Seven sensors, advanced technology and an airbag that deploys at lightning speed in the windscreen area. These are some of the main elements of Pedestrian Airbag Technology - the system that makes Volvo Car Corporation with its All-New V40 the first manufacturer with a pedestrian airbag.
In China, 25 percent of traffic fatalities are pedestrians. In Europe the figure is 14 percent and in the USA 12 percent. Far larger numbers of pedestrians are injured. The most serious head injuries involving pedestrians and cars are caused by the hard structure under the bonnet panel, the windscreen's lower edge and the A-pillars.
These were some of the considerations when Volvo Car Corporation started the development of its Pedestrian Airbag Technology. The system was a world breakthrough when the All-New Volvo V40 was launched in Geneva earlier this year.
"We are proud to be able to offer a car with an airbag for pedestrians. The purpose of the airbag is to help protect pedestrians in certain situations when they impact the bonnet and the area around the windscreen wiper recess and A-pillar, where there may be a risk of serious head injuries," says Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety, Volvo Car Corporation.
Seven sensors embedded in the front of the car transmit signals to a control unit. When the car comes into contact with an object, the signals change. The control unit evaluates the signals and if it registers what it interprets as a human leg the pedestrian airbag is deployed.
Raises the bonnet by ten centimetersThe bonnet hinges are each equipped with pyrotechnical release mechanisms which, when the system is activated, pull out a pin and release the rear of the bonnet panel. At the same time, the airbag is activated and starts filling with gas. During the inflation sequence the airbag raises the bonnet. It is lifted ten centimeters and stays in the raised position.
The added gap between the bonnet and the hard components in the engine compartment gives space for the bonnet to deform, creating a dampening effect when it is hit by a pedestrian.
"The airbag has two functions. Firstly, it raises the bonnet to create distance, and secondly it cushions the impact around the hard parts of the area near the windscreen," explains Thomas Broberg.
In its inflated position, the airbag covers the entire windscreen wiper recess, about one-third of the windscreen and the lower part of the A-pillars. The entire sequence from activation of the system to full inflation takes a few hundredths of a second.
Tests with human-like dummy legsThe system is active at speeds between 20 and 50km/h. 75 percent of all accidents involving pedestrians take place at up to 40 km/h.
"We developed the technology using computer simulations and human-like leg and head forms. The tests were carried out in a wide variety of configurations," relates Thomas Broberg.
The airbag itself consists of a sack and a gas hybrid generator. Upon activation, the sack is filled with gas within a few milliseconds.
Two years ago, 2010, Volvo Car Corporation launched Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake. The system can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h if the driver does not respond in time. At higher speeds the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible before the collision.
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Launch of the Volvo V60 and Volvo V40 boosts Volvo Car Corporation's
growth towards 200,000 cars in China
Volvo Car Corporation is one of the fastest growing luxury
car brands in China - and the journey towards selling 200,000 cars per year in
the world's most dynamic car market continues in 2012. "The introduction
of the Volvo V60 and the all-new Volvo V40 will help us maintain the desired
growth momentum," says Freeman Shen, Senior Vice President Volvo Car China
Operations.
Last year Volvo Car Corporation sold over 47,000 cars in
China, an increase of more than 55 percent compared with 2010. At the Beijing
Auto Show, Volvo Car Corporation presents two valuable additions to the
company's model line-up.
Combining luxury, fun
and functionality
The Volvo V60 is a luxurious, sporty and exciting-to-drive
Sports Activity Vehicle for customers who understand and appreciate both fun
and functionality.
"In addition to a great driving experience the Volvo V60
offers the owner rational functionality, the opportunity to enjoy life together
with friends and family. It is a perfect choice for true car enthusiasts,"
says Freeman Shen. He adds: "The all-new Volvo V40 is a premium hatchback
that offers the same virtues as the V60 - in a slightly more compact package.
It has an outstanding, beautiful design and it is charged with sophisticated
features you normally have to buy a large car to get."
Second home market
China is Volvo Car Corporation's second home market. The
company's full-fledged business operations in Shanghai include product
development, design, purchasing and staff support functions.
"We are also expanding our retailer network and our
industrial system to provide a growing number of Chinese buyers with
Scandinavian luxury cars, accompanied by first-class service and hospitality.
Our recruitment continues with more talented people joining us. Currently we have
close to 800 employees working for Volvo Car Corporation in China." says
Freeman Shen.
