GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – This month’s International Geneva Motor Show saw the debut of the 2013 model-year Volvo V40 – a vehicle that features airbag technology designed to protect pedestrians as well as occupants. Though Volvo doesn’t intend to sell the model in the U.S., the five-door hatchback’s pedestrian airbag represents a milestone in automotive safety technology.

The pedestrian airbag lifts the hood when inflating, softening up the hood and cushioning parts of the A-pillars and windshield area.

"Just as the groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, which is also available in the all-new V40, the Pedestrian Airbag Technology is world-first and it confirms our safety leadership," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp.

Volvo has also further developed the City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system, and it now operates at speeds up to 31 miles per hour. The V40 can also be equipped with Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering and Park Assist Pilot, which makes parallel parking easy.

Production of the Volvo V40 begins in May at the automakers plant in Ghent, Belgium.

The Volvo V40 introduces safety innovations -- but won't be shipped to U.S.

The Volvo V40 introduces safety innovations -- but won't be shipped to U.S.

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