We develop advanced safety technologies to help protect occupants, especially our smallest passengers: children.
Several studies have shown that the use of a booster seat cushion helps maintain proper safety belt positioning and reduces abdominal injuries caused by the child slipping under the safety belt. However, many children don't use booster cushions because they've outgrown them or feel too "grown up."
To address this problem, Volvo designed a new booster cushion system. This system, which includes the world's first two-step integrated booster cushion, gives children a safe and comfortable travel experience.
World's First Child Booster Cushion System
Volvo engineers not only redesigned the child booster cushion, but they also designed a complete safety system to help keep children safer when they're on the road.
Volvo's new booster cushion system includes a strengthened side body structure; force-limiting, pyrotechnically pretensioned safety belts; and a wider Inflatable Curtain.
The improvement of these safety technologies will help protect children in a booster cushion in the unfortunate event of an accident.
A Better View for a Safer Ride
The new booster cushion allows children to see outside the vehicle. Much like how rear-seat entertainment helps keep children occupied, looking outside the vehicle often has a similar effect. Ideally, parents will hear, "Are we there yet?" less often, allowing them to focus on the road, not the back seat.
Ford and Volvo worked together to develop the child booster cushion system concept, first shown in the 2001 Safety Concept Car (SCC).
Volvo Booster Cushion System Awarded First Prize
At this year's World Traffic Safety Symposium, Volvo received first prize in the Automotive Manufacturer category for its booster cushion system, which includes a strengthened side body structure; force-limiting, pyrotechnically pretensioned safety belts; and a wider Inflatable Curtain.
There were only three awards at this symposium, where Ford, along with Volvo, was acknowledged for its safety innovation and efforts.
Vehicle Option
This new child safety feature will be available in the all-new 2008 XC70 crossover wagon, followed in February 2008 in the all-new 2008 V70.
The single option includes two rear-seat-mounted integrated booster cushions and two pyrotechnically pretensioned safety belts with new load limiters. The new safety belts will accommodate both children using the booster cushion and normally positioned adults. Even with the booster cushions, both seats fold flat to expand the cargo compartment and are indistinguishable from rear seats that don't have this option.
