“Not a single person will die in a Volvo by 2020.” This bold statement by Volvo in 2016 grabbed the attention of the global automotive industry. While some dismissed it as a PR stunt, others believed that the Swedish automaker truly trusted in its ability to ensure the safety of its passengers. There’s even an internet “legend” that has spread far and wide: “No one has ever died while sitting in a Volvo XC90.” But is it true?
The World’s Safest Car: Has There Really Never Been a Fatality in a Volvo XC90?
This rumor has been circulating online and gained immense popularity on Reddit. It all started with a news article that presented statistical data claiming that the Volvo XC90 had never been involved in a fatal accident in the UK since its launch in 2002. Soon after, the story spread like wildfire across internet forums, with many people beginning to regard the XC90 as the “world’s safest car.”
However, there are no precise statistics available regarding the number of XC90 accidents worldwide and the resulting fatalities.
The claim that no one has died while riding in a Volvo XC90 remains unverified, but the car has won numerous safety awards.
The XC90 is equipped with a sturdy safety cage, seven airbags, seats with spring technology to absorb compression forces and prevent back injuries, and a host of other safety features integrated into its Intellisafe system.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Volvo XC90 achieved a perfect score of 100% in safety assist technology, 97% in adult occupant protection, and the highest overall safety rating in 2015 by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP). Furthermore, this SUV has consistently been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US.
A Brand Synonymous with Safety
Aside from its attention-grabbing statement, Volvo has genuinely invested significantly in ensuring the safety of its passengers. The company continually researches and introduces new safety technologies into its products. Most recently, Volvo equipped its vehicles with a feature that alerts drivers to potential accidents ahead, giving them more time to react and avoid potential collisions. Prior to this, the automaker had already launched and implemented numerous other safety features.
In 2021, every Volvo model made it to the Top Safety Pick Plus list, compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US. This list is a go-to reference for consumers worldwide when considering purchasing a new vehicle. An impressive 14 Volvo models were included in this prestigious list at the time.
Volvo has a dedicated team that researches traffic accidents, established over 50 years ago.
Since 1970, Volvo has had a dedicated Traffic Accident Research Team, which has become a repository of knowledge and the core of many innovations that have improved the safety of its vehicles over the years.
As automakers continue to advance their technologies and set new safety standards, creating the safest products for consumers remains the ultimate goal for all. Meanwhile, consumers eagerly anticipate Volvo’s next move, hoping that it will maintain its leading position in this segment by introducing even more innovative safety features and technologies.
