Volvo Seats are the Benchmark for Whiplash Protection

All Volvo's car models tested by the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group (IIWPG), which includes the UK's Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, were found in the best class of their "2005 Dynamic Seat Assessments". Volvo Car Corporation was the only manufacturer to achieve this result.

"We are very pleased that the Volvo seats have performed in line with our expectations," says Ingrid Skogsmo, Safety Director at Volvo Car Corporation. "Tests only show a part of what happens in real life. However, this is one of several results that confirm Volvo has the right approach to help reduce neck injuries in rear impacts."

In Volvo Car Corporation's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) the entire backrest is designed to help protect the occupant's neck in a rear impact. Introduced in 1998 WHIPS is standard in all Volvo car models.

"After having the system in our cars for six years now, the feedback from Volvo Cars' own real life Accident Research Team shows that WHIPS has halved the risk of long-term neck injuries in rear-end impacts even compared to previous Volvo seats. Also, other independent field studies have shown a significant injury reduction," says Dr Lotta Jacobsson, Technical Expert, Biomechanics, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

208 front seats were tested in the US and Europe by IIWPG to measure how head restraints are designed and how they perform in a crash simulation where the seat is placed on a sled that reproduces a rear impact with a speed of 16 km/h (10 mph).

All the Volvo seats tested - whether from the Volvo V70, XC90, S40, S60 or S80 - achieved the top result. Volvo has built a reputation for excellent seat comfort and these tests add further proof that Volvo seats also offer superior safety and protection on the UK's crowded roads.