Volvo to Restrict Speed of Future Cars to 180 kph

Starting next year, Volvo Car Corp. says it will limit the top speed on all its new vehicles sold worldwide to 180 kph (112 mph).

The speed restrictions will be implemented in the second quarter of 2020 on 2021-model Volvo cars and crossover vehicles. The modification won’t apply to Volvo’s Polestar performance division and other brands owned by parent Geely Automobile Co., including Lynk & Co.

Consumers won’t be able to turn off the speed regulators in affected models. The top speed of current Volvo vehicles ranges from about 120 mph to 155 mph.

Citing data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo says that 25% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. in 2017 were caused by speeding. The company says that people tend to drive too fast for traffic conditions and their own abilities to control a vehicle at high speeds.

The initiative is part of Volvo’s goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The carmaker also is targeting ways to minimize drunk and distracted driving.