Volvo is most innovative automaker in new survey

MANILA: Volvo is the most technologically innovative company according to the JD Power 2020 US Tech Experience Index Study conducted between February and May of this year.

The Swedish automaker had the highest score, 617 out of 1,000, in the survey that looked at the level of advanced technologies participating automakers offered across their entire product lineups. 

It was safety technologies that set Volvo apart and these included Oncoming Lane Mitigation (known as Automatic Emergency Steering in the study) Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake (Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking), and Pilot Assist (Active Driving Assistance), all of which align with the Volvo’s empahsis on safety.

“At Volvo we believe in applying technology with purpose, not just for the sake of it. We have always been about safety. The innovation in our new cars adds to that and the JD Power Tech Experience Index clearly shows how much our customers appreciate it,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Americas and President and CEO, Volvo Car USA.

Other technologies Volvo offers, but are not included in the study are 360-view cameras and sensors and Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Run Off Road Mitigation.

"The race never ends to develop ‘must have’ vehicle technologies. New technology continues to be a primary factor in the vehicle purchase decision. However, it’s critical for automakers to offer features that owners find intuitive and reliable. The user experience plays a major role in whether an owner will use the technology on a regular basis or abandon it and feel like they wasted their money,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction and human machine interface research at JD Power.

The study is based on responses from 82,527 owners of new 2020 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

Photo from Volvo

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