Volvo’s City Safety system has received Euro NCAP Advance, an assessment rating for new safety technology that was awarded for the first time ever at the Paris Motor Show.

“Highly gratifying. We have worked long and hard for active safety systems to be included in Euro NCAP’s assessment criteria,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior safety advisor at Volvo Cars.

At the Paris Motor Show, the Euro NCAP Advance rating was awarded for the very first time. This is a complement to Euro NCAP’s current assessment system in which car models are tested in a variety of situations and then rated for safety with up to five stars.

“It’s great our XC60 SUV has received an advanced rating to go with the five star crash test rating it already has from Euro NCAP,” said Stephen Kenchington, the General Manager of Volvo Cars in New Zealand.

“Volvo continues to remain at the fore front of safety technology in its cars and the XC60 and the forth coming S60 sedan and V60 wagon which also have City Safety as standard are stylish and sporty vehicles,” said Mr Kenchington.

“The award also enhances our Volvo for life strategy with its innovative technology.”

The method used for assessment in Euro NCAP Advance is based on scientific data provided by the car manufacturers which are then analysed by a panel of experts appointed by Euro NCAP. Only safety systems available on car models that have already undergone the original test are eligible for the award.

Volvo Cars has previously lobbied for Euro NCAP to take account of active safety systems in its overall assessment of car models.

Volvo City Safety was presented in 2008 as standard on the Volvo XC60. At speeds below 30 km/h, this system automatically brakes the car if the driver is distracted and fails to react when the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. Low-speed rear-end impacts account for more than 50 percent of all collisions.