General Motors adds center-mounted airbag to its large crossovers

General Motors will equip the 2013 models of its large crossovers--the Chevrolet Traverse, the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia--with a center-mounted airbag that protects front-seat passengers in side impacts.

The airbag, developed by GM and safety-system supplier Takata, is mounted on the inboard side of the driver's-seat backrest.

GM says the airbag helps restrain and protect the driver in the event of a crash on the passenger side of the vehicle when the front passenger seat is empty. It can also act as a cushion between the driver and a front-seat passenger in a side impact.

GM says the airbag will be standard on all models of the Enclave and on models of the Traverse and the Acadia that have power seats.

By Dale Jewett