Why Volvo Is Losing Its Big Lead In Safety

The name Volvo has been synonymous with car safety for decades. The brand has often been the first to introduce key safety features that are now common across the car industry. Safety, though, has become a bigger priority for consumers and automakers alike, and that's causing trouble for Volvo. Automotive technology has improved, regulations have tightened, and other brands are catching up. That's making it harder and harder for Volvo to keep its lead in car safety.

For instance, the Volvo XC40 comes with safety features like automatic emergency breaking, oncoming lane collision mitigation, lane keeping aid, and driver fatigue monitoring. Add-ons include a pilot assist semi-autonomous driving system, 360-degree parking camera, and blind-spot monitoring. Many other luxury subcompact SUVs like the Jaguar E-Pace and BMW X1 come with similar standard safety features.

About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more.

Connect with CNBC News Online

#CNBC

Why Volvo Is Losing Its Big Lead In Safety

[gocarlogo]

Good guy Volvo invented the 3-point seatbelt and intentionally didn’t patent it so that every car maker can have a 3point seatbelt. Thanks Volvo.

[julius]

The fact that Volvo was/is still willing to share information about their research in safety is enough reason to buy a Volvo.

[tarnished]

So Volvo shared their own data to reduce gaps in safety for other car manufacturers

Shouldn't the title reflect this??

[rwolfson]

Volvo also supports their owners. When my S60 developed excessive oil use at 83, 000 miles, Volvo HQ approved a $4, 000 piston job at no cost to me. I love my Volvo, my dealership, the technicians and the car. I'm 60 years old, owned cars from Mercedes to Genesis and all American brands. Volvo for life.

[aksahdev]

Volvo is really still the leader. They have shared so much information to others in their research in safety, like how Tesla pioneered the EV market, Volvo pioneered the Safety market. Their safety is amazing, and I am lucky to be able to experience it. Others are catching up, but really, Volvo is still leading it. Deny it all you like, but you know they are the top of the safety chart.

[PedroDuarteMusic]

It's not loosing, it's inspiring other brands to better them selves. It's not a competition, it's a mission.

[Emilthehun]

Volvo isn't losing anything. Simply the rest are just catching up.

[isaacjamestea]

That was the most misleading title yet. What the hell?

[MichaelReeves]

Well this video didn’t age well.

1 year later:

First Brand in history to ever have EVERY vehicle in it’s current lineup be THE Top IIHS Top Safety Pick+

2021 Volvo XC90 now has the record for most Top Safety Pick Awards in a single model year in the history of automobiles

Volvo is sharing it’s own data with other brands to help reduce accidents/fatalities and this video title tries desperately to bring it clicks hinting at Volvo losing what it’s known for. They did the same thing when they invented the 3-point seatbelt, gave the patent away to all manufacturers for free, this isn’t new for the brand. Journalism has been reduced to petty marketing and clickbait.

[jyothindev]

2019 best misleading title award goes to CNBC.!!

[alexheckman]

Better yet “why other companies are finally matching Volvo’s excellent safety standards they should have implemented years ago”

[charleshu]

When you are 99% it's hard to increase that 1%

[finalruner]

I’ll be honest, safety is important but their new cars just looks beautiful

[ynnck]

Are we just going to ignore the fact, that every model from the Volvo Lineup looks absolutely stunning?

[Conceptcreator]

Simple, when you are the safest, growing closer is easier.

[nomustacheguy]

Erm, I've worked with Volvo. This video is utter bollocks! They still design their cars with safety as number one priority and not gimmicks like other manufacturers.

[Xg]

True Story : My Neighbors Volvo XC90 saved his life.
He was on the Highway and suddenly someone drove in the back of his car.
Volvos Auto-Brake system prevented his Car to be pushed into the Truck in front of him.
Without the System he wouldve been crushed between the other car and the Truck.

[arentdewit]

"If you find something that can save lives, you should give it out for free" 8:40. Say that to big pharma lol

[logic]

If it wasn't for Volvo, safety wouldn't have been such a prio in the culture of cars to this day.
We should all be grateful for the selfless company!

[josephv]

I’m 37 years old and drive a Volvo sedan. I wanted safety, , comfort, European luxury, but not flashy. I feel confident, humble and refined when driving my car.