Ever since its inception, Volvo Safety has been at the forefront of automobile safety, revolutionizing the industry with groundbreaking features. Ah, yes, the allure of Volvo safety – it’s a term that rings familiar even to those with just a passing interest in cars. For it’s not just a claim, it’s a commitment that’s been etched into Volvo’s DNA.
The Swedes have long been known for their pragmatic design sensibility, and this extends seamlessly into their approach to car safety. A Volvo isn’t just a car; it’s a fortress on wheels designed to protect its occupants. Each model that rolls off its production line is a testament to its relentless pursuit of safety and perfection.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore just what makes Volvo safety stand out in a world filled with competition. We’ll dig deep into the past, present, and future of Volvo’s safety features, providing a comprehensive view of why many consider Volvo the safest car brand in the world. Buckle up, folks – we’re in for an enlightening ride!
Is Volvo the Safest Vehicle Today?
Volvo has established an unrivalled reputation when it comes to automotive safety. The Swedish car manufacturer consistently earns top marks in safety evaluations conducted by reputable review publications, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
Delving deeper into the realm of safety, it becomes crucial for informed car buyers to understand precisely what sets Volvo apart in this domain.
While it is true that Volvo cars are widely recognized for their exceptional safety standards, let us explore the past that contributes to this remarkable distinction.
The Past of Volvos Began Centred Around Safety
Volvo has always been at the forefront of prioritizing safety, even before it became a requirement. An early testament to their commitment was the introduction of laminated glass in their vehicles in 1944.
Unlike regular glass, laminated glass remains intact when shattered, enhancing occupant protection. In the 1950s, an ingenious engineer named Nils Bohlin revolutionized automotive safety by inventing the world’s first three-point seatbelt.
By 1959, Volvo had implemented this life-saving feature in all their cars, and they generously shared the patent with other manufacturers to promote safety industry-wide.
Recognizing the need to safeguard young passengers, Volvo introduced the first rear-facing child seat in 1964. Inspired by the position of astronauts during takeoff, this innovative design aimed to provide optimal protection for infants and toddlers.
Building on this success, Volvo unveiled its own child booster seat in 1978, further enhancing child safety on the road.
By the 1990s, Volvo Was Improving Safety in the Car Industry
During the 1990s, Volvo, the renowned Swedish car company, established itself as a pioneer in vehicle safety. Notably, they introduced the Side Impact Protection System, a groundbreaking advancement that involved the integration of a safety cage capable of absorbing collision forces.
This revolutionary safety feature quickly gained acclaim and has since become a standard inclusion in every safest Volvo model. Moreover, Volvo demonstrated its forward-thinking approach by becoming the first automaker to implement side airbags in 1995, providing an extra layer of protection to occupants in side-impact scenarios.
In 1998, Volvo continued to prioritize passenger safety by introducing a head-protection airbag, further elevating its commitment to occupant protection. Simultaneously, they unveiled the Whiplash Protection System, a groundbreaking innovation aimed at mitigating injuries suffered by front-seat occupants in rear-end collisions.
These groundbreaking safety measures exemplify Volvo’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the well-being of its customers. As a result, Volvo has earned its reputation as a leader in automotive safety, with many considering its models, such as the XC90, as among the safest on the road.
Volvo Continues to Make Safety Their Top Priority
In 2014, Volvo, a renowned pioneer in safety advancements, introduced the groundbreaking Run-Off Road Protection technology in their XC90 SUV.
This innovative Volvo safety car feature aimed to ensure the well-being of passengers in the event of off-road crashes. Alongside its sophisticated rollover protection system, the XC90 incorporated cutting-edge technologies like blind spot detection, low-speed automatic braking, and pedestrian detection.
By combining these advanced safety features, Volvo created a remarkable safety-focused driving experience for XC90 owners.
Why Are Volvos Considered Safe?
- Volvo has consistently demonstrated its commitment to safety through impressive results in safety testing.
- Throughout its long-standing history, Volvo continues to be at the forefront of pioneering groundbreaking safety features.
- Volvo places a strong emphasis on accident prevention by prioritizing advanced features and responsive handling.
