Toyota’s New Safety Strategy Features Air Bags That Inflate as Two Bags

Washington DC June 13, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that later this year, Toyota plans to make available passenger-seat air bags that inflate as two bags, reports The Associated Press.

According to the automaker, “The twin-chamber air bag -- available on Lexus IS luxury sedans that go on sale later this year in North America, Europe and Japan -- decreases damage to the neck by distributing the impact of a collision more evenly not only to the head but also to the shoulders.”

Toyota displayed the air bag as part of a demonstration for reporters Friday. Also on display was Toyota’s variable gear ratio steering, or VGRS, which helps reduce spinning and skidding when braking and turning on slippery surfaces. VGRS has been available to Lexus GS shoppers since early 2005.