ACS – VOLVO CARS

Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corp (ACS) has signed a contract with the Volvo Car Corporation to produce the new ALCOGUARD – a device that aims to prevent the driver from driving after consuming alcohol by requiring the user to perform a breath test before starting the vehicle’s engine. ACS worked closely with Volvo Cars to manufacture a fully integrated product developed exclusively for Volvo vehicles. Instead of using a generic system, ACS has developed a totally new product that meets specifications required by the automotive industry.

Bill Burger, Technical Director of ACS said “An automaker will incorporate this product into the vehicles it produces as an option after the vehicle has been built.” ACS is the first manufacturer of this type of product to sign such a contract.

The ALCOGUARD uses wireless technology that allows the driver to carry the handset with them when leaving the vehicle. Previously, most alcohol interlocks stay within the vehicle because it’s attached with wires and cables. Despite using a new (wireless) technology, the handset has already proved its efficiency and reliability in several field studies.

To ensure that quality standards are met, Volvo Cars has determined that ACS complies with the standards set by Ford Q1 – company that owns Volvo Cars. ACS is currently in the final phase of the certification process for another automotive standard, TS 16949, which will soon complement ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications that the company already owns.

It is expected to start mass production in early 2008. Customers wishing to purchase the ALCOGUARD device should visit a dealer of Volvo Cars in Sweden.