March 5, 2026

Volvo Celebrates 70 Years Of The Seatbelt

By Rob Harvey

Volvo is celebrating 70 years of the seatbelt, with the debut of a new world-first technology in its latest electric SUV, the EX60.

Volvo has been associated with car safety for a long time. Back in the 1950s, the company helped shape the modern seatbelt design that is still used across the automotive industry today.

A Safety Innovation That Changed the Industry

Volvo was one of the first manufacturers to introduce seatbelts to the European market. In 1956, its Amazon prototype featured a two-point cross-chest diagonal belt. Soon after, the system became available as an option on production models.

Three years later, Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt as standard equipment. Designed by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, the system combined a lap belt with a diagonal belt anchored beside the seat, creating a secure and practical restraint system that could be easily used by occupants.

The design proved so effective that it became the global standard. Rather than keeping the technology exclusive, Volvo made the patent available free of charge to other manufacturers. This decision allowed the three-point belt to spread rapidly across the automotive industry and played a huge role in making seatbelt use a legal requirement in many countries.

As a result, Volvo has helped save millions of lives worldwide.

Multi-Adaptive Seatbelts

Seventy years on from its early seatbelt developments, Volvo is continuing to evolve its safety technology with the introduction of the world’s first multi-adaptive safety belt in the new EX60.

The system uses real-time data from both interior and exterior sensors to tailor protection for each occupant and the specific crash scenario. Factors such as the passenger’s height, weight, seating position, and the type of collision are analysed instantly to determine the most appropriate level of belt load.

For example, a larger occupant involved in a severe crash may receive a higher belt load setting to reduce the risk of head injury. However, a smaller occupant in a less severe collision could receive a lower belt load setting to minimise the chance of rib fractures.

The system is also designed to improve over time. As Volvo gathers more data and insights, the car can refine how it responds to different crash situations. Thanks to over-the-air software updates, these improvements can be delivered directly to vehicles, allowing the technology to evolve throughout the car’s lifetime.

“Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety evolution and innovation, and we’re pleased that we can continue to make new developments on such vital features like the seatbelt. The latest multi-adaptive seatbelt in the new EX60 is a testament to our pioneering technology and approach to safety that is continued today.”
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK