October 1, 2008 Toyota has developed a world first rear-window curtain shield airbag designed to protect the heads of back seat passengers in the event of a rear-end collision.

Destined for inclusion in the iQ ultra-compact four-seater due on the market next year, the curtain-like airbag deploys from the roof lining above the rear window and surrounds the headrests to provide "approximately double the car’s rear passenger head protection performance" according to the company's press release.