[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]The Chevrolet Malibu, GM Korea’s premium midsize sedan, received the 2012 Safe Car of the Year award from the Korean Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.

The award, now in its fourth year, is given to vehicles that achieve an overall score of 50 or more (out of 54) and five stars in every category in Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP) testing conducted by the ministry.

The Malibu had perfect scores in KNCAP’s frontal crash test and side pole crash test, and earned near-perfect scores in the side crash test and whiplash test (KNCAP’s passenger car category). Moreover, it became the first vehicle in its segment to achieve four stars (★★★★) in the crash and pedestrian test.

“Today’s award once again proves that the Malibu is among the safest vehicles in Korea’s most competitive passenger car segment,” said GM Korea Vehicle Development Managing Director, Sungkyun Hong. “It reinforces our commitment to build vehicles that are global leaders in performance, safety and design.”