THE issue of safety is considered a great concern for car manufacturers worldwide, as they direct the bulk of their efforts towards ensuring the highest safety and protection standards for customers. The standards range from structural strength and cohesion of components to the level of advanced technologies that help avoid collision and predict failures or even alert drivers of impending danger. Characterized by an impressive safety record, Volkswagen vehicles have received the highest ratings and classifications with regards to passenger safety. The Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta and Passat models have recently received the "Top Safety Pick" rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2016. The rating was awarded after these models scored highly in front and side collision tests in addition to rollover crash tests. Volkswagen Saudi Arabia Marketing and Public Relations Director Adel Baraja said "at Volkswagen, we prioritize the safety of drivers and passengers and consider it to be one of the most important factors that make Volkswagen vehicles distinct globally and in the Saudi market. Our vehicles are highly popular among drivers who strive for a vehicle that provides them with the most beautiful appearance and the highest performance without compromising on quality and safety." "Perhaps one of the most important elements that Volkswagen takes into consideration when ensuring the highest safety standards in all its products is the driver assist systems. Every Volkswagen vehicle is characterized by a strong and light structure and minimum of six airbags installed in all models, which in turn provide the most adequate protection surrounding all passengers in the event of a car crash, God forbid," he added. Baraja noted that safety features don't stop there, as Volkswagen provides child seat compatibility (Isofix child) as a standard option in all its vehicles. It also features a tire alarm option, which warns the driver in advance of low pressure in any of the four tires, contributing to lower rate of sudden road breakdowns. Airbags work in conjunction with seatbelts in Volkswagen vehicles preventing When inflated, the airbags protect the head and upper body and distribute the shock to the largest possible part of the body, all within 120 milliseconds. Volkswagen is characterized by a large presence in the Saudi market and a distinct relationship with drivers in the Kingdom. In light of the great importance of this market, the company decided to expand its reach by establishing a physical presence in the capital city Riyadh in 2014. In this context, the company announced a new distributor of its products in the Kingdom in 2015 — Elite Automotive Alliance (EAA), in addition to its current dealer SAMACO.
