Volvo partnership to improve cyclist safety

Volvo has teamed up with an extreme sports company in a bid to improve safety between cars and cyclists.

The manufacturer has signed an agreement with Swedish firm POC – a company that develops high-tech protective sports gear.

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Research between the new partnership will initially concentrate on communication between cars and cyclists.

Senior manager, safety strategy and requirements at Volvo Cars, Jan Ivarsson:

“Communication with cyclists around the car is a possible extension of our groundbreaking Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology.”

This technology monitors the car’s surrounding and applies the brakes automatically if a potential collision is detected.

Ivarsson added:

“Providing the cyclist with confirmation that he or she is seen by the vehicle can make interaction between cars and cyclists smoother and safer in urban areas.”

The news comes ahead of the public debut of the Volvo Concept XC Coupé at the Detroit Motor Show next week.

The concept is inspired by the design of modern sports gear and will appeal to buyers with active lifestyles.

Volvo senior vice president for design Thomas Ingenlath:

“Several orange details and exterior graphics combined with bold use of matte rubber mouldings, which cover the rear of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design.”

He added:

“The partnership with POC will be inspiring and fruitful. Both of our companies have a strong emphasis on safety and protection. POC can inspire us to make safety an emotional experience and to create even more desirable cars.”

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By motoringresearch.com