Modern cars have plenty of safety features, and new technology is being created every day. Among the latest safety features introduced is the rear-window protection airbag introduced by Toyota. While many vehicles now have many airbags, the system is not perfect. Despite the strong airbag coverage by many airbag systems, Toyota’s system is the first to cover the rear window - a dangerous area in serious car accidents.
Toyota’s rear window airbag is stowed within the roof lining. In the event of a collision, the overhead airbag ejects from above the rear window and expands around the head of rear passengers, similar to that of a side curtain airbag. When working in tandem with active headrests, Los Angeles Toyota dealers expect that the rear-window protection airbag will minimize impact to the heads of passengers when a collision occurs.
Toyota will be implementing the new rear-window protection airbag system on the automaker’s new iQ subcompact vehicle. The Toyota iQ is much like the Smart ForTwo, and Toyota expects to initially sell about 100,000 units per year. San Diego Collision Center says a large hurdle for potential customers looking at the Toyota iQ, and even the Smart for that matter, is convincing weary buyers that the compact vehicle is safe.
By offering new technology and other safety-related Toyota accessories, Toyota should be able to convince plenty of potential buyers that the iQ offers plenty peace of mind. The Toyota iQ will be able to be able to transport three adults and one small child. It’s expected to be launched in Europe in early 2000. Although the vehicle is not expected to go on sale in the US any time soon, Albany Toyota dealers predict that Toyota may reconsider if gas prices remain a large concern among consumers.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
