GM introduces a front center air bag for crossover vehicles

Sep 29, 2011 2:15 PM

The new front airbag, centrally mounted in GM's
crossover vehicles, is an industry first.
(Photo: General Motors)

Drivers and front passengers in crossover vehicles made by General Motors could soon get another layer of protection during collisions. Today, GM announced it will offer a new centrally-mounted air bag that is said to better protect occupants in side-impact crashes.

The air bag is mounted in the space between the driver's and front passenger's seats and deploys during side collisions. GM says the in-board air bag—an industry first, says the company—provides cushioning between drivers and front passengers.

And although such an air bag is not required by federal safety standards, GM says it is adding the safety device as standard equipment to its 2013 model year versions of the Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles equipped with power seats.

The GM line of crossover vehicles all received "good" ratings for side-impact protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Check out:

Consumer Reports has a complete Guide to car safety, which includes a section on IIHS's crash tests of vehicles.

GM Introduces Industry's First Front Center Air Bag [General Motors press release]
GM to introduce industry's first front-center air bag [The Detroit News]
GM adds center-mounted airbag to large crossovers [AutoWeek]