Burscheid, Germany -- Current Euro-NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) tests reinforce the high protection afforded by active riACT head restraints from Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, according to a recent company statement. The company makes a wide range of automotive interior components and system, including seats and headrests.
Independent consumer protection organisation Euro-NCAP awarded the Hyundai ix35 the highest rating of "good" for the protection it provides from the type of whiplash injuries to the head that can occur during rear impacts. Overall the SUV was awarded the highest recognition of five stars. Johnson Controls, as the complete system supplier for the front seats of the Hyundai ix35, also delivers the active head restraints to the assembly lines.
"The good rating of our head restraints in the Hyundai ix35 is further confirmation of the effectiveness of our engineered riACT technology" commented Johannes Roters, vice president and general manager seating components at Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, in an 11 Nov company announcement. "To date, every vehicle fitted with our riACT head restraints that has been tested by the Euro NCAP organisation has received the highest rating of "good" for whiplash protection.
It is important to prevent whiplash movements following rear impacts, because such movement can cause cervical spinal injuries and lead to whiplash trauma or cervical spine syndrome. Head restraint provides the best protection when located directly behind the head on impact, but many car drivers adjust their head restraints to leave several cm gap between the head and the restraint.
Not only does the riACT technology enable this adjustment, but also provides a unique combination of comfort and safety, by using a telescope mechanism to bring the padding of the head restraint from comfort to protect position in just 50 milliseconds.
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