Ford to Put Air Bags Into Seat Belts
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Posted: 7:16 AM Nov 5, 2009
Ford to Put Air Bags Into Seat Belts
Ford will be the first automaker to mass produce the technology.
Reporter: Associated Press
width:180 and height: 275 and picwidth: 157 and pciheight: 239
**FILE** In this April 13, 2008 file photo, the company logo hangs over the tails of unsold 2008 Taurus sedans at a Ford dealership in the southeast Denver suburb of Centennial, Colo. Ford Motor Co. says Thursday, May 22, 2008, it is cutting North American production for the rest of the year as high gas prices and the weak economy depress its sales. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, file)
Font Size:

DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says it plans to introduce seat belt-mounted air bags and will be the first automaker to mass produce the technology.
The new seat belts will debut in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which will hit the market next fall.
The belts have a cylindrical air bag that stretches from the buckle to the shoulder and fits inside a pocket sewn into the belt.
Ford says they inflate more gently than a front air bag, and with cooler air, so it's safer for children.
Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president for sustainability, said the Explorer was chosen for the new seat belts because it's popular with families and has also been a platform for other safety introductions.
Ford has been working on the technology for a decade.
More Stories
Current Weather Conditions
WILX Most Discussed