For immediate release
GÖTEBORG, Sweden (November 24, 2005) – Vehicles from Volvo Car Corporation have achieved the best possible score in the 2006 model year new car whiplash ratings by the UK’s Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham. Tests were conducted on behalf of the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group (IIWPG).
Volvo Cars was one of only two manufacturers to achieve top “Good” scores.
Every Volvo vehicle is equipped with seats featuring a fixed head restraint to ensure the occupants are in the best seating position with proper support. All Volvo vehicles feature Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seat technology that uses a controlled movement of the entire backrest to absorb the impact during a rear impact collision to help reduce the forces on the neck.
Thatcham tested seats from 182 new cars and scored them in three categories: Geometric, Dynamic and Overall. Ratings range from a top score of “G” (for “good” protection), to “A” (acceptable), “M” (marginal), to “P” (poor) and 'R' (manufacturer refused to submit seats).
According to the Thatcham tests, all Volvo seats were awarded the top “G” score in all three categories.
“Volvo has shown a continuing commitment to safety, and their seats once again performed very well in our tests,” said Matthew Avery, Crash Laboratory Manager at Thatcham. “This is supported by real world injury data which confirms that these seats do produce a significant reduction in whiplash injuries - Volvo continues to be the trend setter in this area.”
“We are very pleased that the Volvo seats have performed in line with our expectations from our own tests and standards,” said Ingrid Skogsmo, Safety Director of the Volvo Car Corporation Safety Centre. “This is one of several results that confirm Volvo has the right approach to help reduce neck injuries in rear impacts.”
Dr Lotta Jacobsson, Technical Expert, Biomechanics, Volvo Cars Safety Centre added: “Since Volvo introduced WHIPS in 1998, the feedback from our Accident Research Team shows that WHIPS has halved the risk of long-term neck injuries in rear impacts, even compared to previous Volvo seats. Other independent field studies have also shown a significant injury reduction.”
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 43 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company’s product range includes the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sports sedan, and the completely redesigned S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon. For buyers looking for more rugged versatility, the Volvo XC-line of vehicles that includes the XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle.
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Notes to Editors:
1. Full details of the 2006 model year results of the Thatcham Whiplash Testing are available at: www.thatcham.org
2. The Volvo S40, S60, S80, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 all received the top 'Good' rating in the 2006 model year results of the Thatcham Whiplash Testing.
Contact:
Doug Mepham
613-966-4969 office
613-922-6097 mobile
doug.mepham@bellnet.ca
Chad Heard
416-540-4229
chadheard@rogers.com
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