Basil, Chives, Parsley and Sage

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I've got the gardening bug, well a bit!

Some months ago I bought a herb starter kit and took over one of the window sills in the kitchen to grow them from seed. Included in the kit was Basil, Chives, Parsley and Sage and all the necessary compost, pots and instructions. A summer later, some excellent wooden tubs and liquid tomato food from B&Q and a lot of TLC and look at the results.


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After the herbs came a lemon tree. I know this is the UK and the weather is crap but I just couldn't resist it and I'm well pleased with the progress the tree has made. New growth seems to appear every week and the tree has at least tripled in size.


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The apple tree was planted by my father about 30 years ago, soon after we moved into the house. Until about 3 years ago we got very little yield from the tree but all of a sudden it took off and this year we have a reasonable amount of fruit which will provide lots of ingredient for my favorite after tea tipple, namely apple crumble.


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I spotted a sweet pepper plant in B&Q for £2.99 and snapped it up. The plant did very little for a while but has taken off recently and now has an amazing amount of fruit and I just can't wait for the first one to be ready so I can give it a try.


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Just look at that, my little baby!!


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Research Material:
GardenGuides.com Herb Information

Bosch Develops Compact Sensor to Monitor Car Battery Performance

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• Monitoring the car battery improves cranking ability


• Hardware and software for battery-state detection and forecast ready for production


• Miniature construction for assembly in the pole niche of car battery

Bosch have developed an electronic battery sensor (EBS) which in the future will help to avoid most of the breakdowns due to run-down batteries. The sensor with integrated evaluation capability measures such elementary battery physical variables as voltage, current and temperature. Aided by complex software algorithms, it computes all factors which accurately describe the condition of the car battery. It even allows for a situation dependent forecast on the future state-of-charge. In modern vehicles, this information is utilised in a targeted way by the car's energy management to always preserve sufficient battery energy for a guaranteed proper engine start even after a longer period of standing still.

When the information is utilised for the management of alternator and engine, it allows for lower fuel consumption and consequently less exhaust emission and also prolongs the battery's service life. Based on its many years of experience in development and production of complex energy management systems in automobiles, Bosch has now brought the development of hardware and sensor integrated software of the electronic battery sensor to the state of readiness for large-scale production. The Bosch EBS will be installed by an OEM in a car for the first time in 2006.


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The electronic battery sensor from Bosch consists of a chip which comprises all of the electronics and a shunt for current measurement. The two are joined in an assembly unit with the pole terminal and can be directly connected to the car battery by fitting into the pole niche of commercial car batteries. Compared to other available solutions, this presents a great saving in space and costs.

Aside from the hardware, Bosch developed in conjunction with Varta the software for the battery state detection in the electronic battery sensor, the algorithms of which can be completely integrated into the EBS chip. The sensor directly measures the temperature, voltage and current of the battery and on this basis computes capacity and state-of-charge as well as present and future performance capability. The information is transmitted through a LIN interface to the higher-ranking energy management of the vehicle. The information allows for an optimisation of the battery’s state-of charge. The vehicle can be safely started even after a longer period of standing still or when a large number of electrical consumers stressed the battery on the last drive. Battery monitoring is also of the essence in hybrids with start-stop operation.

The battery sensor, however, has even greater application potential: during production, the function can be utilised for component testing or quiescent current testing. And workshops are given a better chance in diagnostic testing if a customer is frequently troubled by a run-down battery.

Research Material:
The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2004, some 242 000 associates generated sales of 40 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 260 subsidiaries and more than 10 000 service centers in over 130 countries.

The special ownership structure of the Bosch Group guarantees its financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It makes it possible for the company to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future, as well as to do justice to its social responsibility in a manner reflective of the spirit and will of its founder. 92 % of the shares of Robert Bosch GmbH are held by the charitable foundation Robert Bosch Stiftung. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

HSE Publishes Revised Personal Protective Equipment Guidance

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A revised version of guidance designed to help employers who supply and use personal protective equipment (PPE) at work meet their duties under the law has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The guidance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 (L25), which was first published in 1992, has now been updated to reflect changes to the Regulations, developments in PPE and to clarify guidance queries commonly received by HSE.

