Emergency dispatch team detects airbag deployment signal, contacts fire department

Automatic crash notification system connects call center when airbag deploys

The Renault Grand Koleos Esprit Alpine Limited White Edition 'Étoile' [Renault Korea]
The Renault Grand Koleos Esprit Alpine Limited White Edition 'Étoile' [Renault Korea]

A driver was rescued after his Renault Korea Grand Koleos plunged into a reservoir in Cheongsong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, when the vehicle's airbag deployment triggered an automatic emergency alert that brought firefighters to the scene.

According to the automotive industry and the North Gyeongsang Province fire department, a report came in Friday at around 12:18 p.m. that a vehicle had gone into a reservoir in Geumgok-ri, Cheongsong-eup, Cheongsong-gun. Renault Korea's emergency dispatch team made the alert after detecting a signal indicating that a customer's airbag had deployed and contacting fire authorities.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and rescued a man in his 60s from inside the vehicle at around 12:37 p.m. — 19 minutes after the initial report. They then used water rescue equipment to check for additional casualties.

The Grand Koleos is equipped with an automatic crash notification (ACN) system. When the airbag deploys, the vehicle automatically connects to Renault Korea's connectivity call center, which checks on the driver's condition and the circumstances of the accident. If necessary, the center files an emergency report with authorities and dispatches roadside assistance. The call center can also use the signal to confirm the airbag's deployment status and the vehicle's location.

The Grand Koleos is a midsize SUV that swept three "SUV of the Year" awards last year. It features a 2,820-millimeter wheelbase — the largest in its class — providing a spacious interior. The hybrid E-Tech model can run on its electric motor for up to 75 percent of city driving, with fuel efficiency of 15.7 kilometers per liter on the Techno trim with 19-inch wheels. The gasoline 2.0 turbo model achieves 11.1 kilometers per liter in two-wheel-drive configuration and has received a Level 3 low-emission vehicle certification.

Meanwhile, Renault Korea opened a new flagship showroom, Renault Dongrae, in Dongnae-gu, Busan, on Oct. 1. Located at 51 Myeongnyun-ro in Dongnae-gu, it is the company's second flagship showroom after Renault Seongsu. At the opening ceremony, Renault Korea also officially announced for the first time its plan to launch a "Busan New Tech Center" in 2027. The facility aims to relocate some functions — including development certification and safety testing — from the company's research and development hub in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to Busan, strengthening ties with the production process.

The company plans to invest about 70 billion won ($52.1 million) upfront to equip the center with 17 key facilities by the first half of 2027, including a crash test track, simulated emergency dispatch testing equipment and a multipurpose environmental test chamber.


eyre@heraldcorp.com