Safety system

Carmaker Volvo is well known for the safety features it fits to its vehicles. However, one of the latest failed spectacularly at a recent demonstration in front of the motoring press. The demonstration was supposed to show how the automatic braking system ensures that the new Volvo models will be able to reduce the risk of accidents. The car was driven at the rear of a truck and was supposed to come to an emergency stop but instead ploughed straight into the vehicle, resulting in wry smirks amongst the asse
February 22, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Carmaker Volvo is well known for the safety features it fits to its vehicles. However, one of the latest failed spectacularly at a recent demonstration in front of the motoring press. The demonstration was supposed to show how the automatic braking system ensures that the new Volvo models will be able to reduce the risk of accidents. The car was driven at the rear of a truck and was supposed to come to an emergency stop but instead ploughed straight into the vehicle, resulting in wry smirks amongst the assembled press. The fault was blamed on a flat battery that foiled the vehicle's sophisticated electronics. The car, Volvo's new S60 model, is now available. Whether or not new owners will find the automatic braking system more reliable, remains to be seen.

Related Content

  • Safety risk if construction projects speed up
    February 27, 2012
    Many governments worldwide are using investment in infrastructure as a means to help tackle the current economic conditions. New highway construction, widening and repair contracts as well as bridge and tunnel projects that had been planned, are now being accelerated to help the industry and provide construction jobs.
    Read More
  • Hot car
    August 15, 2013
    A classic Lamborghini Miura SV sports car recently caught fire in London, while it was being driven. The owner managed to escape unharmed but by the time emergency services were able to attend the fire, the car had been completely burned out. As this extremely rare car is worth around £1 million, the insurance company is not likely to be happy about having to make a payout. The reason for the fire is unknown but the electrics of this 1971 model were never a strongpoint. Aerodynamically the Miura is also rep
    Read More
  • Engine innovations unveiled
    August 24, 2023
    The recent CONEXPO-CON/Agg exhibition in Las Vegas saw major engine firms unveiling innovative new technologies
    Read More
  • Asphalt plants: alternative fuels on the horizon
    November 22, 2022
    Many asphalt plant manufacturers such as Ammann, Benninghoven and Fayat have already developed contingencies for alternative fuels.
    Read More

Highlighted Content