Mercedes Safety Vehicle 2009 Statement

We at Mercedes take a comprehensive approach to the subject of vehicle safety, namely as an interaction between accident prevention and occupant protection measures. The ESF 2009 experimental safety vehicle demonstrates the various ideas we have in this respect.

The inflatable structure elements are one example. These are relatively flat when not inflated, so as to allow as much scope as possible for the designers. In inflated condition their cross section is enlarged, there by increasing their resistance. This reduces the risk of intrusions in the event of an accident.

We have integrated numerous completely new occupant protection feature in the anterior. These include air bags with a variable volume, that is air bags that adapt themselves according to the size of the occupant or inflatable seat belt elements that inflate like a small air bag immediately after an accident.

We've also improved child protection with our new child safety seat, which has many occupant protection features. The headlamps are another important aspect. In this case, we have developed diode headlamps which have another additional function. In the event of a situation conducive to an accident these diodes are able to target and illuminate potential collision objects very precisely, so as to make the drive aware of them.

Another system incorporated into the ESF 2009, is what we call the virtual protection zone which is indicated by the black stripes on the bonnet. Shortly before an accident, the electronic system are able to decelerate the vehicle. For example, by full emergency braking, thereby reducing the impact energy and acting as a protective zone so to speak. A further totally new system, we're presenting with this vehicle is the braking bag. An air bag system that presses the car's under body paneling on to the road surface and can therefore increase the braking effect when needed. This is undoubtedly a system that looks well into the future, but that is after all what we want to show with the ESF. The purpose of the ESF 2009 is to consolidate many vehicles safety ideas that we have and to further the development of these systems.


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