- Volvo’s dedication to safety extends beyond its own customers, as the company actively shares its research with other manufacturers and willingly relinquishes patents for the benefit of all road users.
- With an unwavering dedication to safety, Volvo maintains ambitious long-term safety plans that drive them to continuously innovate and progress, avoiding any sense of complacency.
Consistency
- Volvo has consistently earned impressive safety ratings from prestigious organizations such as the IIHS, NHTSA, and the European NCAP over the years.
- The XC40 received the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ accolade in the Small SUV category for 2021, while the XC60 achieved the same recognition in the Midsize Luxury SUVs segment.
- During the 1970s, the United States government utilized the Volvo 240 as the standard reference for safety regulations in the production of new vehicles.
Innovation
- In 1959, the modern-day three-point seat belt, a groundbreaking safety innovation that has arguably saved more lives than any other, was designed by Nils Bohlin, a Volvo Safety Engineer.
Recognizing its effectiveness, Volvo generously released the patent, allowing other manufacturers to implement this life-saving feature and further protect countless lives.
- In 1964, Volvo took a significant step towards safeguarding our most precious passengers by testing the first rear-facing child car seat. This pioneering initiative aimed to enhance the protection of children during car travel, demonstrating Volvo’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of those who matter most to us.
- Leading the charge in vehicle safety advancements, Volvo was the first to successfully revolutionize side impact protection.
Through the implementation of reinforced seats, structural improvements, and innovative side-impact airbags, Volvo has made substantial contributions in mitigating the risks associated with side collisions, setting new standards in vehicle safety.
Emphasis on Accident Prevention
- Starting from 2003, Volvo cars have been equipped with a blind spot protection system that utilizes cameras to warn drivers when another vehicle enters their side or rear blind spots.
- Since 2008, Volvo vehicles have been equipped with advanced collision detection capabilities. They can detect not only other cars but also pedestrians and animals on the road, automatically applying brakes if a potential collision is detected.
- Volvo incorporates a lane-keeping pilot assist feature to address issues like driver inattention, poor road conditions, and fatigue. This system continuously monitors the road and the surrounding vehicles, making necessary adjustments if it detects any unintentional movements by the driver.
They Prioritize the Safety of EVERYONE
Volvo has demonstrated its commitment to safety by not only waiving safety patents to benefit other manufacturers but also by sharing an extensive collection of car crash research spanning over four decades.
This valuable resource encompasses more than 40,000 accidents and involves the analysis of 70,000 individuals. The primary objective behind Volvo’s initiative is to encourage all car manufacturers to develop safer vehicles. The research covers various aspects, including:
- An exploration of the contrasting effects of crashes on male and female anatomy, with Volvo leading the way by utilizing female crash dummies in their studies.
- Implementation of specific advancements in seats and airbags is informed by the insights gained from these female-centric studies. These innovations have resulted in a notable 50% reduction in both whiplash and chest injuries.
- Pioneering advancements in side and head protection, catering to the safety of front and rear passengers alike, leading to a remarkable 70% decrease in head injuries.
Ambitious Long-Term Goals
Volvo has made its plans known as “Vision 2020” for the past decade, aiming to ensure the safety of individuals driving their new vehicles, with the goal of zero fatalities or severe injuries.
This vision relies heavily on the integration of autonomous driving and AI technology, incorporating features like accident prevention, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and more.
Volvo’s steadfast commitment to achieving its ambitious safety goals has fueled a continuous cycle of research, innovation, and improvement. By surpassing the safety standards set by other manufacturers, Volvo has established itself as a frontrunner in the automotive industry.
The Present of Volvos Safety: What are Its Current Safety Features
When it comes to safety, there’s no denying that Volvo stands out from the crowd. Volvo has consistently claimed the top spot in various reputable review publications that assess vehicle safety, making it a brand that commands respect and admiration.
Let’s delve into the details and explore why Volvo has earned its well-deserved reputation as a leader in automotive safety.
The Power of Anti-Lock Braking System and Stability Control
When it comes to safety, Volvo is a true superhero. Their Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is the ultimate weapon for your brakes, combining threshold and cadence braking principles to prevent wheel lock-up.
