Volvo Blis Wins Autocar Safety and Technology Award

One thing that automakers should be blissful about isthe field of car safety, Volvo will continue to actively
receiving prestigious awards. This bliss can bedevelop new safety technology. Volvo first previewed
reflected from Volvo executives after BLIS was giventhe BLIS system in its Safety Concept Car in 2001, so
one great award from Autocar. Volvo's Blind Spotwe are now very pleased to see this technology in
Information System (BLIS), an advanced safetyproduction," said Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo
innovation introduced by the automaker to avoid roadSafety Centre during the awarding.
accidents won the Autocar Safety and TechnologyDespite the presence of rear-view mirrors, vehicles
Award for this year.are always at risk of blind spots. As a fact, these risks
BLIS was the first system of its kind in the autocan cause road accidents especially when changing
industry. It uses smart digital camera system, which islanes. Hence, Volvo delivered BLIS for the automotive
incorporated into auto door mirrors to continuouslymarket to take advantage of. The system is active at
supervise the monitored zone alongside the car forall speeds above 10 km/h. Further, it is designed to alert
other obstacles and obstructions. When the systemthe driver about vehicles in the monitored zone moving
detects other vehicles, it sends alerts to the driver bya maximum of 20 km/h slower or 70 km/h faster than
emitting an orange light in the A-pillar near the doorthe driver's own vehicle.
mirror. "The Volvo BLIS system is the simplest, mostThe automaker believes the additional visual
useful, original and intuitive safety gadget to reach theinformation that is delivered by the BLIS system is
production line in years. Alongside its affordability thatpractically useful in improving road safety. BLIS is now
means owners will use it and benefit from it," saidoffered on all the Volvo range including the new C30
Charles Hallett, Autocar editor.SportsCoupe. Volvo V40 car parts, for instance, are
Volvo believes that preventing accidents happening inupgraded to welcome this outstanding technology
the first place is as important as reducing the numberfrom the automaker.
of injuries and fatalities, and as the leading company in