Safety and Comfort - Factors in Volvo Occupant Compartment Packaging

How and why Volvo arrived at the current Volvo-240 size is reported. Volvo's primary concern in the car-size debate has been related to the occupant, to his requirements for safe and comfortable transportation and to his human limitations. The basic philosophy of occupant packaging related to safety is given. Certain crashworthiness criteria in terms of vehicle deformation characteristics and Minimum Restraint Space are discussed. Comfort packaging criteria, particularly in view of seating and driver's work space are dealt with and so is the question of measuring seating comfort objectively. Summary findings from studies for confirming the validity of criteria presented are included.