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Hyundai Motor Group has developed a new centre side airbag which is set to be rolled out in upcoming models.

 

The airbag is designed to create a separate space between the driver and passenger which should prevent head injuries of front-row occupants, as much as an 80 per cent reduction is expected. Even if there is no front-seat passenger the airbag will protect the driver from side collision on the right side of the vehicle.

 

The centre side airbag is fitted inside the seat of the driver and is activated when an impact is sensed.

 

A key consideration in the design of the airbag was to ensure reliability but also to reduce the weight and size of the airbag. To achieve this the airbag has an internal component called tether which allows the airbag to maintain its form and resist the weight of a passenger.

 

Hyundai has simplified the design and reduced the weight of the components of the airbag, which is about 500g lighter than the competing products, allowing the airbag to be concealed within future seat designs.

 

It’s a timely development from Hyundai, Euro NCAP testing is expected to include side-impact into its safety testing procedures from next year.