Volvo Cars Develops Alcoguard
September 4, 2007 by George Skentzos
With a third of accidents in Europe being alcohol related, it was obvious to Volvo an integrated system had to be developed to prevent those under the influence from driving.
Available as an option on the Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 from the start of 2008 followed by the S40, V50, C30 and C70 by July, Alcoguard will help driver’s in making the right decision when it comes to mixing alcohol with driving.
The results of the breathalyser test are shown via three LEDs in the hand-held unit:
- Green: 0.00 – 0.01 percent, the car’s engine starts
- Yellow: 0.01 – 0.02 percent, the car will start, but the driver should not drive
- Red: more than 0.02 percent, the car’s engine will not start
The system can also be bypassed for emergencies, however this must be set by a Volvo workshop selecting either allowing a single bypass or infinite bypasses.
Sales of about 2000 units are expected a year, with sales increasing as the technology is released throughout specific global markets.
The company-car sector, taxi operators, state authorities and municipalities will probably be the foremost customer groups, although the enhanced user-friendliness means that private car owners will also be potential customers.
Print it: 
I dont need this to inform me of my sobriety. I actually engage my brain and don’t drink ANY alcohol when I intend driving my car. Unfortunately there are some idiots who think it is OK to have a few drinks and then drive. Well it is not OK, it is downright irresponsible and CRIMINAL.
Amen to that Spitfire,
somehow i really doubt the average day to day Volvo driver will need this technology, it should be in the more mainstream cars,
What’s to stop someone getting their passenger, child, vagrant passer-by, pet labrador etc. from blowing into the unit if they really wanted to drive drunk.
^^^^^^^^Smart thinking Foggy!