Among the multiple updates to Volvo’sVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
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refreshed cars, the Swedish automaker has added a system it calls Active High Beam Control that automatically shields the high beams when approaching another car. It is a system that makes sense in a region with just a few hours of daylight at certain times of the year.

The system is available on the S60Volvo S60 Gen.2Sweden, 2009 > present252 versions
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, V60Volvo V60Sweden, 2010 > present301 versions
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and XC60Volvo XC60Sweden, 2008 > present261 versions
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. Volvo claims that it allows for the drivers to keep the high beams on at all times. The system uses a camera on the rearview mirror to detect the light from oncoming cars or approached cars and shades out the portion of the light that would blind other drivers. The system is sophisticated enough to shield light at as little as a 1.5 degree angle.

Once the camera detects a car, a signal is sent to the headlight projector to cover the light with a piece of metal. The metal is held in a cylinder and has various sizes depending on how much light needs to be shielded. The system works at speeds above 15km/h (9mph).

“Our aim with the renewed Active High Beam Control technology is to enhance visibility in the dark by making it possible to use high beam permanently, without having to switch to low beam when meeting or catching up with other cars," said Professor Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist for Safety at Volvo.

The Active High Beam Control system will be available when the refreshed Volvos go on sale in the spring.