SafetyNewsOnline

Sept. 1, TRW unveils next Generation Head Protection System for Convertibles

TRW unveiled its second generation Head Protection System for convertibles (HPSC II). TRW's HPSC II technology is fully integrated in the backrest bolster eliminating the need for an integrated head rest and thereby increasing its compatibility with a broader range of convertible vehicles. According to TRW, HPSC II is compact and comprises light weight component parts resulting in a lower mass module overall. Like the first generation HPSC, the second generation HPSC also takes into account different load cases and passenger sizes. This adaptability improves the airbags' position in relation to the occupant in the event of a side crash situation. more...

Sept. 1, IIHS releases Rollover Ratings for 100 cars

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a list of rollover ratings for more than 100 cars. IIHS started Roof Crush tests in 2009 when the Roof Strength Test Protocol was released to compare the crashworthiness in rollover situations. more...

Sept. 1, 15 % less killed in Traffic in Germany

As reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on the basis of provisional results, 1,675 persons were killed in road traffic accidents in Germany from January to the end of June 2010. Compared to the first half of 2009, their number was down by 291 or 15 %. That decrease is even more remarkable as there had already been a strong decline in the first half of 2009. This very positive development observed in the first six months of 2010 suggests that the number of persons killed in road traffic will be below 4,000 this year for the first time. The number of road users who were seriously or slightly injured in road traffic accidents also fell markedly in the first half of 2010 against the same period one year earlier, that is by 9.1 % to about 168,100 persons. more... (in German)

Sept. 1, Euro NCAP commences its focus on Plug-In Vehicles and advanced Safety Technologies

Euro NCAP releases the crash test results for four vehicles: the Honda CR-Z, the Suzuki Swift, the Citroen C4 and the Hyundai ix35. In this latest set of results all of the cars received a maximum five star rating. The results show that manufacturers are rising to the challenges of Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme and are continuing to make safety a priority. The Honda CR-Z demonstrates that good all round safety needs not be compromised by a fuel efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain: its pedestrian protection result continues the high scores achieved by recently tested Hondas. Several manufacturers are expected to release fully electric vehicles in the near future. From October onwards, Euro NCAP will be able to offer even more comprehensive guidance to consumers about the safety offered by new cars. Euro NCAP Advanced will assess those technologies which are beyond the scope of the current crash tests. more...

Sept. 1, Takata dedicates new $14.6 Million Automotive Crash Test Facility

Takata launched construction of an 18,500 square-foot expansion to house enhanced automotive safety testing. The $14.6 million investment will include North America’s first automotive supplier servo controlled crash simulation sled with advanced pitching capabilities. The new facility will test automotive occupant safety restraint systems for high speed frontal and side impact conditions. It provides the most advanced sled crash simulation equipment available from any automotive supplier in North America. Takata estimates a one-year build out and the creation of 40 new high tech jobs within TK Holdings Inc. as a result of the new testing capabilities. more...

Sept. 1, 15th anniversary of Series Production for ESP

Fifteen years ago, Bosch began series production of the Electronic Stability Program for motor vehicles. ESP helps to prevent vehicles from skidding, and independent studies show that it can reduce the number of serious or fatal single vehicle accidents by nearly half. That makes ESP the most important vehicle safety system after the seat belt, more important than the airbag. In summer 2009, the EU adopted a regulation that requires all newly registered vehicles to have ESP as per November 2014. In 2009, 60 percent of all new vehicles were equipped with ESP. Globally, 36 percent, or more than one in three vehicles were equipped with this anti-skid system. more...

Sept. 1, IRCOBI and ESAR Conference 2010 in Hannover

Since 1973, the International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Injury (IRCOBI) has organised an international conference annually. The 2010 conference will take place in the City of Hannover, Germany. The conference venue is the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (Hannover Medical School). The 2010 conference will be organized in collaboration with ESAR – Expert Symposium on Accident Research and will provide in addition to the biomechanical topics a session about integrated safety and accident analysis. more...

Sept. 1, Final Call for NoAE Innovative Competition 2010

In cooperation with the Network of Automotive Excellence (NoAE) and the automotive industry, the NoAE Innovation Competition 2010 takes place. This year, new ideas all around the automobile are being searched for, especially from companies in “non-automotive” sectors. For this year’s competition, four main topic clusters are given that are of particular importance for the automobile industry. All companies and research institutions are being called upon to contribute to the topic clusters "The Vehicle, a Special Environment", "Communication and IT in the Vehicle", "Eco Innovation - New Approaches to C02-Reduction" and "Efficient and Flexible Production". Until September 30, 2010, innovations entries can be made via the www.noae.com platform.

Sept. 1, Automotive Safety: Basic Concepts and Current Developments in Sao Paolo

On August 11 and 12, an open course 'Automotive Safety: Basic Concepts and Current Developments' was held by carhs.training in cooperation with AEA in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The course provided an overview on Biomechanics & Accident Research, Passive Safety, Active Safety & Driver Assistance, Dummy & Crash Test Technology, Computer-Based Simulation as well as Legal Requirements & Consumer Testing. Please find the press release here. (in Portuguese)

Aug. 1, Euro NCAP is launching a new reward system for Advanced Safety Technologies

Euro NCAP announced on July 13th at the eSafety Challenge in Millbrook, UK that the association is launching a reward system for new and emerging safety technologies. Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP said “With these rewards Euro NCAP will add a new dimension to its mission. From now on consumers will be able to learn more about the benefits of advanced safety systems in their car and consult Euro NCAP for advice before deciding on purchase. Collectively we can make another step forward in effectively reducing traffic fatalities and injuries on European roads.” At the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October 2010, the association will reward the first set of manufacturers for their efforts in their development of new advanced safety features. more...