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Cars that stop themselves from hitting other vehicles _ rather than relying on the reflexes of their drivers _ have motored into a debate over insurance cover.
State Insurance has raised concerns over the capability of the bumpers of some popular small cars to guard against hefty repair bills for nose-to-tail crashes at speeds as low as 10km/h.
It warned at a demonstration in Auckland this week that it was likely to assess bumper designs when determining future insurance premiums.
But carmaker Volvo has pointed to a car about to be launched in Europe that will be made available to New Zealand buyers early next year.
The XC60 will use laser beams to stop itself from hitting obstacles at low speeds.
Mark Patterson, general manager of its Motorcorp Distributors' division, said the XC60 would be capable of stopping itself at up to 15km/h from crashing into stationary vehicles ahead.
That would avoid minor crashes, which State says account for most vehicle insurance claims.
Established technology, including a radar sensor, would also be available to alert drivers to sudden reductions in following distances at higher speeds
