Toyota’s British arm said on Tuesday that the firm’s decision to install WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) seats in its entire model line has paid off in a German test.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The German autoclub ADAC recently tested the seats of several city cars in terms of the protection they offer in the event of a rear crash and, in spite of competing against more recent models, the Toyota Yaris registered the best performance.
Although whiplash injury protection is not regulated by European standards or safety organisations, injuries caused by rear impacts can prove serious.
According to Toyota, the main danger suffered during these kinds of accidents is the ‘whiplash’ effect. When a car is hit from behind, the occupants’ heads will tend to roll backwards, which exerts an enormous stress on the neck. In extreme situations this may even result in a fatal injury to the passenger. Even a 6mph (10km/h) rear impact can sometimes bring permanent neck injuries to occupants, which is not only painful but also expensive to treat.
The 2003 ADAC crash tests heighten awareness of this important area of passive safety which, Toyota (GB) said, has been comparatively overlooked in the past.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataADAC tested 10 different city cars in order to judge how well some of the most affordable cars in the market comply in terms of whiplash protection.
The performance of the 10 contenders’ seats was judged in two different areas. First, the seat must be able to provide adequate protection against whiplash-effect injuries; second, it must have a rigid structure in order to provide stable support for the passenger’s body. Final results showed the Yaris’ seats were equal top with a Smart model. Other contenders included the Renault Clio, Mini and Nissan Micra.
Toyota said it first fitted WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) seats in the 1997 Prius hybrid – the WIL concept reduces the risk of whiplash injuries in the sequence of a rear impact.
The seats are equipped with a special seatback structure that works in tandem with the headrest to provide the passenger’s body with the right posture.
In the event of a rear crash, the seat will allow the lower part of the body to be pulled back. At the same time the seatback and the headrest will be closer to the upper torso, neck and head, providing full support and preventing the head’s natural rotation.
The simplicity of this system makes it possible to install it throughout the passenger car range as standard equipment with low impact in terms of cost, Toyota said.
