Further development in airbag technology will see a reduction in head collisions and injuries to front-seat occupants.

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has revealed a centre airbag which will help protect the driver and front passenger in a crash. The new feature will roll out in future models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

Using patented technology, the airbag weighs 500g less than normally expected and is situated in the driver’s seat. It is programmed to deploy when there is an impact with both a driver and a passenger in the car or in certain situations such as a side impact when there is only a driver up front.

Hyundai says it expects the centre airbag will reduce head injuries caused from collision of front passengers by 80 per cent, and it will further protect from a secondary head collision. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association claims secondary injuries occur in around 45 per cent of accidents.

New developments in components required to maintain the airbags integrity allow HMG to design the airbag around different seats and positions, and will bolster safety ratings for new cars in future NCAP and ANCAP testing, which will take side impact into consideration from the beginning of 2020.

“The development of center side airbag goes beyond adding an additional airbag,” said Hyock In Kwon, research engineer from Crash Safety System Engineering Design Team of Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue striving to further improve passenger safety by being ready for all kinds of accidents”.

Source: Hyundai Motor Group