Volvo has been a leader in automotive safety for over 90 years. The Swedish automaker has been at the forefront of automotive safety innovations such as the three-point seatbelt, side airbags and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology. In this article, we will explore how Volvo became a pioneer in automotive safety and how they continue to lead in safety innovation.
Volvo: A Pioneer in Automotive Safety
Volvo’s commitment to safety can be traced back to 1927 when the company’s founders, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson, declared that "Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety." This philosophy has guided Volvo’s development of innovative safety features such as the three-point seatbelt, which was introduced in 1959 and has been estimated to have saved over one million lives.
In addition to the three-point seatbelt, Volvo has been a leader in developing side airbags, collapsible steering columns, and whiplash protection systems. The company has also been at the forefront of autonomous driving technology, with advanced features such as City Safety, which uses cameras and radar to detect potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically.
How Volvo Continues to Lead in Safety Innovation
Volvo’s commitment to safety continues to drive its innovations. In recent years, the company has introduced new technologies such as Run-off Road Mitigation, which uses sensors to detect if the car is about to leave the road and can steer the car back onto the road. Another example is Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to enable semi-autonomous driving.
Volvo has also set ambitious targets for the future. By 2020, the company aims for no one to be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car. To achieve this, Volvo is focusing on developing new technologies such as pedestrian and cyclist detection and autonomous emergency braking, which can bring the car to a complete stop in emergency situations.
In conclusion, Volvo’s commitment to safety has made it a pioneer in automotive safety. The company’s innovative safety features have saved countless lives and continue to inspire other automakers to prioritize safety. With its ambitious targets for the future, Volvo is well on its way to maintaining its position as a leader in automotive safety.