The Benefits of the New Self-Driving Volvo – XC90

Autonomous, or self-driving, cars have always been very anticipated in the automotive industry. These highly desirable cars have been a goal of automakers for a long time. The idea of being able to relax and play games in the driver’s seat rather than focus on the road seems a little farfetched.

But all that is changing.

Volvo has developed some of these autonomous features and is ready to bring them to market by the end of 2014 with the XC90. The automaker also plans on perfecting these features, making a true autonomous vehicle available by 2017. The Swedish automakers are working hard, hoping to reduce the human margin of error rather than make the driving experience more convenient.

Every year, up to 1.2 million people die from auto accidents, even with all of the improvements being made to technology. Rear cameras, lane change assist, blind spot detection and collision avoidance systems can only do so much. New features that improve safety are always being introduced; however, Volvo thinks that this isn’t enough. There are too many automotive accidents each year. With that in mind, the car company made a bold goal to find ways that nobody is seriously injured or killed in vehicles by the year 2020. Autonomous vehicles push this goal forward.

The XC90 being released later this year will have some autonomous features incorporated into it. Here is a first look at these new features:

·Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with steer assist: Your car will stay aligned with the vehicle in front of it.

·Road edge/barrier detection with steer assist: Your car will automatically steer back onto the road if you start to drive off the sides. This will be very convenient and can help fatigued drivers stay on the road during long trips.

·Autonomous braking: If an accident is about to occur, the vehicle will automatically start to brake. While many automakers are starting to incorporate this technology, the XC90 will be the first to function at intersections.

·Queue assist: The car will take over steering, braking and accelerating during stop and go situations, such as a traffic jam. This helps the driver keep up and stay safe even if they are no longer concentrating.

·The XC90 will also feature a stronger exterior that is five times stronger than its predecessor, reducing the need for replacements.

There are a lot of likable features found in the autonomous XC90. Drivers will be able to benefit greatly from them and have a safer driving experience. While the vehicle will be available at the end of the year, the car is also going to be making an appearance at the October Paris Motor Show.

The autonomous features in the 2015 XC90 will be the gateway to the full-fledged autonomous designs released in 2017. The company is on track to make its 2020 goal, where there will not be any more deaths or injuries in Volvo cars. Volvo is already one of the safest automobiles available and now it is setting the bar even higher.

For more information on Volvo’s new XC90 or other models, contact your local dealership today.