Autoliv Introduces New Seatbelt System

 (Stockholm, May 7, 2012) --- In order to further enhance vehicle occupant
safety, Autoliv Inc. (NYSE: ALV and SSE: ALIV) – the worldwide leader in
automotive safety systems – has developed a new seatbelt concept that
supplements the regular 3-point seatbelt with a 2-point belt (see illustration)
so both shoulders of the vehicle occupant are strapped in.

The seatbelt is currently being lauched on Renault’s new electrical vehicle
Twizy.
Existing 3-point seatbelt systems are very efficient in most crashes and for
most occupants. They typically reduce the risk for serious head injuries in head
-on frontal crashes by 45-75% but are less effective for other crash types, such
as side impact or roll-over accidents.

By adding a 2-point shoulder belt, the crash load on the occupant can be
distributed over a wider area. This reduces the rib-strain by half which is
especially important for elderly people as the chest of a 60 year old human can
only withstand half as much load as the chest of a 20 year old individual.

Additionally, with the added 2-point seatbelt the occupant will be protected in
all directions. This is important if the vehicle rotates, which is possible in
oblique crashes and in crashes with a small overlap between the front-ends of
the colliding vehicles, particularly in crashes involving a small car. Having
dual seatbelts also reduces the risk of the occupant’s head hitting the inside
of the roof in roll-over accidents.

Furthermore, the new seatbelt system offers enhanced safety in side-impact
collisions, since not only one shoulder of the occupant but both shoulders are
strapped in by a seatbelt. This prevents an occupant from being thrown or
sliding out of the “open side” of a 3-point seatbelt, when the vehicle is hit on
the side where the occupant is not sitting. In those so-called far-side
collisions, the occupant is hurled into the vehicle (due to the inertia force)
and could hit hard objects, including the head of another passenger. In such far
-side collisions, tests indicate that Autoliv’s new supplementary vertical
seatbelt over the occupant’s inner shoulder will reduce the risk for severe
injuries and fatalities by approximately 30%.

While other 4-point belt solutions exist, most of these seatbelts (such as 4
-point harness belts) require both hands for buckling up. Studies have shown
that the inconvenience of such designs reduces seatbelt usage and, as a result,
the potential benefits of the 4-point belt system are lost. In contrast,
Autoliv’s new belt is very easy to use. The occupant just slips an arm under the
new vertical shoulder belt (just as you slip under a strap of a backpack) and
then buckles up the regular 3-point seatbelt as usual.

Inquiries:
Ola Boström, Associate Professor, Director Integrated Safety, Autoliv Research
Tel +46-733614342

[image][image]

The Renault Twizy with Autoliv’s new 2+3 point seatbelt concept. The regular 3
-point belt on the Twizy’s left side is supplemented with a 2-point belt over
the driver’s right shoulder.

About the Renault Twizy
The Renault Twizy is an innovative electrical-powered two-seater that is
comfortable and fun to drive, yet daring, open and revitalising. Designed from
the wheels up as an "ultramobile", this cheeky newcomer offers urban mobility,
especially in large cities with congestion problems.
About Autoliv
Autoliv Inc., the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, develops and
manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in
the world. Together with its joint ventures, Autoliv has more than 80 facilities
with nearly 50,000 employees in 29 countries. In addition, the Company has ten
technical centers in nine countries around the world, with 21 test tracks, more
than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2011 grew by 15% to US $8.2
billion. The Company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:
ALV) and its Swedish Depository Receipts on the OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm
(ALIV sdb). For more information about Autoliv, please visit our company website
at www.autoliv.com.

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