Volvo has delivered on its promise to set a 180km/h (112mph) maximum top speed in all its new cars from today. Volvo has done this as part of its continuing effort to eliminate collisions in its cars. The new limit goes beyond current regulations and Volvo says its action will ‘help close the remaining gap to zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic’.
In truth the limit should have zero impact on Irish motorists bar those who take their car to Germany’s autobahns or on track days.
Apart from the speed limit, every Volvo car will now also come with a Care Key, which allows Volvo owners to set additional limitations on the car’s top speed, for example before lending their car to other family members or to younger and inexperienced drivers.
Together, the 180kph speed limitation and Care Key send a strong signal about the dangers of speeding, underlining Volvo Cars position as a worldwide leader in safety.
Malin Ekholm
“We believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety,” said Malin Ekholm, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “Our speed limiting technology, and the dialogue that it initiated, fits that thinking. The speed cap and Care Key help people reflect and realise that speeding is dangerous, while also providing extra peace of mind and supporting better driver behaviour.”
Volvo says ‘The top speed limit has proven to be controversial since it was announced, with some observers questioning the rights of car makers to impose such limitations through available technology. Yet Volvo Cars believes it has an obligation to continue its tradition of being a pioneer in the discussion around the rights and obligations of car makers to take action that can ultimately save lives, even if this means losing potential customers. The problem with speeding is that above certain speeds, in-car safety technology and smart infrastructure design are no longer enough to avoid severe injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident. This is why speed limits are in place in most western countries, yet speeding remains ubiquitous and one of the most common reasons for fatalities in traffic. Millions of people still get speeding tickets every year’.
