Summary
- Volkswagen’s Proactive Pedestrian Protection system automatically opens the hood to soften the impact for a pedestrian’s head
- The hood automatically closes if it turns out to be a false alarm
- There is no standard in place to test how a human head hitting a vehicle hood would fare in an impact
- The system will automatically tighten seatbelts, close windows, and turn on hazard lights if a crash is imminent
- The Volkswagen ID.7 with these features is expected to be available in the United States next year for around $50,000
Article
Introduction
Volkswagen has introduced a new Proactive Pedestrian Protection System that includes a feature that automatically opens the hood of the vehicle to soften the impact for a pedestrian’s head. This innovative system aims to enhance pedestrian safety by providing a cushioning effect in case of a collision. Let’s delve deeper into how this new technology works and how it could potentially save lives on the road.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns in Modern Cars
One of the challenges faced by modern American cars is pedestrian safety, as there is currently no standard in place to test how a human head hitting a vehicle hood would fare in an impact. The absence of a standard testing procedure has highlighted the need for new safety technologies that can reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians. European car manufacturers have been at the forefront of implementing innovative solutions to address pedestrian safety concerns, paving the way for improved safety standards worldwide.
Volkswagen’s Proactive Pedestrian Protection System
Volkswagen recently showcased its Proactive Pedestrian Protection System, which includes a feature that automatically opens the hood of the vehicle to act as a cushion for a pedestrian’s head in the event of an impact. The system is designed to work in conjunction with other safety-related functions, such as emergency braking, to minimize the risk of injury to pedestrians. In a demonstration involving an ID.7 electric liftback, the vehicle’s hood automatically popped up before coming to a full stop to prevent an impact with a dummy crossing the road.
The Functionality of the Proactive Pedestrian Protection System
The Proactive Pedestrian Protection System not only opens the hood automatically to soften the impact for pedestrians but also retracts it back to its original position once the danger has passed. This feature sets it apart from other vehicles with active hoods, where the driver typically has to manually push the hood back into place. Additionally, the Volkswagen ID.7 equipped with the Proactive Pedestrian Protection System has other safety features, such as automatically tightening seatbelts, closing windows, and activating hazard lights when a crash is imminent.
Future Availability and Pricing
While the automatically popping hood feature of the Proactive Pedestrian Protection System is not yet available, Volkswagen has confirmed that it will be introduced in the future. The German automaker plans to launch the Volkswagen ID.7 in the United States next year, with an estimated starting price of around $50,000. As pedestrian safety continues to be a top priority in the automotive industry, Volkswagen’s innovative technologies offer a glimpse into the future of safer and more reliable vehicles on the road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s Proactive Pedestrian Protection System represents a significant advancement in pedestrian safety technology, with the potential to save lives and prevent injuries on the road. By automatically opening the hood to cushion the impact for pedestrians and retracting it back to its original position, the system showcases Volkswagen’s commitment to enhancing safety standards in its vehicles. As this innovative system becomes more widely available and affordable, it could revolutionize the way we approach pedestrian safety in modern cars. Volkswagen’s proactive approach to pedestrian protection sets a new benchmark for safety innovations across the automotive industry.
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