In April 2009, ETSC published a PIN Flash concernig safer cars across the EU. European citizens do not benefit equally from improvements in passive safety as huge differences persist between countries in the market penetration of safe cars. Sweden, Ireland and Norway are the countries with the highest proportion of cars awarded 5 stars for occupant protection among new cars sold in 2008. Hungary, Portugal and Spain are the countries with the highest proportion of cars awarded 3-stars for pedestrian protection, 5 being the maximum, closely followed by Israel and Greece.