It’s like having a safety net for intense braking situations. With Volvo’s ABS, you’ll experience better traction and control, even when you need to hit the brakes hard.
The engineers at Volvo have conducted rigorous testing to ensure the reliability of this system, so you can trust it like your favourite old-school rock band. But wait, there’s more! Volvo goes above and beyond by creating a system that strikes the perfect balance between engine power and brakes.
Imagine this: you’re pushing the limits, taking corners with gusto, and suddenly your Volvo senses the danger. This genius system kicks in, detecting when you’re pushing your ride to its limits.
What happens next? It takes proactive action, reducing engine power or applying the brakes strategically to keep your car from becoming a runaway rocket.
It’s like having a loyal co-pilot, always watching your back and ensuring you stay in control, no matter how challenging the driving situation. Volvo truly knows how to make driving an exhilarating and safe experience.
Safety With Airbags, Pretensioners, and Anti-Whiplash Systems
Volvo, the epitome of safety, engineers their vehicles with a comprehensive airbag system. These airbags provide all-around protection during collisions, including front-impact airbags for the driver’s head and side-impact airbags for passengers’ torsos.
But Volvo’s safety measures don’t stop there. They also install overhead airbags to shield passengers’ heads in rollovers and knee airbags to protect lower extremities.
Innovative safety features like Pretensioners automatically tighten seat belts, securing passengers in the safest position during accidents, and reducing unnecessary movement and potential injuries.
To combat whiplash, Volvo integrates an Anti-Whiplash system into their seats, providing semi-cradling support that significantly reduces the impact force on passengers’ necks during collisions. Volvo’s commitment to safety is truly unmatched.
Volvos’ Elite Team of Crash Scene Investigators
Volvo’s safety measures have a unique approach inspired by real-life events, much like air crash investigations. The Crash Scene Investigators, a dedicated team within the Volvo safety centre, analyze Volvo crashes to provide valuable insights to the engineers.
This collaboration has fueled significant advancements in Volvo’s safety features over the past 50 years, making them the ‘Volvo Car Accident Research Team.’
Since 1970, this team meticulously investigates every Volvo mishap in Gothenburg, Sweden, documenting crash details, active safety systems’ effectiveness, passenger conditions, and more.
For accidents outside Sweden, they collaborate with local Volvo representatives for thorough analysis. Volvo’s commitment to safety has paid off, with all eleven of its vehicles passing stringent crash tests, solidifying its position as the safest car manufacturer. I can’t wait to witness the exciting safety technologies Volvo has in store for the future!
Trust me, folks, Volvo’s unwavering dedication to passenger safety is no coincidence. It’s a testament to their position as the safest car maker globally.
Unwavering Consistency in Classic Cars
You know, it’s hardly surprising that Volvo vehicles have been sweeping the safety awards off their feet for years on end. These magnificent beasts have been consistently outperforming themselves in the realm of safety. You’ve got the IIHS, NHTSA, and the European NCAP – they all are singing praises for Volvo’s safety standards.
And if you think that’s impressive, let’s cruise back to 2021. Remember the XC40? That compact SUV that could turn heads in an instant? It wasn’t just a pretty face, you know. It was crowned the Top Safety Pick in its category.
And hold onto your hats, ’cause the XC60 wasn’t far behind. It picked up the Top Safety Pick in the Midsize Luxury SUV class. Now, that’s what I call a double whammy!
But let’s not forget where this all started. Let’s rev up our time machines and head back to the 1970s. It was then that the US government took one look at the Volvo 240 and said, “That’s it. That’s our gold standard.”
Since then, every new vehicle that rolled off the assembly line had to measure up to the safety standards set by the Trusty 240. Now, if that doesn’t tell you something about Volvo’s commitment to safety, I don’t know what will!
Ingenious Innovations of Volvos
Picture it – the year is 1959, and Volvo’s very own Safety Wizard, Nils Bohlin, is about to change the world of cars forever. He’s just come up with the first three-point seatbelt. This game-changer in safety is such a lifesaver, literally, that it outshines every other safety feature in the book.
