Volvo Car Malaysia brings safety into focus with Selamat Driving Experience at SIC

Volvo’s commitment to safety took centre stage last weekend as Volvo Car Malaysia brought its Selamat Driving Experience to the newly opened Sepang International Circuit Drive Experience Centre. Held as part of the brand’s broader Selamat campaign, the two-day programme saw over 240 participants immerse themselves in a hands-on exploration of road safety, driver awareness, and the real-world technologies designed to save lives.

Rather than being just another showcase of driver aids and electronics, the event was designed to provoke reflection. Upon arrival, participants were confronted by a wrecked Volvo XC90 displayed prominently with its side structure exposed.

Deployed airbags and the SUV’s intact boron steel safety cage painted a sobering picture of how modern engineering can mean the difference between life and death in a serious collision.

Volvo also introduced attendees to the Selamat Calculator, an interactive digital assessment created together with Mr Money TV. The tool generates a personalised safety risk profile while estimating the emotional and financial consequences tied to the loss of a loved one. More than just numbers, the experience aimed to highlight the often-overlooked impact of unsafe driving habits.

Patricia Yaw, Sales and Marketing Director of Volvo Cars Malaysia, shared during her opening remarks that the company hopes participants would leave the experience with a deeper appreciation for safety and responsibility behind the wheel. Meanwhile, Mr Money TV CEO and co-founder Peter Yong emphasised that financial literacy is not merely about wealth management, but also about recognising the value of one’s life.

Out on 'track', certified driving instructors guided participants through a series of emergency driving simulations designed to test both reflexes and composure under pressure. Drivers experienced sudden loss-of-traction scenarios through a kick plate test, allowing them to feel Volvo’s electronic stability systems working in real time. For comparison, instructors tackled the same obstacle in a classic Volvo 240 SE without ABS, dramatically illustrating how far vehicle safety technology has evolved.

Participants also practised sudden lane changes and “brake, swerve, avoid” exercises aimed at preventing head-on collisions, all within the controlled environment of the circuit.

Beyond the driving activities, attendees explored Volvo’s rich safety heritage, from the invention of the three-point seatbelt to the brand’s latest active safety systems.

Official tyre partner Pirelli also conducted a session highlighting its ELECT tyre range developed specifically for EVs, focusing on quieter operation, improved grip, and greater energy efficiency. Volvo’s electrified models, including the Volvo EC40, Volvo XC60, and Volvo ES90, currently utilise the latest Pirelli tyre technology.