Volvo will be giving us a glimpse of its next generation S60 sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month and although the S60 is still very much a concept car, its intended offerings will include a Collision Warning with Auto Brake technology and the ability to detect pedestrians.  Projected availability for the S60 sedan is in 2010, so we still have a way to go before we’ll be actually able to drive one home from the showroom, but it may be worth the wait.

From what we know, radar and cameras will be used to detect other vehicles as well as pedestrians and in the case of an impending crash, the system on the S60 will warn the driver of an impending collision.  If the driver doesn’t take any action to avoid the collision, the brakes will apply automatically.  True that while a crash is still possible and maybe altogether unavoidable – reduced speed at impact could possibly mean less expense and physical injury to the parties involved.

Thomas Broberg, a safety expert with the Swedish auto maker told the Los Angeles Times:

Up until now, we have focused on helping the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a system that also boosts safety for unprotected road users. New sensor technology also makes it possible to advance from 50% to full-automatic braking power.

Of course, all sorts of questions come to mind with this kind of technology, such as:

• What about broadsided crashes?
• What about pedestrians who suddenly step off a curb?
• What about small children who run out into the road?
• What about being hit from behind?

Obviously, while Volvo can’t prevent each and every kind of crash or accident, I give them points for trying to come up with new ways to incorporate even more safety features into their automobiles.  The fact that their safety measures have always been a distinguishing factor of the Volvo line is apparent in most every aspect of the company, however perhaps Volvo should be focusing more on reliability and dependability in order to increase sales.  Applying such technology to the S60 won’t be cheap by any means.

On the other hand, I believe we are entering an entirely different era of the automobile, one that has infinite possibilities.

I can only begin to imagine what the future holds for the automobile industry, especially when automakers already have the ability to include a variety of high tech sensors and use GPS technology to track our travels.  I have no doubt that in the future, vehicles will be able to use information, digest activity and movement of other vehicles and people, detect road construction and obstacles, and then assess the risk factors involved. 

Vehicles of the future may not only be able to react to avoid collisions, but perhaps  even utilize certain strategies which may allow them to be able to think faster than the driver behind the wheel.

What would you like to see in new car technology?

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