Now here’s the kicker – Volvo, being the grand old dame of automotive safety that she is, decides to free this patent into the wild. Why? So every car on the planet, friend or foe, can wrap its passengers in this safety cocoon. But that ain’t all, folks. Come 1965, Volvo’s stirring the pot again, this time with the first rear-facing kiddie car seat.
This is Volvo’s way of saying, “Hey, your family matters to us too.” And then, the pièce de résistance, Volvo pulls a rabbit out of the hat with side-impact protection.
Reinforced seats, beefed-up structures, and side-impact airbags that pop up faster than you can say “Volvo safety”. Yep, that’s Volvo – always on the front line, always got your back, and now, your sides too.
Prioritizing Accident Prevention for a Safer Journey
Since the dawn of ’03, every single Volvo beauty rolling off the line was blessed with ingenious blind-spot protection. Think of it as an extra set of eyes, using its futuristic camera tech to shout out a warning when some sneaky car tries to hide in your side or rear blind spot.
These Swedes didn’t stop there, though. Fast forward to 2008, and they’ve got their cars spotting other vehicles, pedestrians, and even critters, and slamming the brakes on if you’re about to have an unscheduled meeting and you’re too slow on the uptake.
Now, let’s not forget the Lane Keeping Pilot Assist. This feature is Volvo’s safety handshake to those drivers who may be feeling the drag, battling eyelids heavier than a ’69 Charger, or wrestling with some mean road conditions.
The system keeps a keen eye on the road and the cars ahead, ready to nudge you back on track if you veer off course. Volvo safety, folks, it’s not just a feature, it’s a promise.
Safety for Every Individual on the Road
Volvo, the pioneering brand with a keen eye for safety, has generously made certain safety patents available for other car manufacturers, aiming to uplift the industry as a whole. They’ve shared an astonishing four decades of car crash research, with the noble intention of inspiring all car makers to build safer vehicles.
This comprehensive data reveals the unique impact of crashes on the male and female anatomy, highlighting the need for gender-specific safety measures. Volvo, ever the trailblazer, was the first to incorporate female crash dummies into their testing regime.
This inclusive approach led to key innovations in seat and airbag design, driven by findings from these female-focused studies. The result? A significant reduction in whiplash and chest injuries – by a whopping 50%! But they didn’t stop there.
With their relentless commitment to passenger protection, Volvo introduced side and head protection measures that have minimized head injuries by an impressive 70% for both front and rear passengers.
Cutting-Edge Safety With LiDAR Technology
Luminar, the genius minds behind it all, has now integrated their groundbreaking technology into every single Volvo vehicle that rolls off the assembly line. These futuristic sensors, my friends, are not just for show. They’re paving the way for a future where our beloved automobiles could navigate the roads all by themselves. Can you imagine it?
Now, I understand that we’re not quite there yet. But in the meantime, these diligent little sensors are standing guard to ensure the safety of everyone on board while cruising down the serpentine highways or bustling city streets. They’re strategically scattered throughout the cabin, keeping a watchful eye on everything around.
Now, this isn’t just any tech. We’re talking Lidar, my fellow gearheads. It’s a fancy way of saying it uses laser beams to measure distances. Picture this: a laser zaps an object or surface, then waits for the reflected light to bounce back.
Using this information, it can create a 3D representation of the surroundings. It’s like having a robotic artist on board, painting an accurate picture of the world outside, in real time.
This revolutionary tech, my friends, is another feather in Volvo’s cap, a testament to their relentless pursuit of safety. It is their promise to their customers – an assurance that when you’re in a Volvo, you’re in good hands.
The Future of Volvos Safety: What to Expect?
You’ve probably heard it being said around town that for Volvo, safety and sustainability are two peas in a pod. They’re not just about going green, but they also haven’t lost sight of their deep-rooted Volvo safety commitment as they gear up to roll out their new breed of cars.
They’ve got their sights set on nothing less than redefining the standards of automotive safety.
