Press Release

Volvo Announces Inflatable Curtain Safety Device

09/27/96

Volvo Inflatable Curtain Increases Protection Against Head Injuries

ROCKLEIGH, N.J., Sept. 25 -- Volvo, a world leader in
safety and side-impact technology, is developing a new system which
literally goes a step above side-impact air bags.

This advanced system, known as the Volvo Inflatable Curtain (VIC),
provides increased protection against head injuries during side-impact
collisions. When activated, the curtain will cover the car's side
interior and windows, cushioning the heads of the driver and all
passengers seated next to doors -- both front and rear.

The VIC technique will work in connection with Volvo's unique
Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS), which encompasses the vehicle
structure as well as the side-impact airbag. It is estimated that the
SIPS system reduces the most serious injuries resulting from side
impacts by about 40 percent. The VIC technology serves as a complement
to SIPS and is expected to provide additional injury protection.

"Volvo is taking its leadership in side-impact protection one step
further with VIC," says Helge Alten, president and CEO of Volvo Cars
of North America, Inc. "In 1994, we made history by introducing
side-impact air bags.  With the addition of the Volvo Inflatable
Curtain we're once again providing our customers with the highest
level of safety technology available."

How The VIC System Works

The VIC system is mounted in the car roof and is made up of eight
protective segments. When a collision occurs, sensors trigger the
system. Every segment is fully deployed within 25 thousandsths of a
second, providing a cushion for all door-side occupants.

Why the VIC System is Important

Volvo's traffic accident research, which began in 1972, is the basis
for the development of effective safety systems. According to
accumulated accident data, more than a quarter of all traffic-related
fatalities and serious injuries are the result of head injuries caused
by side-impact collisions. The short distance between each vehicle
occupant's head and the car's side structure makes it challenging to
develop a protection system for these types of accidents. Therefore,
Volvo has prioritized this area for research and development of new
safety technology. The VIC system is a result of this work.

Cooperation With Autoliv

The VIC system is being developed by Volvo in cooperation with the
Autoliv automotive safety company.  Based on Autoliv's technical
concept and Volvo's demanding internal safety standards, the
protective curtain will be integrated and adapted into Volvo's future
cars.