Volvo Protects Pedestrians with External Airbag

TOPSHAM, MAINE (03/21/2012)(readMedia)-- Volvo has always been known for protecting its drivers and their passengers, but it has gone outside the box, and outside the vehicle, for its latest safety innovation. The Swedish automaker introduced an industry-first pedestrian airbag on its all-new V40 at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. While the V40 hatchback won't be heading for U.S. Volvo dealerships, the U-shaped airbag, which deploys between the windshield and the hood when it detects front contact, could be included in future U.S. Volvo models.

While enhanced safety measures have reduced U.S. in-vehicle fatalities in recent years, pedestrian casualties have actually increased. From 2009 to 2010, pedestrian deaths rose 4.2 percent while pedestrian injuries shot up 19 percent. Volvo's Pedestrian Airbag Technology has many optimistic about the possibility of the automaker bringing the tech stateside to soften the impact in accidents involving pedestrians.

"Volvo has an ambitious goal that, by 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured inside its vehicles during a crash, but they are concerned with the safety of everyone on the road," said Rob Goodwin, general manager of Topsham, Maine Volvo dealer Goodwin's Volvo. "There's no reason this external airbag technology couldn't come to America and cut down on serious pedestrian injuries. It's the kind of safety innovation that people have come to expect from Volvo."

Of course, Pedestrian Airbag Technology wouldn't be the first pedestrian-safety feature that Volvo has incorporated into its vehicles. Already standard in several Volvos is City Safety, a system that employs sensors to detect obstacles and automatically deploy the brakes. The system can alleviate or even completely avoid collisions with other cars or pedestrians at low speeds.

City Safety comes standard on the 2012 Volvo S60, one of the rising sales stars in the Volvo lineup. The S60 recently received a five-star overall safety rating under new, more stringent standards from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Along with the 2012 Chevy Camaro, 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Kia Optima, the S60 is currently part of a select group to have earned perfect scores in all crash categories from the NHTSA.

The Volvo S60 offers an extensive list of standard safety features that protect pedestrians and passengers alike. In addition to City Safety, the premium sedan features pedestrian-protective styling in the front to smooth collisions and reduce danger to more vulnerable subjects. Meanwhile, interior features like pre-tensioning seatbelts and a Whiplash Protection System keep those in the Volvo S60's cabin safe.

"The S60 is an excellent example of the safety and peace of mind people get when they own a Volvo," Goodwin remarked. "Whether it's impressive new features like the pedestrian airbag, or existing features like the ones you'll find in the S60, Volvo's number one priority is to keep people safe, inside the car and out."

About Goodwin's Volvo:

Goodwin's Volvo provides Maine Volvo drivers with unmatched service by ensuring that the customer relationship goes well beyond the initial sale. With a wide inventory of new and used Volvo vehicles and parts, the sales and service staff at Goodwin's Volvo can answer customers' detailed questions to guarantee an educated purchasing decision. Visit their Topsham, Maine Volvo dealership at 91 Main Street, check out their online inventory at www.goodwinsvolvo.com, or call them at 888-221-3201. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinsVolvo.