The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan has received the highest possible 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.    “Safety is an increasingly important consideration for new vehicle buyers, especially for those in the midsize segment,” said Gay Kent, General Motors general director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. “The customer is at the center of our day-to-day operations and when we design vehicles, it’s their safety that we have in mind.” Safety technologies featured on the Malibu include an ultra-high-strength steel safety cage, rollover protection and 10 standard airbags including knee airbags for both driver and front passenger. In addition to these passive safety features, several other available active safety technologies, such as Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, can assist in avoiding a collision. Side Blind Zone Alert uses sensors to warn drivers of vehicles entering their blind spot on either side. The pairing of Rear Cross Traffic Alert, new to Malibu for 2014, and rear vision camera can make backing out onto busy streets a less-stressful affair. Every Malibu comes with OnStar service standard for the first six months. In the event of a collision, OnStar Advisors can contact the vehicle even if occupants cannot respond. Malibu had its best retail sales year since 1999 last year. Source: GM