The New Volvo XC60 Will Automatically Steer Itself To Avoid Collisions

Malin Ekholm, Senior Director, Volvo Cars' Safety Centre, "We have been working with collision-avoidance systems for many years and we can see how effective they are. In Sweden alone we have seen a decline of around 45 per cent* in rear-end frontal crashes thanks to our Collision Warning with Autobrake system. With the XC60 we are determined to take the next step in reducing avoidable collisions, with the addition of steering support and assistance systems."

The star trio of safety provisions on the Volvo XC60 comprises City Safety, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, and the optional Blind Spot Information System. But that's not all: like Volvo's 90 series cars, the XC60 will also receive a myriad of high-end safety systems, including Large Animal Detection, Run-off Road Mitigation, and the semi-autonomous driver support and convenience system, Pilot Assist, as an option.

1. City Safety: This feature is engaged when automatic braking alone would not help avoid a potential collision. Once engaged, the car will also provide steering assistance to avoid the obstacle ahead. Steering support is active between 50-100 kmph.

Volvo XC60's City Safety system

2. Oncoming Lane Mitigation: This system helps drivers to avoid collisions with vehicles in an oncoming lane. It alerts the driver and provides automatic steering assistance to guiding them back into their own lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicle. This system is active between 60-140 kmph.

3. Blind Spot Information System: It alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spot and further helps avoid potential collisions with vehicles in a blind spot by steering the car back into its own lane and away from danger.

Volvo XC60 Blind Spot Information System

Ekholm added, "All three of these new features represent clear steps in our work towards fully autonomous cars. We have all of the benefits of the safety technology we introduced in our larger 90 series cars in the new XC60. This is fully in-line with our strategic approach to develop automotive safety systems based on real-life, real-road safety. Our vision is that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020."