Many owners usually don’t appreciate other drivers behind their steering. When it is their rock star teen or an overenthusiastic valet or workshop hand, it becomes even more difficult to part with the key fob. However, Volvo Cars has now launched a key designed to keep them at ease while entrusting their vehicle to others.
The new Volvo models belonging to the 90 series – the brand new Volvo S90 saloon, V90 estate and the XC90 SUV – have the new function. With the Red Key driving the car, its top speed drops to 120 kmph, the Adaptive Cruise Control is set to maximize the distance to the car in front, and the maximum volume of the audio system is reduced too. Safety features like BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), Lane Keeping Aid, Forward Collision Warning, Driver Alert Control, Distance Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition are automatically activated, and remain so.
The new Volvo XC90
Mohammed Maktari, Managing Director of Trading Enterprises said, “Volvo’s Red Key gives owners the confidence that their vehicle is being driven responsibly, no matter whose hands it’s in.” The Red Key is available at Trading Enterprises – Volvo service centres in the UAE at a cost of AED 700, for owners of the Volvo 90 series range. More information can be had on 800 8823.
Such technology and automotive self-regulation has been welcomed by parents and children alike in many surveys, and has been adopted by several manufacturers. Ford MyKey has been described by an automotive journalist as “a remote babysitter for children while they are behind the wheel”. The key prevents many safety features from being turned off while Chevrolet’s Teen Driver programme goes further to feature a report card on the in-dash screen on the young driver’s performance. Mercedes-Benz have their own teen driver safety programme while Hyundai’s system alerts parents if teens stay out after a curfew, drive beyond designated boundaries or hit the key fob’s panic button, besides setting speed limit warnings.
New Volvo S90
Parents like it for the peace of mind it affords but what about children? Well, if a few extra restrictions mean they can have the car more often, well it’s worth the barter I guess!
