Why Volvo Stands Out as the Safest Choice for Cars

When it comes to automotive safety, Volvo is a name that resonates with unparalleled trust and innovation. From pioneering the life-saving three-point seatbelt in 1959 to introducing cutting-edge technologies like IntelliSafe and Pilot Assist, Volvo has consistently redefined what it means to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. With a legacy rooted in a commitment to safety and a vision for zero fatalities in its vehicles, Volvo’s dedication goes beyond compliance—it’s a brand ethos.

Whether it’s the reinforced safety cage of the XC90, the advanced ADAS in the XC40, or real-world stories of lives saved during severe crashes, Volvo’s focus remains unwavering: to make roads safer for everyone. This article dives deep into the engineering marvels and groundbreaking innovations that make Volvo cars not just a choice, but the safest choice for discerning drivers.

Car Safety: What Defines It?

Car safety refers to the measures and features designed to protect passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in the event of an accident, as well as prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. It is a cornerstone of automotive design and engineering, encompassing both active safety and passive safety systems.

Active Safety: These are technologies that help avoid accidents, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Passive Safety: These systems minimise injury during an accident. Features include airbags, crumple zones, seatbelts, and reinforced structures to protect the car’s occupants.

Car safety is evaluated through crash tests and safety ratings from organisations like Global NCAP, Euro NCAP, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In India we have a similar safety check standard named Bharat NCAP. A higher safety rating indicates better protection and accident prevention capabilities.

Safety not only saves lives but also fosters consumer trust, making it a critical aspect for automakers. Volvo, for instance, is widely regarded as a leader in car safety innovation, consistently raising the benchmark with technologies aimed at achieving its goal of zero fatalities in its vehicles.

Brief History of Volvo

Volvo Cars was founded on April 14, 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden, by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson. From the outset, Volvo focused on creating vehicles capable of withstanding Sweden's challenging terrains and harsh weather. The brand’s guiding principle, "Cars are made for people," led to a strong emphasis on safety, making it a global pioneer in automotive safety innovations.

The company’s first vehicle, the ÖV4 (nicknamed "Jakob"), debuted in 1927. Volvo set safety milestones, including the invention of the three-point seatbelt in 1959 by engineer Nils Bohlin, a feature that has saved millions of lives globally. Models like the 240 series in the 1970s cemented Volvo’s reputation for reliability and safety. In the 21st century, Volvo introduced advanced technologies like City Safety and Pilot Assist, maintaining its legacy as a safety-first automaker.

In 2010, Volvo Cars entered a new phase under the ownership of Geely Holding Group, a Chinese multinational. Today, Volvo aims to become a fully electric car company by 2030, blending luxury, sustainability, and safety.

Volvo in India

Volvo entered the Indian market in 2007, initially offering luxury sedans and SUVs tailored to discerning buyers. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Volvo India has steadily expanded its presence, offering models like the XC40 Recharge, XC90, and S90, which combine Scandinavian design with advanced safety and comfort features.

Volvo was one of the first luxury car brands in India to emphasise sustainability, launching its XC40 Recharge as the country’s first luxury electric SUV in 2022. The company also promotes initiatives to increase road safety awareness in India, reflecting its global commitment to safety.

With plans to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030, Volvo India is poised to lead the shift towards sustainable luxury, ensuring Indian customers experience the brand’s hallmark innovation and safety.

Volvo Cars Safety Standards

Volvo cars are renowned for their exceptional safety features, which have set industry standards for decades. Here’s what makes Volvo cars stand out in terms of safety:

Innovative Safety Technologies

• IntelliSafe: This suite of safety technologies includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems. IntelliSafe is designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.
• City Safety: This system helps avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. It includes automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance at intersections.
• Pilot Assist: A semi-autonomous driving system that helps with steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety on long journeys.

Structural Integrity

• High-Strength Steel: Volvo uses ultra-high-strength steel in the construction of their vehicles, providing a robust safety cage that protects occupants in the event of a crash.
• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS): This system distributes the force of a side impact to reduce the risk of injury to occupants. It includes reinforced side structures and strategically placed airbags.

Airbag Systems

• Comprehensive Airbag Coverage: Volvo cars are equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, to provide comprehensive protection for all occupants.
• Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS): This system reduces the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision by supporting the head and neck.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot and can steer the car back into the lane if necessary.
• Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking space, enhancing safety in crowded areas.
• 360-Degree Camera: Provides a comprehensive view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuverings in tight spaces easier and safer.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Protection

• Pedestrian Detection: Uses sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians and cyclists, automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent.
• Active High Beam Control: Automatically adjusts the headlights to avoid dazzling other road users while providing optimal illumination for the driver.

Run-Off Road Protection

Run-Off Road Mitigation: Detects if the car is about to leave the road and can steer it back onto the road. If a run-off road accident is unavoidable, the system tightens the seatbelts and activates energy-absorbing seat cushions to reduce spinal injuries.

