Wednesday, January 10, 2001
Detroit--Volvo, a company with a reputation for safe cars, unveiled
its new safety concept car this week at the North American International Auto
Show.
Many features on the SCC improve visibility¾a very important factor in
automotive safety according Erling Pedersen, the Volvo safety concept car
project director. The features include active rear-view mirrors that alert
drivers when another car is in the driver's "blind spot," redesigned pillars,
rearward facing cameras, night vision system, and adaptive lights that adjust
based on the car's speed.
"It's easy to overload the driver with technology in a car," says Pedersen.
"We want to keep the interaction simple, with minimal distractions."
The new car also automatically adjusts the steering wheel, pedals, and center
console based on the position of the driver's eye. Using a sensor that scans and
detects the position of the driver's eyes, the SCC automatically sets the
appropriate seating, but drivers can make adjustments if desired.
Johnson Controls (Milwaukee, WI) worked with Volvo Cars developing the first
adjustable seat, pedal box, and software system for an adjustable center console
and steering wheel. Ford Motor Co. also participated in development of the
SCC.
For more information, go to www.johnsoncontrols.com.
Tweet This
1 
