THERE is a long list of new factory-installed safety and theft-prevention features for the 2001 model-year vehicles now arriving in dealer showrooms. Some are deep inside the design of the vehicle, and others are available for after-market installation. Here is a round-up of what to look for:
GM and DaimlerChrysler are using a new, cool-gas, air bag inflator in some SUV and minivan models. Unlike conventional inflators, which generatehotter gases, the new technology prevents volume loss caused by gases that contract as their temperature drops.
Saturn has new “head curtain” air bags designed to decrease the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions. The air bag deploys based on feedback from electronic sensors located along the sides of the vehicle. It drops from the roof rail and unfolds as it inflates, providing a cushion to help protect the head and neck regions. Side impacts are second only to frontal impacts as a source of injuries and fatalities to passenger car occupants.
Toyota says virtually all of its 2001 Toyota and Lexus side airbags will meet or exceed a set of proposed new industry standards and evaluation procedures submitted recently to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The voluntary industry guidelines will define standardized test procedures to help evaluate risk of injury to out-of-position occupants in crashes where the side airbags deploy.
Lexus’ new flagship sedan, the LS 430, will feature Lexus Link, an emergency and concierge service. At the touch of a button, or if an airbag deploys, the feature automatically connects with a live advisor. This is the first time Lexus has offered such a system and is partnering with and using GM’s OnStar advisors. OnStar is available in 32 GM models, including all Cadillac models. The system has 380,000 subscribers.
Honda also will be offering On-Star in both Honda and Acura vehicles, beginning with the 2002 Acura RL luxury sedan.
Volvo is introducing a similar emergency notification and driving information service, called Volvo On Call Plus. It is an option for the sporty new S60, which had its world debut in August, and also in the S80, V70 and Cross Country models.
The 2001 Cadillac Seville will be the first to use a new door-window control from Brose North America that automatically monitors window regulator motor speed and direction. If an obstacle,such as a child’s finger – enters the path of the automatically closing window, the motor reverses direction, also automatically. A Canadian company called Theft Prevention Systems has developed a synthetic DNA that can be brushed, or painted on an object, creating an unalterable chemical code that will identify it under a UV light as yours.
Volvo is offering Enhanced Protective Glass as an option on its S60, S80 and V70 models. It’s a new category of laminated glass designed specifically for use in vehicle side and rear windows, and deters smash-and-grab theft by increasing the time it takes to break through a vehicle window. While the glass will crack after repeated impacts, it won’t shatter, presenting enough of a barrier to smash-and-grab thieves that they’ll move on to another vehicle.