VOLVO is highlighting its 70 year contribution to accident protection.
It was one of the first car manufacturers to introduce seatbelts to the European market when it fitted its 1956 Amazon prototype.
It came fitted with a two-point cross-chest diagonal belt, which was made available as an option on production models shortly afterwards.
Three years later, it became the first brand in the world to fit three-point belts as standard.
Setting the template for the modern safety belt that’s fitted to all cars today, it was created by Volvo design engineer Nils Bohlin and consisted of a lap belt and a diagonal belt anchored at a low attachment point beside the seat.
By 1959 the three-point safety belt was installed as standard in all Swedish market Volvo cars, and later in cars across the world as the patent was made available to all car makers free of charge.
As a result, seatbelt availability quickly became widespread and their fitment as a legal requirement was accelerated, helping to save millions of lives since then.
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety evolution and innovation, and we’re pleased that we can continue to make new developments on such vital features like the seatbelt. The latest multi-adaptive seatbelt in the new EX60 is a testament to our pioneering technology and approach to safety that is continued today.”
Motoring editor for Derry Journal Newspapers