The Regulations require PPE; for example, safety helmets, gloves, eye protection and high-visibility clothing, to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to workers' health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways.

The Regulations require PPE to be:

• properly assessed before use to ensure its suitability for the work being done;


• maintained and stored properly;


• provided with adequate instruction on how to use it safely; and * worn correctly by the user.

The first section of the booklet sets out the Regulations, followed by information on how to comply with their requirements. The second part provides details on the different types of PPE available, the types of hazards that may require PPE to be worn, followed by advice on its correct selection, use and maintenance. This section now also features information on the selection and safe use of Personal Fall protection equipment when working at heights.

HSE has also reissued A Short Guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, a free leaflet aimed at providing employers with a brief summary of the law's main requirements. In particular, the guide includes a short synopsis of common workplace hazards and types of PPE that can be used to prevent workers' exposure. The leaflet also provides tips on ensuring PPE is adequately maintained and workers are provided with sufficient training so that it is properly used.

Copies of Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), ISBN 0 7176 6139 3, price £8.95, are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995. Priced publications are also available from good booksellers.

Copies of A Short Guide to the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, INDG174, are available from HSE Books. Alternatively the booklet can be downloaded from the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.pdf

Research Material:
1. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 is based on European Council (EC) Directive 89/656/EEC requiring similar basic laws throughout the European Union on the use of PPE in the workplace.

2. The Regulations came into force on 1 January 1993. They have subsequently been amended by the Police (Health and Safety) Regulations 1999 SI 1999/860, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 SI 1999/3232 and the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 SI 2002/2174.

3. The Regulations do not apply to hearing protection and to respiratory protective equipment for most work activities, as these are covered by other regulations. Full guidance on these including selection, use and maintenance are included in the publications L108 Reducing noise at work: Guidance on the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide. Both of these publications are available from HSE Books http://www.hsebooks.co.uk.

4. These regulations should not be confused with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002, which deal with the design, manufacture and supply of PPE. Further information on these regulations is available on the DTI website (www.dti.gov.uk).

Public Enquires:
HSE InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/contact or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

Vehicle Manufacturers Look for Ways to Increase Penetration Rates of Telematics and Infotainment Systems

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Telematics and infotainment systems entered the European automotive industry with a bang, but subsequently failed to live up to vehicle manufacturers' and suppliers' expectations. Penetration rates and consumer acceptance are yet to reach projected levels, even in the case of navigation systems that were positioned as a key market segment at the time of their introduction.

Original equipment (OE) telematics systems such as remote vehicle diagnostics (RVD) and safety and security systems currently have penetration rates of only 7 and 19 per cent respectively. The penetration rate of navigation systems stands at 23 per cent but is expected to decline at a rate of 3 per cent till 2010.

"Consumer awareness of the features and benefits of these systems is relatively low and could be a key reason for their negligible uptake," observes Frost & Sullivan (http://transportation.frost.com) Research Analyst Praveen Chandrasekar. "There is still a huge perception among consumers that they are complex to handle and do not provide enough value for money."

These negative perceptions could perhaps be attributed to the failure of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to develop a strong business case for these systems. Since cost is an inhibiting factor, there is a critical need to demonstrate a compelling value proposition to potential consumers. For this, they need to identify exactly what consumers are looking for when installing these systems in their vehicles.

New European Union (EU) safety regulations stipulating that e-call be made a compulsory feature in all vehicles and all segments by 2009 may provide just the opportunity to structure an effective business case, especially for safety and security systems. In fact, legislative enforcements are likely to be the main driving force for the increased uptake and penetration of these systems.

Interestingly, RVD and safety and security systems share the same basic hardware requirements. This being the case, manufacturers could consider packaging and selling these systems together. Combined with favourable pricing, this strategy could drive the uptake of RVD systems as well. In fact, both RVD and safety and security systems will benefit from integration, since the products would bring considerable value addition to consumers.

To this end, Frost & Sullivan recommends that vehicle manufacturers and suppliers multiply their marketing and sales efforts. Conducting training programmes at distribution centres on the technical aspects and benefits of these systems is likely to be an important step in this direction.

