The Volkswagen group redesigned two of its most popular sedans over the last year, and it looks like the move has paid off. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the 2012 Audi A6 as its Top Safety Picks, USA Today reports.

The rating is especially good news for the manufacturer because many consider the IIHS' standards to be higher than the government's. To earn the distinction of being a Top Safety Pick, the cars had to get the top score on front, side, rear and rollover crash tests performed by the institute.

The rollover test is especially stringent and cars have to withstand a force up to four times the weight of the car. The Passat was able to stand up to six times its weight, while the A6 managed to withstand 4.9 times its weight, the publication reports. This isn't new territory for the Passat, which has earned the distinction before, but it is for the A6, which missed out last year.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Audi or Volkswagen may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.