Hyundai Motor Group has developed a new centre side airbag, further enhancing the safety of its vehicles. The airbag works to separate the space between driver and passenger. The Group will roll out the technology in upcoming vehicles.  

The new, additional airbag expands into the space between driver and passenger seats to prevent head injuries of passengers in the front row.

If there is no one in the front passenger seat, the airbag will protect the driver from a side collision coming from the right side. The centre side airbag is installed inside the driver's seat and will deploy once the impact is sensed. 

The new centre side airbag is expected to diminish head injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other by 80%. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association's statistics, the rate of secondary damage caused by these kinds of collisions or from hitting interior materials is about 45%.

The upcoming Euro NCAP is expected to include side impact into its consideration beginning from year 2020, and Hyundai Motor Group's airbag is expected to work favorably in such evaluations. 

The new centre side airbag builds on the Group's already stellar safety reputation. Hyundai vehicles have been awarded Five-Star Overall Safety Ratings by the NHTSA, as well as 12 Top Safety Pick+ awards by the IIHS. Those vehicles include the Hyundai Kona, Santa Fe, Tucson and NEXO.