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

  • Mercedes offering sophisticated car safety technology
    July 21, 2014
    Sophisticated automobiles featuring smart control technology look set to help reduce the rate of serious injuries and fatalities on the road network, as well as improving traffic flow. Tests on a new system from Mercedes have shown the technology can avoid an impact with another vehicle. This system brings the vehicle to a complete stop from speeds of up to 40km/h, without the driver having to take any action. The automatic braking package is being fitted to the latest version of the Mercedes C- Class. The
    Read More
  • Compaction innovations from key firms
    June 12, 2018
    The major manufacturers are introducing an array of advanced asphalt compaction machines - Mike Woof writes. New compaction machines are coming to market from an array of manufacturers, aiming to increase output and efficiency for road contractors. One of the most notable developments is with Hamm’s launch of a production hybrid compactor model, while other firms say they are also working on similar systems. However, several manufacturers have introduced new and improved machines with superior performance t
    Read More
  • ADAS market will reach $460 billion Market by 2020, says ABI Research
    May 4, 2012
    Technology features that use sensors to watch around the vehicle have become common on luxury vehicles in recent years, but now availability is spreading to the mainstream higher-volume segments such as the Ford Focus and Mercedes B-Class. Camera image analysis continues to get more powerful and radar sensors are getting cheaper, with Lidar and ultrasonics still in the mix.
    Read More
  • Advances in earthmoving are seeing new excavators and ADTs
    March 11, 2014
    Key manufacturers are introducing new excavators and ADTs featuring the latest diesel engine technology, while there are developments too in the grader sector - Mike Woof reports The start of 2014 was always going to be a key year for the construction equipment sector, given the commencement of the Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations for North America and Europe. This phased introduction of ever tougher emissions regulations has been a long process, as well as a very costly one in terms of resear
    Read More

Highlighted Content