Volvo strengthens reputation after crash tests
Date: 06/05/2008 12:00:00
A car maker has further strengthened its strong safety reputation after good results in a test focussing on whiplash safety.
Volvo cars scored 'good' whiplash protection ratings for every model tested in crash tests at Thatcham, the UK's motor insurance repair research centre.
The company said its Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), using fixed head restraint technology, was the reason behind the impressive performance.
Thatcham's crash laboratory manager Matthew Avery said: "These seats do produce a significant reduction in whiplash injuries, Volvo continues to be the trend setter in this area."
Car insurance customers could be interested in Volvo's WHIPS technology, meaning the seat backrests move rearwards in a crash, reducing neck strain.
They then incline backwards in order to reduce the force that would otherwise throw an occupant's head forwards.
The company say WHIPS systems reduce short and long-term injuries by 33 per cent and 54 per cent respectively.
Thatcham was established by the British insurance industry in 1969 and now has an international reputation as a centre for safety testing excellence.