A Volvo manufacturing plant in Chengdu is the next step in
Volvo Car Corporation's ambitious industrial strategy. This new plant will be
up and running in the second half of 2013 and will have a production capacity
of more than 100,000 cars per year.
"Our co-operation with New York Knicks' rising
basketball star Jeremy Lin is another milestone in the continuous strengthening
of our brand position in China. As our new Brand Ambassador, Jeremy Lin will
participate in corporate and marketing activities. He will also appear in
advertising," concludes Freeman Shen.
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Ford prepares challengers of the Jollibee
Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge with award-winning road safety seminar
MANILA, Philippines, May 2012 – As part of its
commitment to promoting safe, smart and fuel efficient driving in the
Philippines, Ford recently conducted a Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) seminar
for the twenty challengers participating in the Jollibee Drive-Thru Cross-Country
Challenge.
In partnership with Ford, Jollibee launched
its nationwide Drive-Thru Cross-Country Challenge where ten teams of two are
tasked to drive across the Philippines and make their way to as many of the
designated Jollibee Drive-Thru stores for a total of 10 days onboard the
popular Ford Fiesta 1.6L Sport Plus hatchback. With a mix of driving and fun
challenges, the teams will accumulate a total of 40,000 kilometers over the ten
day program.
To prepare the challengers, Ford’s DSFL
program highlighted safe, smart and fuel-efficient driving techniques to help
the finalists anticipate road conditions, stay safe on the road and save fuel
on the way.
“Road safety is very close to our business. We
are not only committed to providing our customers with vehicles that feature
the latest safety features and smart technologies like the best-selling Ford
Fiesta, but with our DSFL training, we also hope to enhance their knowledge and
help make them drive better, safer, and with more awareness of other vehicles
on the road,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, assistant vice president for Communications,
Ford Group Philippines.
Anticipating Traffic Conditions, Preventing Road
Accidents
The latest DSFL seminar, specifically tailored
for the Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge teams, tackled road safety awareness, important
safety tips and fuel efficient driving techniques. The DSFL hands-on training
using the Ford Fiesta Sport Plus included steering exercises, tight maneuvering
courses and breaking exercises, allowing the participants to properly acquaint themselves
with the vehicles prior to the actual challenge.
“The Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge teams will
face multiple road conditions and obstacles on their journey across the
Philippines. With our DSFL seminar, we hope to equip them with the right road
safety information and skills to keep them safe on the road,” said JP Tuason,
DSFL instructor and president of Tuason Racing School.
Thrilling Driving Challenge Awaits
The challengers were not only excited about
the Jollibee Drive-Thru Challenge but were also pleased with the road safety
information and techniques shared during the DSFL seminar held in Ford’s Sta.
Rosa offices.
“I’m definitely looking forward to this
challenge. I love cars and spending ten days with the Fiesta is more than
enough pleasant experience for me. The seminar is also useful as it is not just
about winning but also staying safe on the road,” shares motoring writer
Ulysses Ang.
“Having known one another for seven years, our
advantage is that we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The seminar
was very helpful in preparing us for possible dangers on the road,” shares good
friends Anthony Gaas and Niño Duran.
The winning team of the Jollibee Drive-Thru
Cross-Country Challenge will receive a PhP1 million cash prize and two Ford
Fiesta 1.4L AT Trend hatchbacks.
Since 2005, Ford Philippines’ road safety
program has had more than 20,000 participants and was re-launched in 2008 under
Ford’s global DSFL program. The company has an ongoing partnership with the
Tuason Racing School (TRS) to help raise awareness on safe driving practices,
and has conducted sessions with a wide variety of audience – provided to all,
free-of-charge.
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Up to 5 years zero interest ownership packageTrue to its promise of providing the market with cars that understand people, Volvo Philippines takes the unique experience a step further with a winning ownership option. Starting April 13, drive home a brand new Volvo with Volvo’s High Five Ownership Package. For as low as 20% downpayment* at zero interest for up to 5 years, reward yourself with a car that delivers uncompromising luxury.
Innovative and IntuitiveInnovative and intuitive, Volvo safety technologies are designed to give the driver peace of mind. City Safety, for example, is a world-first collision avoidance technology which prevents rear - end collisions. This technology is local available as standard in the Volvo S60, V60 and XC60. Volvo S60 T6’s Collision Warning with Full Auto Break and Pedestrian Detection helps avoid collision with unprotected road users by flashing a red light on the wind screen and an audible warning when a person is within range. Should the driver fail to respond on time, full auto breaking power is applied.