Now, let me tell you how they’re planning to do just that. The game plan starts with their fully electric follow-up to their flagship XC90, which is set to make its grand entrance in 2022. Each of their future cars will be decked out with top-of-the-line sensors, think LiDAR technology, and a standard autonomous driving (AD) computer.
They’ve got some tech wizards from California to thank for these advancements. Luminar is supplying their top-notch LiDAR sensors, while NVIDIA is bringing their A-game with their NVIDIA DRIVE Orin system-on-a-chip tech to fuel the AD computer.
Volvo’s High-Tech LiDAR, NVIDIA Supercomputing, and Advanced Software Integration
LiDAR, with its laser-based tech, is the go-to choice for making safe decisions at high speeds in complex environments, as it can measure distances to targets hundreds of meters ahead.
On the other hand, NVIDIA’s supercomputing tech can crunch an insane number of calculations per second, ensuring that Volvo’s cars can quickly process the constant flow of data from the LiDAR and other sensors.
When you combine all this high-tech hardware with software whipped up by Volvo’s own developers, their sister company Zenseact, and Luminar, as well as the next gen of their collision avoidance tech, you get a combo that’s tough to beat.
They’re betting big that this new Volvo safety package will bring down the number of accidents and fatalities. What’s more, they’re even planning to roll out over-the-air software updates to bring new tech on board and keep improving their safety package over time.
Volvo’s Vision: Advancing Safety for a Collision-Free Future
Håkan Samuelsson, their chief executive, is pretty confident about their standing in the safety game. “Volvo has always been a safety trailblazer. We’re now ready to take safety to the next level,” he says.
“By making this hardware standard, we can keep enhancing safety features over the air and bring in advanced autonomous drive systems, further solidifying our safety leadership.”
They’re expecting their cars to get even better over time. The car will be increasingly equipped to assist the driver in safety-critical situations and even step in when it’s absolutely necessary. All this is getting them closer to their dream of a future with zero collisions.
Henrik Green, their chief technology officer, echoes this sentiment. “Our ultimate goal in striving to make ever safer cars is to reach a point where there are zero collisions and crashes are a thing of the past,” he says.
“As we continue to upgrade our safety tech through updates over the air, we hope to make collisions increasingly rare and save more lives.”
In addition to the high-end sensors and AD computer, the electric successor to the XC90 will also come with backup systems for essential functions like steering and braking. This means the car is prepped and ready for safe, unsupervised autonomous driving whenever it becomes available.
Volvo’s Autonomous Driving and Safety Tech: A Collaborative Breakthrough
Their first optional autonomous driving feature, named Highway Pilot, has been developed in-house along with their AD software development company Zenseact. On roads and locations that have been deemed safe for autonomous driving, you’ll be able to kick back and let the car take the wheel.
Their new safety tech package is a testament to their overall approach to tech development. Rather than trying to be a jack of all trades, they join forces with the best in the business to make the best cars possible.
This approach also gives them a technological foundation that allows them to keep pace in the fast-moving world of the auto industry.
Volvo’s first optional autonomous driving feature, known as the Highway Pilot, is a product of their in-house genius mixed with the prowess of their AD software development company, Zenseact. Where conditions permit, drivers can sit back and trust the car to handle the nitty-gritty of the drive.
The integration of this safety tech package underscores Volvo’s unique strategy when it comes to tech development. They’re not trying to be the lone wolf; they understand the value of collaboration with industry leaders to deliver the best they possibly can.
It’s this approach that gives Volvo the competitive edge, allowing them to be one of the fastest-moving players in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
Closer Look at Some of Volvo’s Existing Cars
2021 Volvo S60 Safety Ratings
Allow me to introduce you to the remarkable S60, a sophisticated luxury sedan that embodies elegance and performance. This car is equipped with cutting-edge features that will surely captivate any car enthusiast.
One of the standout features of the S60 is its adaptive LED headlights, which elegantly turn in sync with the movement of the steering wheel. This not only enhances visibility but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Step inside the S60, and you’ll be greeted by an interior that exudes Swedish-inspired luxury. The attention to detail is remarkable, with carefully selected materials and exquisite craftsmanship. It’s a testament to Volvo’s commitment to creating a refined and comfortable driving experience.
