Volvo's infatuation for passenger safety is legendary and the latest testimony to this is a redesigned XC90 SUV that now includes a dedicated baby seat.
The idea is radical in that it involves stripping off the entire front passenger seat of the SUV and placing a newly designed baby seat in its stead. The seat is placed atop a raised pedestal and swivels around to allow for better handling of the baby. This way, getting the baby in and out of the car will be a breeze.
Swivelling action also allows the baby to be placed rear wards when in motion, a position recommended for kids below 4 to take into account the disproportionate size and weight of their head with respect to the rest of the body and the lack of enough muscle mass in the neck, Wired reported.
The seat can also be swayed to allow for a seating or sleeping position, depending on the baby's requirement.
The other unique aspect of the seat is that it includes a dedicated storage area under the seat to store items such as diapers and such baby stuff.
The specially customized XC90 SUV was recently showcased in Shanghai but is still in concept stages. Some argue the design might still face legal hurdles in some states in the United States where it is mandatory for kids to travel only in the rear seat, USA Today reported.
Other safety programs being tested for inclusion in future Volvo cars include special seats having booster cushions for kids. The Swedish car maker stated it plans to introduce autonomous driving cars by 2017 and is working towards total elimination of fatalities from car crashes by 2020.