Volvo's Road Train Gains Steam in Spain

SIMSBURY, CONN. (06/06/2012)(readMedia)-- From carpool lanes to E-ZPass tolls, attempts to make highway traffic more efficient have been limited thus far by the abilities of those behind the wheel, but that could change with new technology being developed by the Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTRE) project. Last month, SARTRE, a joint venture between Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Technology, Ricardo UK Ltd, Applus+ Idiada, Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge Aachen (IKA) and SP Technical Research Institute, successfully completed the first public road test of its innovative technology, which allowed three Volvo vehicles to automatically drive themselves behind a professionally operated lead vehicle.

Taking to a freeway in Spain, a Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 all safely followed a lead truck without driver assistance, hitting speeds of 53 mph with just 20 feet between each vehicle. Known as vehicle platooning, software and wireless technology allow the test Volvos to measure distance, speed and direction so that they can adjust to the vehicles in front of them. Volvo claims that in addition to improving fuel efficiency and reducing accidents and traffic, vehicle platooning could free the 'driver' to do things like read the paper or casually drink coffee.

"The concept of self-driving cars seems like a scary, far-fetched concept, but so did cruise control many years ago, and the testers have acclimated very quickly to the technology," said Cliff Nichols, general sales manager of Mitchell Volvo, a Volvo dealer in Simsbury, Conn. "Volvo already offers a host of features that make drivers' commutes more efficient and safe, but vehicle platooning would be a complete game-changer."

Even when it is not part of a test road train, the new 2012 Volvo S60 is available with safety technology like Adaptive Cruise Control, a Blind Spot Information System, Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Park Assist. Meanwhile, the sedan's hands-free Bluetooth capability and optional Volvo Sensus infotainment system with steering-wheel-mounted controls help drivers stay connected while keeping their eyes on the road.

Though its European road trains aren't yet open to the public, Volvo is inviting American buyers to cross the pond and pick up their new ride in its homeland. The automaker's Overseas Delivery Program offers customers ordering a new Volvo from their local dealership two free plane tickets to Gothenburg, Sweden, where most Volvos are still manufactured.

As part of their trip, Volvo Overseas Delivery Program participants get 15 days of vehicle registration and insurance to explore Europe after they pick up their new car. At the end of their vacation, owners drop their vehicle off in Gothenburg or at one of several drop-off locations throughout Europe, and Volvo takes care of the excise taxes and import duties required to ship the car to the United States.

"Not that anyone needs an excuse to visit Sweden, but the Overseas Delivery Program gives buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive their new Volvo on the roads where it was designed," added Nichols. "It is not too often that you get a free flight to Europe along with your vehicle purchase, but fortunately, Volvo carries its innovative thinking over to its delivery process as well."

To promote its delivery program, Volvo has joined up with VisitSweden, Tourism in Skåne and the West Sweden Tourist Board for the fourth www.CarPlusVacation.com campaign, a sweepstakes where the prize is an all-inclusive one-week vacation for two in Sweden, complete with a complimentary Volvo to shuttle the couple around during their stay. Contest participants simply have to enter their ideal Swedish vacation itinerary into the site's interactive trip planner by August 15 to be considered.

About Mitchell Volvo in Simsbury:

Serving the Greater Hartford area and beyond, Mitchell Volvo is staffed by an expert sales team committed to finding Connecticut Volvo shoppers the perfect vehicle to suit their needs. With its customer relationships extending well beyond each sale, Mitchell Volvo also offers top-quality Volvo repair and maintenance services, with a wide selection of Volvo parts and accessories. Browse their inventory of new and used vehicles online at www.mitchellvolvo.com, visit their dealership at 384 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MitchellVolvoSimsbury. They can also be reached by phone at 800-270-0122 with questions, feedback or test drive requests.