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2008 Geneva Motor Show: The New Volvo XC60 Crowns Volvo's Long Safety Tradition - VIDEO STORY


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GENEVA - March 3, 2008: According to Volvo Cars, the new Volvo XC60, to be unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, is the safest Volvo ever. In addition to innovations such as City Safety, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and a further-developed DSTC system, the Volvo XC60 is available with all the accident-avoidance and protective safety technologies that Volvo Cars offers.

"The Volvo XC60 is the safest Volvo ever. It brings together all the safety knowledge we have built up over more than 80 years. In fact, the XC60 is perhaps even the safest car in all categories," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

In addition to innovations such as City Safety, Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and a further developed DSTC system, the Volvo XC60 is available with all the accident-avoidance and protective safety technologies that Volvo Cars offers today. All are presented later in this text.


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Holistic view is a cornerstone
In 1927 Volvo's founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson stated that "Cars are driven by people. Therefore the guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo is - and must remain - safety."

Since then Volvo Cars has introduced a number of ground-breaking technologies. To this very day the three-point seat belt from 1959 is the single most effective lifesaver on the roads. Volvo's cars have over the years been equipped with an ever longer list of safety solutions. From crumple zones, safety cages, airbags and whiplash protection to systems for dynamic stability and driving control.

However, it is the interaction between the various safety systems and functions, not the individual components, that determines just how safe a car is. In a Volvo, safety is the result of a complete, integrated solution. This holistic view has from the very outset been a cornerstone of the Volvo Cars safety philosophy, and it remains very much a cornerstone today too.

The driver is central
Volvo Cars' development of safety solutions is based on three main approaches: the car, the traffic environment and the human being. The driver needs to be alert and have the ability to take quick decisions in stressful situations, which is often easier said than done.

"We focus on technologies that help the driver observe critical situations and avoid collisions. Traffic accidents should not be regarded as unavoidable. With the right technology, we can give the driver the support needed to help avoid accidents," says Jonas Ekmark, manager of Preventive Safety at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

Analysis and development in five phases
With the aim of creating as sound a basis as possible for the continuous development of safety technology from a human perspective, Volvo Cars is involved in far-reaching research based on real-life traffic situations. The Volvo Cars model and methodology for accident analysis means an extension of the traditional approach to traffic accident research by focusing on the entire sequence, divided into five phases - from non-conflict to post-crash. Based on these phases, the company develops and enhances its safety solutions - all of which are now gathered together in the new Volvo XC60.