Continuous further development in all safety areas is necessary to meet the steadily increasing requirements of consumer protection and legislation in various countries. This often leads to new, progressive and pioneering techniques. A good example of this process at AUDI AG is the Ringairbag system first introduced in the new Audi A8. The objectives of vehicle safety, particularly taking into account American safety standards, and styling requirements have led to a new solution in the area of airbag steering wheels. The low risk requirements of the new FMVSS 208 as well as the necessary freedom for a sophisticated styling have been achieved by the introduction of a fixed airbag module centre together with a Ringairbag. By means of this and other solutions, highly developed occupant restraint systems have been created in the new Audi A8 marking the high standard one expects from a premium vehicle of this class. For the covering abstract see ITRD E126782.
Abstract