Functional and Natural
Volvo's new driver-control interface called Volvo Sensus, allows you to conveniently explore the hi-tech features of your car and personalize them to suit your needs. All information is displayed on a high-resolution 5" or 7" color screen, which can also display the phone, park assist camera, DVD, digital TV, among others. Everything is conveniently controlled using the ergonomic steering wheel controls -- so you can keep your attention on the traffic and your hands on the steering wheel. Moreover, every material in your Volvo is chosen for its quality, allergy reducing and renewable characteristics.
Engaging and Entertaining
The unique range of sleek smart and strong Volvos are locally available with state-of-the art turbo charged petrol and turbodiesel engine variants which are optimized to deliver uninterrupted power output while ensuring that you get most out of every micro drop of your fuel. What is more, every Volvo engine is engineered to respond instantly so spontaneous adventures never have to wait.
It is indeed high time to drive home your favorite Volvo. Built with thoughtful details and coupled with a winning ownership package, experience pure driving fun with the sleek, smart and strong Volvos that are specially designed around you.
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• The All-New Ford Fiesta continues to shine with best-ever monthly performance
• Supply of vehicles from Thailand is continuing to improve; company remains upbeat on
overall 2012 performance
• The all-new Ranger and all-new Ford Explorer 2.0L GTDi XLT with EcoBoost were
launched, and Ford Mustang revealed, at last month's Manila International Auto Show
MANILA, Philippines, 16 April 2012 – Ford Philippines today reported March retail sales of
623 units, an increase of 50 percent from the previous month, as vehicle supply from Thailand
continued to improve.
The all-new Ford Fiesta led the March performance and reaffirmed its segment leadership by
delivering its best-ever monthly sales of 392 units – an increase of 64 percent from February.
Despite the lingering effects from the Thai floods on local supply, the class-leading Fiesta
delivered overall first-quarter sales that rose slightly from the previous quarter to 774 units.
“The all-new Fiesta continues to prove its wide appeal among young and savvy consumers
who appreciate its best-in-class package of design, safety, fuel economy, quality and value
for money," said Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines. “Our fast-growing Fiesta
customer base is incredibly loyal and enthusiastic, and they are certainly helping spread the
excitement about this fantastic small car.”
The Ford Escape SUV turned in a strong March, with retail sales of 112 units, an increase of 56
percent from the previous month.
At the Manila International Auto Show last month, Ford underscored the reason for its
confidence that momentum will continue to build this year by launching the all-new Ford Ranger pickup, the all-new Ford Explorer 2.0L GTDi with EcoBoost, and revealing the new Ford
Mustang sports car.
Ford started taking orders at the Show for the all-new Ranger with the official public launch now
expected in July.
“Combining the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, outstanding
safety, excellent fuel economy, quality and comfort, the all-new Ranger will redefine the pickup
truck segment in the Philippines,” said Krieger.
The all-new Explorer 2.0L GTDi XLT is first vehicle in the Philippines equipped with Ford’s
innovative EcoBoost engine technology, which enhances engine performance and power while
delivering increased fuel economy. The Explorer 2.0L GTDi XLT will officially go on-sale in July.
Additionally, the all-new Explorer 3.5L Limited won 2011-2012 Car of the Year for ‘Best Luxury
SUV’ at the Show, as well as the Bosch Technical Innovation Award for its award-winning
MyFord Touch and SYNC global in-car connectivity systems.
“The all-new Explorer is fast-becoming one of our strongest vehicles in the Ford portfolio, and we are eager to sustain the momentum,” said Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group
Philippines. “The success of this vehicle is further evidence we are delivering products that
people want and value.”
The local reveal Ford Mustang turned out to be a show-stopper at MIAS, with enthusiasts
eagerly receiving news that this super-charged vehicle will be officially launched in July, with
first deliveries expected in September.
Ford also reaffirmed its plans to launch the all-new Ford Focus later this year, representing the
next of the eight all-new vehicles Ford will introduce in ASEAN by mid-decade.
“With the arrival of so many great One Ford vehicles this year in the Philippines, there is no
question that our sales performance will continue to strengthen through the year,” explained
Krieger.
Ford plans to open 12 new authorized Ford dealerships this year to support its aggressive
growth plans, bringing its nationwide network to 35 authorized dealers.
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