Volvo XC60 to Feature at 2008 Sydney Motor Show

Volvo has chosen the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney as the venue in which to reveal its new mid-sized luxury SUV, the XC60. The XC60 will debut 'City Safety' - a world-first in low-speed crash avoidance technology.

Show attendees will be able to view live demonstrations of the new avoidance technology, in Hall 1 of the motor show throughout the 11-day event.

According to Volvo, City Safety collision avoidance technology prevents front-end collisions when the vehicle is being driven at speeds of up to 30km/h where the speed differential between the two vehicles is no more than 15km/h. City Safety is constantly on the job, monitoring vehicles up to six metres in front of the XC60 via a laser located in its windscreen.

"Surveys indicate that three-quarters of all reported front-end collisions occur at speeds below 30km/h, and in 50 per cent of those cases the driver doesn't brake at all," said Volvo managing director Alan Desselss.

If the City Safety sensors determine that the XC60 is approaching the vehicle in front at a speed that will result in a collision, it will automatically apply the vehicles brakes. But it's not fool-proof, with Volvo admitting that while the system is capable of avoiding a collision entirely, in extreme situations (travelling too quickly) the accident can be unavoidable, in which case it will help to reduce the severity of the accident.

"Front-end collisions often occur at roundabouts, intersections and car parks. They can result in vehicle occupant injury, as well as seemingly minor but expensive-to-repair front-end damage.

Volvo managing director Alan Desselss said the XC60's City Safety technology is leading the way in safety innovation, taking on-road safety and driver assistance to new levels.

Volvo's City Safety demonstration at AIMS will involve an XC60 being driven towards inflatable 'car size' obstacles to simulate a real-world city driving scenario.

"Volvo's City Safety demonstration will add an additional dynamic element to the event and is part of plans to make the show much more than simply a display of new cars," said Australian International Motor Show event manager, Robby Clark.

The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 9 to 19 October.