
IIHS increases requirements for its top awards in challenge to automakers to increase backseat, pedestrian safety.

IIHS said it’s challenging brands to increase back-seat safety and improve pedestrian crash-avoidance technology to get its top awards.
IMAGE: Pexels/Brett Sayles
An automotive safety tester said it’s raising the threshold that automakers must achieve to win its top safety vehicle award.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said it’s challenging brands to increase back-seat safety and improve pedestrian crash-avoidance technology in order to qualify for its Top Safety Pick awards.
Even with the increased standards, it said 22 models qualify for the top awards this year.
The nonprofit organization added a criteria this year after already toughening awards requirements last year.
“This year’s winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users,” said President David Harkey in a press release.
With the new requirement part of the consideration, Hyundai took the most 2024 safety awards, winning 16 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ nods, followed by Toyota 13, and Mazda with six.
IIHS said small and midsize sports-utility vehicles tied for the most top awards.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →