Volvo Celebrates 25 Years of Air Bag Development

VolvoVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
4535 photos
6 videos
has been equipping cars with airbags for the last 25 years. Since then, it has been the first manufacturer in the world to build cars with side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and pedestrian airbags. 

"The benefit of modern airbag technology is that it takes very little space and still helps provide a good level of protection that can be optimized for the occupant and the crash situation. However, when we see a need for enhanced protection we always search for a total safety solution. The airbag is one solution and it can be combined with other measures," said Lennart Johansson.

The airbag did not become standard on Volvos until the 850Fafnir 472Germany, 1912 > 19121 Version
in the early 90s. It was also the first Volvo to get seat-mounted side airbags. In 1998, Volvo developed a roof-mounted side airbag for the S80Volvo S80Sweden, 1998 > present2 series
170 versions
212 photos
that is now standard on all models. Volvo had to develop a unique door-mounted side airbag when they sold the C70Volvo C70Sweden, 1997 > 20052 series
68 versions
68 photos
. These airbags work for both front and rear passengers. In the newest versions, the side airbags extend down in the rear to protect children in a crash. 

"Airbag performance has been improved significantly. Today's technology is much more adapted to the collision sequence and the way occupants are moved by the crash forces. After 25 years, refining the airbag technology is a vital part of our aim to build the safest cars in the world," said Johansson.