Hyundai is Making Airbags for Panoramic Sunroofs
The Korean giant is one of the first to develop airbags geared toward head injuries.
Panoramic sunroofs are notoriously dangerous. In the past six years, Hyundai recalled its Veloster models for shattering glass, Audi recalled its Q5s for leaking water, and numerous Ford models were recalled due to faulty sunroofs.
While some companies resolved the issue by eliminating the technology, Hyundai created a special airbag in attempt to make it safer.
The airbag, made of special tempered glass, is located inside the sunroof and will open at the speed of .08 seconds when the vehicle is in danger. For example, the sensor can detect if the car is rolling over and the airbag will inflate.
Hyundai hopes its innovation will help prevent head injuries whether the sunroof is open or closed. If the sunroof is open and the car rolls over, the airbag will protect the passenger from hitting his or her head and/or falling out of the vehicle. If the sunroof is closed, the airbag will provide a cushion between the glass and the passenger.
Hyundai, which has been producing airbags for the past 15 years, tested the sunroof airbag with heat and vibration resistance tests. The Korean auto giant is the first company to mass-produce airbags for a panoramic sunroof.
Though car companies—Hyundai included—have incurred lawsuits with panoramic sunroofs, the technology is set to remain a popular feature in cars. Companies currently invest about $4 billion in sunroofs, and the amount is expected to hit $11.4 billion by 2024. Sunroofs have become popular because people want safe cars with luxurious additions.
“Consumers are increasingly demanding luxury cars with built-in sunroof features thanks to increasing disposable incomes and exposure to an increasing number of automotive companies,” stated a Transparency Market Research analyst in a recent report.
