It's more of a guarantee than a promise actually and that is to make cars safe. According to Tomas Ernberg, MD Volvo Auto India, "Volvo has always been at the forefront of technological upgrades when it comes to safety and it's time we took one step further and told the world that our cars are safer than the rest."
Also Read: Volvo XC90 Review
Well, according to Volvo, by 2020, they will guarantee that no one who is sitting in a car made by them will die or be seriously injured in the event of an accident. Yes, they have said that out loud and though a bold statement, they're standing by every word. This means putting a whole bunch of cash on testing and development of technology. They're not behind in that as well.
To get data, Volvo has crashed over a hundred real XC90s, and 30,000 on simulations using 3D animation. Now crashing real things is an expensive exercise hence learning from the simulations is one way of keeping the money in check.
Volvo's test facility at the Gothenburg factory studies the science behind destruction and they have two tunnels rotating on air cushions which are engaged during crash tests and can propel cars into the wall at up to 120km/h which helps them collect the data and then work on the problem areas.
"For us it's all about being pioneers. Don't forget, we invented the seatbelt and shared the technology with the other manufacturers. We are already years ahead of the others in this respect and by 2020, you will see, we will make the cabin of the cars we produce a safer capsule for the occupants." Ernberg said.
