Volvo has released details of the safety systems set to feature on the new XC90 next year, many of which are described as 'world firsts'. All the features form part of Volvo's 'Vision 2020' where the company aims for zero deaths and serious injuries in new Volvo cars by the year 2020. Three different technologies are included: to detect pedestrians at night; to avoid the edge of the road; and cruise control to match the flow of traffic.
Pedestrian Detection in darkness is an enhancement of existing collision avoidance technology. It allows the automatic brake feature to work in darkness, looking out for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
Road edge and barrier detection with steer assist monitors the physical edge of the road. Unlike other systems it does not rely on the presence of road markings. When the system calculates that the car is about to drift off the road it applies corrective torque to the steering to bring it back on track.
Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist helps the driver stay in lane and match the speed of the traffic. It is designed to follow the vehicle ahead; just remember to turn it off if the car you're following wants to leave the motorway before you!
Anything else?
Other innovations due include Animal Detection, which is designed to avoid or mitigate the effects of hitting an animal. As with the Pedestrian Detection it is designed to work at night as well as in daytime. Although it won't be available on the XC90 from launch, Animal Detection is due by the end of 2014. In the longer term there are plans for car-to-car communication and Autonomous Parking, where your car goes and parks itself.