Volvo goes for the crash-proof car
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“Our aim for 2020 is that no one should be killed or injured in a Volvo car,” says Thomas Broberg, safety expert with the Swedish auto maker. So how can such a worthy goal be achieved? Broberg’s reply would be that Volvo is working on the world’s first accident-proof car.
And such a vehicle is not that far away. Next month, Volvo unveils its next-generation S60 mid-size sedan at the Detroit auto show. Although still a concept, it showcases many features that the production car (on sale in 2010) will have, such as Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection.
“Up until now, we have focused on helping the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles,” says Broberg. “Now we are taking a giant step forward with a system that also boosts safety for unprotected road users. New sensor technology also makes it possible to advance from 50% to full-automatic braking power.”
Radar and cameras are deployed to detect pesky things like pedestrians and other vehicles. If a collision is imminent, the system will first warn the driver and then, if no action has been taken, apply the brakes automatically. Even if there is an unfortunate coming-together, a reduced impact speed could result in a much happier outcome.
This news couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With the auto industry as a whole in its current sorry state and Volvo looking a little shaky, this technology could help the company itself avoid a crash.