Volvo has revealed its newest safety feature, a world-first cyclist detection system, at the 2013 Geneva motor show.
A development of the safety-conscious Swedish brand’s existing detection and auto brake technology, the new technology, dubbed Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake, will feature on all Volvo cars already equipped with the pedestrian detection system and sees vehicles automatically brake when cyclists are detected swerving out in front of the car.
Speaking at the new system’s launch in Geneva, Volvo senior vice president of marketing, sales and customer service, Doug Speck, said that by covering more objects and situations, Volvo is reinforcing its world-leading position within automotive safety.
“We keep moving towards our long-term vision to design cars that do not crash.” Speck said.
The evolution of the safety system is due to new software that allows for faster vision processing by the advanced sensor system that constantly scans the area ahead of the vehicle. Volvo says if a cyclist traveling in the same direction as the car suddenly swerves out in front of the vehicle as it approaches from behind, and the system deems that a collision is imminent, a warning is issued and full braking power is automatically applied.
The full Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake system is able to detect objects in front of the car and determine their type and distance via a radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror and a central control unit.
The new system will be available across Volvo’s range from mid-May, including the new Volvo V40, which also benefits from the world’s first pedestrian airbag.
