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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2009 Hyundai Genesis (pictured) its Top Safety Pick designation. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company)

ARLINGTON, Virginia — The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has earned a “top safety pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The designation applies to 2009 Genesis models built after November 2008.

To qualify for a top safety pick, a vehicle must earn the highest ranking of “Good” in the Institute’s front, side and rear crash tests and also be equipped with electronic stability control. “Criteria to win are tough,” says the IIHS on its Web site.

“Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results,” said Institute president Adrian Lund.

The Genesis took home the prestigious 2009 North American Car of the Year in January, beating out such contenders as the 2009 Ford Flex and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.