2021 Volvo XC90 Safety Ratings
A mid-size luxury crossover, the XC90 is the only three-row SUV offered in this year of Volvo’s lineup. There’s also the option of adding a 400-hp plug-in hybrid engine with the T8 trim.
The XC90 comes standard with a ton of tech features, like a digital gauge display and a semi-autonomous driving setting, making your ride feel like it’s driving into the future.
2021 Volvo V60 Safety Ratings
The Volvo V60 station wagon combines practicality with luxury, offering a spacious and visually appealing interior. Along with a wide range of standard safety features, this model serves as a practical alternative to SUVs.
To add an extra touch of excitement to your driving experience, the V60 comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and there’s even an available hybrid variant.
2021 Volvo S90 Safety Ratings
The S90 presents a splendid array of options, allowing you to select between a turbocharged and supercharged inline-four engine or a plug-in hybrid configuration, enhanced by an additional electric motor.
Beyond its captivating aesthetics, the S90 boasts an impressive range of driver assistance features such as lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
Moreover, it performs admirably on the fuel efficiency front, with the base model delivering a commendable 21 mpg in city driving and a satisfying 32 mpg on the open highway. It’s truly a marvel to behold!
2022 Volvo V90 Safety Ratings
The V90 is a four-door wagon that offers a fantastic option for families who prefer not to go with an SUV. It comes loaded with numerous standard features that will make your driving experience even more enjoyable.
From the expansive panoramic sunroof to the convenient in-dash navigation system, this luxury car has it all. Additionally, the V90 boasts four-zone automatic climate control, allowing everyone to find their perfect comfort level.
And let’s not forget about the semi-autonomous driving mode, which adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind. With top-notch safety ratings, this car ensures both protection and elegance on the road.
2021 Volvo XC40 Safety Ratings
The XC40 may be labelled as a small SUV, but it truly surpasses expectations! Its striking design and the option to choose between two turbocharged four-cylinder engines make the XC40 a force to be reckoned with.
Safety is a top priority with this vehicle, as it comes loaded with an impressive array of standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, adaptive LED headlamps, and rear parking sensors.
Achieving the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation and earning a stellar five-star rating overall, the XC40 guarantees a secure and indulgent driving experience.
2021 Volvo XC60 Safety Ratings
As a compact luxury SUV, it doesn’t compromise when it comes to ensuring your well-being on the road.
It comes equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies, such as automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features work together harmoniously to keep you and your passengers safe.
But safety isn’t the only aspect that makes the XC60 a remarkable vehicle. Its exterior design exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication, making heads turn wherever you go. And don’t be fooled by its compact size; the XC60 offers generous cargo space, allowing you to bring along all your essentials for adventures or daily commutes.
Furthermore, this SUV boasts impressive fuel efficiency, ensuring you can enjoy your drives without worrying about constantly stopping at gas stations. It strikes a balance between performance and economy, making it a practical choice for both city driving and longer journeys.
How You Can Save Money on Volvo Insurance
It’s not just about keeping you secure during your journey; Volvo’s commitment to high safety standards can actually have a delightful impact on your wallet.
Picture this: with their consistently impressive safety ratings and an array of standard safety features, Volvo vehicles are considered less of a risk by insurance companies.
As a result, you’ll probably enjoy the added benefit of lowered insurance premiums simply for being behind the wheel of a Volvo. It’s like having peace of mind for both your safety and your pocketbook.
Volvo Safety: Steering Towards a Safer Future
From our deep dive into Volvo’s innovative safety features, it’s clear that the Swedish automaker isn’t just producing cars – it’s setting standards. With Volvo safety, we’re not just passengers or drivers; we’re part of a community that values every human life on the road.
As we step into the future, Volvo continues to steer the auto industry with a commitment to safety that’s as unshakeable as a well-tuned engine.
So here’s to safer roads, fewer accidents, and the promise of a vehicle that looks after us as much as we look after it. Buckle up, folks. With Volvo, the journey is just as important as the destination.
