Volvo's new City Safety system, which helps avoid or reduce the severity of low-speed collisions, has won an award for innovation.
The Swedish automaker picked up the gong in the Technology category, at the Fleet World Honours Awards 2008 in London.
The City Safety system will be introduced as a world-first standard feature in the new Volvo XC60, which arrives in UK showrooms this October.
At speeds of under 19mph, City Safety uses laser sensor technology to detect vehicles up to 10 metres in front of the car's front bumper.
It is smart enough to react to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving slowly in the same direction as the car itself.
If the gap between the cars continues to close and the driver remains inactive, the car applies the brakes automatically.
City Safety's potential for reducing the risk of both personal injuries and car bodywork damage is significant and may also cut insurance costs, as Volvo is currently involved in a dialogue with insurance companies regarding lower insurance premiums for cars equipped with City Safety.
Commenting on the award, Chairman of Judges George Emmerson said: "Volvo's commitment to researching and developing groundbreaking technologies has led to a number of safety milestones.
"City Safety is among the cleverest so far, predicting when low-speed accidents will happen and preventing them from occurring."
He concluded, "City Safety will offer fleets financial, operational and social benefits that deserve recognition."
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