Vattenfall, short for Kungliga Vattenfallstyrelsen (the Swedish State Power Board), is a pioneer of the automotive seat belt. Two of its engineers took advantage of American research findings and completed comprehensive practical tests that resulted in the construction of the most widely used seat belt in Europe during the late 1950s and 1960s. The diagonal belt, which later became standard, was united with a lap belt as well to form the so-called 3-point belt. Construction of this type is included in Vattenfall's research and developmental work. In 1959, when a more goal-oriented development of the the 2-point belt into a 3-point belt was begun, it was decided that the comprehensive work completed was sufficient and that the belts satisfied safety requirements. Therefore, Vattenfall felt ready to terminate the project and allow the industry to assume its continuation. Vattenfall's reason for development of the seat belt was one of occupational safety. (A) A Swedish version is also available (Bilbaeltet).
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