- Four new Connected Safety alerts cover animals, road users, roadworks and crashes ahead.
- Alerts combine real-time information from connected Volvo cars and traffic centres.
- Initial availability covers Europe and North America, with timing varying across models.
An early warning beyond the windscreen
Volvo is expanding its Connected Safety system with four alerts designed to tell drivers what is happening beyond their immediate view.
The new Large Animal Alert, Vulnerable Road User Alert, Roadwork Alert and Accident Ahead Alert are coming to the EX60, EX90 and ES90. Rather than relying only on what a car's onboard sensors can see, the system uses real-time information shared by other connected Volvo cars or traffic management centres.
That means a warning about a crash, roadworks, an animal or a vulnerable road user can arrive before the hazard is visible through the windscreen. It could give the driver more time to slow down and prepare, particularly where a bend, hill or other traffic blocks the view ahead.
Six connected alerts in total
The four additions join Volvo's existing Slippery Road Alert and Hazard Light Alert. More than one million Volvo cars already have Connected Safety activated, giving the system a substantial pool of vehicles able to share information.
Volvo can also exchange safety data through Europe's Data for Road Safety ecosystem. This extends the flow of useful warnings beyond the company's own connected fleet, drawing on a broader network of road information where supported.
“Every time a Volvo car shares safety intelligence, it helps other drivers prepare earlier to avoid accidents and feel safer,” said Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre.
Rollout depends on market and model
Volvo says the expanded alerts will be available in Europe, the United States and Canada, with timing varying by model. The announcement does not detail New Zealand availability.
The EX90 and ES90 are also due to gain Spatial Audio support in Apple CarPlay when fitted with the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system. That software update is separate from the Connected Safety expansion, but it reflects Volvo's wider effort to add features to its newer cars after delivery.
