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

  • A-one+ gets to gripes with The Blade
    November 7, 2017
    UK contractor A-one+ maintenance operatives in England’s southern counties of Kent, Sussex and Surrey are now protected by a new vehicle-fitted crash cushion. The Blade - manufactured by Dutch company Verdegro Blade - is designed to absorb impacts including those by large heavy vehicles that have increased bumper heights. A-one+ said that the Blade is the only crash cushion that has been tested to US MASH crash testing standards, the most demanding in the world. The cushion, when deployed on a vehicle,
    Read More
  • Caterpillar highlights prototype batteries for off-highway equipment
    October 24, 2022
    As part of the company’s enterprise strategy to support customers during the energy transition to a lower-carbon future, Caterpillar is developing 48V, 300V, and 600V batteries for off-highway use.
    Read More
  • New milling machine advances
    June 15, 2020
    Two of the leaders in the milling machine market are now offering upgraded planers
    Read More
  • OEMs unveil raft of major new excavator and wheeled loader models
    May 13, 2025
    Original equipment manufacturers have launched a range of new excavators and wheeled loaders including electric models, and features such as autonomous driving, remote control advanced driver assistance and special applications. Liam McLoughlin reports.
    Read More

Highlighted Content