Hyundai introduces centre side airbag to reduce head collision injuries



Located at the side of the driver’s seat, Hyundai’s new centre side airbag is designed to separate the space between the driver and front passenger

The centre side airbag expects to reduce head collision between the driver and front passenger by up to 80%, particularly upon collision on the side of the vehicle.

According to statistics by the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association, the rate of secondary damage caused by these kinds of collisions or from hitting interior materials is about 45%.

In designing the new airbag, Hyundai Motor Group made use of a recently patented technology to simplify the structure of the tether where an internal component maintains the form and integrity of the airbag. This resulted in a new airbag that is 500g lighter than competing products. 

With side impact being one of the key considerations of the Euro NCAP starting from 2020, we can expect that the new centre side airbag by Hyundai to work favourably in these evaluations. 

Hyundai is looking to roll out the new technology in upcoming vehicles. Meanwhile, Honda have also recently introduced a new front airbag that “cups your face” reducing side and rotational injury of the neck and head, and is expected to be implemented in Honda vehicles in the United States by 2020.