Volvo has achieved top scores in the latest 2006 model year new car whiplash ratings by the UK’s Motor Insurance Repair Research Center in Thatcham, which conducted the tests on behalf of the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group (IIWPG). In fact, Volvo was one of only two manufacturers to achieve top “Good” scores for every model tested, thanks to its supportive seats which have a fixed head restraint position to ensure they are always in the correct position to offer the best support, and the Volvo Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) that moves the entire backrest to absorb the impact during a rear-end collision to help reduce the forces on the neck. Thatcham tested seats from 182 new cars and scored them in three categories - geometric, dynamic and overall. Ratings range from a top score of “G” (for “good” protection), to “A” (acceptable), “M” (marginal), to “P” (poor) and “R” (manufacturer refused to submit seats). According to the Thatcham tests, all Volvo seats were awarded the top “G” score in all three categories.
