"Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety" – a statement made by two of the original founders of Volvo, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson. Even though that statement was made over 80 years ago it is the integral part of the company strategy.
It is this strategy that has helped develop some of the safety innovations that are commonplace in everyday motoring as we know it. Take for example the modern 3 Point Safety Belt. Engineered by a Volvo employee in 1958, the invention was never patented as it was seen as too important an advancement in passenger safety to restrict it to one manufacturer.
Volvo have continued their pursuit of safer driving with many innovative motoring safety firsts, such as the SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) which channels the force of a side impact away from the doors. SIPS has been evolved to include a head protecting airbag which, according to many testing authorities can reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 55% in the event of a side collision. Other safety innovations include a whiplash protection system and a blind spot information system. One of the most recent safety features is the collision warning with brake support. This advanced safety system uses radar to advise a driver when he is approaching the rear of another vehicle to quickly. The vehicle will then apply the maximum braking force possible to prevent a collision.
Today the company is owned by Ford who saw the advantages of having a car manufacturer renowned for safety within its Premier Automotive Group.