Child Safety

ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: Ensures that child seats are securely attached to the vehicle. Some Volvo models come with integrated booster seats that can be adjusted to different heights, ensuring that children are safely and comfortably seated.

NCAP Ratings

Volvo cars consistently receive high safety ratings from the Global NCAP, reflecting their commitment to occupant protection and crashworthiness. Volvo’s dedication to safety is evident in their continuous innovation and implementation of advanced safety technologies. This commitment not only protects drivers and passengers but also contributes to safer roads for everyone.

Volvo Models

Volvo EX40

A fully electric SUV, the Volvo EX40, previously known as the XC40 Recharge, incorporates cutting-edge safety features for a secure driving experience:

• Safety Structure: Features a battery safety cage with an extruded aluminium frame integrated into the car's body structure.
• Airbags: Equipped with seven airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags.
• ADAS: Includes advanced systems like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance.
• 360-Degree Camera: Offers a complete view around the vehicle for safer manoeuvring.
• Pilot Assist: Provides semi-autonomous driving assistance, aiding in steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked roads.

Volvo XC40

This compact luxury SUV combines style with comprehensive safety systems:

• Collision Avoidance: Prevents or mitigates collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Lane Keeping Aid: Steers the car back into the lane if it drifts unintentionally.
• Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing.
• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System): Alerts the driver about vehicles in blind spots and can assist with lane-keeping.
• Pilot Assist: Enhances safety and convenience through semi-autonomous driving assistance.

Volvo XC60

Renowned for its extensive safety suite, the Volvo XC60 is designed to protect occupants and pedestrians alike:

• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS): Shields passengers in the event of a side collision.
• Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS): Minimises the risk of neck injuries.
• Dual-Stage Airbags: Adapt for the driver and front passenger.
• Pedestrian Protection: A front design that reduces injury risk to pedestrians.
• BLIS and City Safety: Offers blind spot alerts and collision avoidance with detection of pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Volvo XC90

Regarded as one of the safest SUVs globally, the Volvo XC90 prioritises passenger protection:

• Protection Cage: Built with ultra-high-strength steel for maximum occupant safety.
• Airbags: Includes seven airbags, even for third-row passengers.
• IntelliSafe: A comprehensive suite encompassing electronic stability control, roll stability control, and driver alert control.
• Run-Off Road Protection: Reduces injury risk in road departure scenarios.
• Pilot Assist: Enhances comfort and safety with semi-autonomous driving features.

Volvo C40 Recharge

A sleek, fully electric SUV, the Volvo C40 Recharge, focuses on eco-friendly performance without compromising safety:

• Seven Airbags: Covers front, side, and curtain areas.
• Hill Hold and Descent Control: Ensures safer driving on steep terrains.
• 360-Degree Camera: Assists with comprehensive surroundings monitoring.
• ADAS: Integrates adaptive cruise control, lane keeping aid, collision avoidance, and blind spot monitoring.
• Pilot Assist: Semi-autonomous assistance for a secure driving experience.

Volvo S90

A luxury sedan, the Volvo S90 blends sophistication with world-class safety features:

• Protection Cage: Constructed with ultra-high-strength steel for robust occupant safety.
• Airbags: Includes seven airbags for all-around protection.
• IntelliSafe: Features electronic stability control, roll stability control, and driver alert control.
• Run-Off Road Protection: Mitigates risks during unintentional road departures.
• BLIS and City Safety: Offers blind spot alerts and collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
• Pilot Assist: Assists with semi-autonomous driving for enhanced comfort and safety.

Real-Life Story: Volvo XC90 Saves Family in Severe Crash

In 2017, a family of four was traveling in their Volvo XC90 on a highway in the United States. Suddenly, a large truck lost control and collided with their vehicle at high speed. The impact was severe, causing the XC90 to roll over multiple times before coming to a stop.

Safety Features at Work

• Protection Cage: The ultra-high strength steel cage of the XC90 absorbed the impact, maintaining the integrity of the passenger compartment.
• Airbags: The vehicle's multiple airbags deployed instantly, cushioning the occupants and preventing serious injuries.
• Seatbelt Pretensioners: The seatbelts tightened automatically, keeping the passengers securely in their seats during the rollover.
• Roll Stability Control: This system helped to stabilize the vehicle during the rollover, reducing the risk of further injury.

Outcome

Despite the severity of the crash, all four family members walked away with only minor injuries. The emergency responders on the scene were amazed at how well the vehicle had protected its occupants. The family credited the Volvo XC90's advanced safety features for saving their lives.

This incident highlights Volvo's dedication to creating vehicles that prioritize the safety of their occupants, even in the most extreme situations. The company's continuous research and development in safety technology have made their cars some of the safest on the road.