DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2001 - The Ford Expedition has become the only Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to earn a double five-star rating in U.S. government frontal crash testing.

"All of our SUVs perform well in real-world situations and consumer crash tests," said Gurminder Bedi, vice president, Truck Product Development. "However, this accomplishment is special because we had to reach this level of crash test performance without jeopardizing any of the advancements we've made in the area of vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility."

Expedition was able to earn the government's top rating for frontal crash tests because of additional enhancements to the SUV's restraint system. For 2001, the Expedition's safety belt system is equipped with technologies called pretensioners and energy management retractors.

Pretensioners are special devices located in the retractors of the front-seat safety belts. They tighten the belts and help prevent belted occupants from sliding and bouncing around during a crash.

If crash forces rise to severe levels, a metal bar tucked in the center of the spool of the safety belt retractor - called an energy management retractor - twists like a wrung-out washcloth. Such action releases small amounts of safety belt webbing in a controlled manner and helps reduce the risk of force-related injuries, especially to the occupant's chest.

These technologies build on the Expedition's existing strong structural performance in crashes. Its safety cage is designed to absorb forces from a crash, helping to reduce the forces reaching either occupants of the SUV or another vehicle that may be involved in the crash.

The Expedition continues to be the best-selling full-size SUV in the U.S. "Expedition provides the capabilities to experience the 'real' outdoors in surprising comfort and control," said Doug Walczak, Expedition marketing manager. "The vehicle's double five-star crash rating is further evidence that it provides the confidence and capability for rugged adventure."