1971 Volkswagen ESVW I

The Volkswagen Group gave its full attention to the topic of vehicle safety quite early. Permit me to cite a few examples to review the impressive progress that has been made overall in the area of ESV vehicles in just one good decade. As the first autamobile manufacturer in Europe although we were quickly followed by other manufacturers-Volkswagen was willing to participate in the ESV program initiated by the United States Department of Transportation in 1968. The ESVW I was introduced in Washington in 1972. The ESVW II was presented in London in 1974. This vehicle was developed on the basis of our own, more realistic product plan.

Like the ESVW I, the ESVW II was not suitable for production. Of course, the knowledge gained already makes possible thc production related change-over of individual safety factors, such as for example the introduction of the passive safety belt system.

source: Eighth International Technical conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (1980)