Now Volvo Cars is speeding to 180

Volvo Cars caused some rebellion when news of the speed limit was released last year. But from now on, the speed latch will sit in all new Volvo cars.

At the Luqiao factory south of Shanghai, the change has already made an impact. And in two weeks the first cars with limited top speed will roll out from the factory in Torslanda.

When the 180 limit was announced last year, the purpose was, among other things, to start a discussion about car manufacturers' responsibility to avoid, for example, speeding and steering wheel sobriety.

- It is always possible to discuss whether it should be 180 or 200 or 170 or 160. But 180 is a big step from where we come from. From 220 or 250, for where somewhere the cars were depending on the market and driveline, says Malin Ekholm.

At the same time as the speed limit, a "smart" car key is introduced, which allows the top speed to be further restricted if, for example, you want to lend the car to a more inexperienced driver.

Many new security experts have welcomed the new developments. But in combination with an upcoming camera solution, which should help drivers who are showing fatigue symptoms or are unconcentrated for other reasons, they have also brought some criticism.

- We have received a lot of positive, many people feel that finally someone is doing something. But of course there is also a feeling that "you are hindering me", says Malin Ekholm.

- But if we have the opportunity to take a first step to show that we are serious, then we want to take that responsibility even if it means getting some difficult questions.

The question is also how controversial the speed bar really is.

According to Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, a professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen, speed restrictions are not even an issue in Germany as before.

- After the next federal election, I would think, at least, this is falling freely on the Autobahn, he tells TT.

- It's just a matter of time, since a majority of the population doesn't really like it.

Rather, Volvo Cars is only slightly ahead of its change, he believes.

- I think it is good in time, what Volvo does. We are moving towards a more responsible management of individual mobility. It fits very well with Volvo, says Ferdinand Dudenhöffer.

- Besides, 180 is a sensible thing, which is why I don't think it will be a problem in Germany either.