Calling it the Beltbag, Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to introduce inflatable rear seatbelt airbags on a luxury-class model, likely the next generation S Class sedan.
The gas generator in the belt airbags would be triggered during severe frontal collisions only, which will then inflate the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width.The Beltbag is able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain placed on the ribcage.
"Mercedes-Benz is pursuing its safety initiative in the rear of vehicles with the Beltbag," comments Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rodolfo Sch