When the 2013 model year Lambda full size crossovers hit the market later next year, they will be carrying with them something truly special. Inside the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia will be the automotive industry’s first front center air bag. Deploying from the right side of the driver’s seat, the air bag erupts in the center console and is designed to help protect front occupants from far-side impact crashes.
Putting the passenger on the opposite end of the crash point first, the all-new feature will be standard on all Enclaves and available on Traverses and Acadias with power seats. GM looked at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports to determine that far-side impacts accounted for 11 percent of front occupant fatalities from 2004 through 2009. The center air bag should also protect in side impacts, offering just an extra level of support inside the cabin.
“The front center air bag is not required by federal regulation, and no other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers the type of restraint and cushioning this air bag is designed to provide for front occupants,” said Scott Thomas, senior staff engineer in GM’s advanced restraint systems.
Source: General Motors