The other rising trend of integrated systems offering the consumer a mix of telematics and infotainment applications as well as essential vehicle functions will be another major contributor to the total penetration levels of these systems by 2010. Increasingly, consumers look for the integration of a variety of features and applications in a single product to justify the money spent on it.

"This means that if integrated systems are designed to combine telematics and infotainment applications such as navigation and e-call and vehicle functions such as park aid and climate control, they could increase overall market penetration," says Chandrasekar. "However, a key point to remember is that the design, pricing and packaging of such systems must be in line with the needs of the particular vehicle segment."

For instance, consumers in the mass-market vehicle segment are daunted by the steep costs of telematics and infotainment systems compared to the value of the vehicle itself. Targeting this segment with cost-effective, integrated systems would make immense business sense since these high-volume segments hold the maximum opportunities for vehicle manufacturers to generate high revenues.

"By focusing on designing and developing telematics and infotainment systems for the low vehicle segments, the OE market can tap the strong potential that exists for generating increased revenues," says Chandrasekar.

Integrated systems, therefore have a critical role to play in driving overall penetration, especially in the mass-market vehicle segment. By 2010, these systems will contribute an estimated 40 per cent of total market revenues.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the Analysis of the Original Equipment Market for Telematics and Infotainment, then send an e-mail to Magdalena Oberland - Corporate Communications at magdalena.oberland@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, country and source of information. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.



Research Material:
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community, by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

New Airbag Electronic Control Unit from Bosch for Optimal Protection of Vehicle Occupants

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Bosch Celebrates 25 Years of Airbag Safety

• For all vehicle classes - from subcompact to luxury car


• From a single airbag for drivers to comprehensive protective systems for all vehicle occupants

Bosch today announced that it will continue expanding its airbag safety systems with the introduction of the airbag electronic control unit (ECU), Airbag 10, set to be released to OEM customers in 2007. This latest generation ECU will be able to process data much faster, enabling the integration of additional safety functions to further offer safety to all vehicle occupants.


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The Airbag 10 can be integrated with up to 24 restraint devices, is nearly 70 percent smaller and consists of fewer components than previous ECU's. This system has the capability to provide safety for all passengers and can be integrated with pedestrian protection electronics and interior occupant sensors.

Also, in 2005, Robert Bosch Corporation is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first worldwide production of an airbag ECU. Bosch first introduced the technology on the 1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and has since seen airbag systems grow into an important, life-saving technology. The original ECU consisted of three components and controlled only a single airbag on the driver's side of the vehicle. Today, there is hardly a new car to be found without at least one airbag and in many countries this passive restraint system has become mandatory.


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The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal year 2004, approximately 242,000 associates generated sales of 40 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of approximately 260 subsidiaries and more than 10,000 service centers in over 130 countries.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs nearly 23,000 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of $7.8 billion in 2004. For more information, visit http://www.bosch.us.

Source:
Robert Bosch Corporation

A Brief Airbag History:
The accident statistics of the Fifties and Sixties raised calls for a better protection of driver and passengers. The first technical solution in this respect was the safety belt. The next step brought the development of the airbag. First patents for an inflatable airbag were filed as early as in the Fifties. Bosch became actively involved in this field in the Seventies and entered its comprehensive know-how in the interaction of mechanics and electronics. The system started on its victorious course with the first installation of an airbag in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1980. Nowadays, there is hardly a new car to be found without at least one airbag, and in many countries, this passive restraint system has become mandatory.

United Kingdom Registration Formats

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The first registration marks were made up of one letter with one number, the first (A1) being issued by London County Council in 1903.

Later formats were comprised of two letters and four numbers. These series were replaced as and when they were exhausted. So, whilst the Liverpool series KA lasted for only two years between 1925 and 1927, the series SJ was still being issued by Bute Council in 1963.

By the mid 1930s, the two letter/four number series of registration marks were exhausted in some areas, and new three letter/three number series were introduced. AAA 1 was issued (by Hampshire County Council) in 1934 through to AAA 999 and the commencement of the BAA series in 1936. This process continued until the mid 1950s when marks were reversed to three numbers/three letters.

Between 1963 and 1965 councils began to issue "suffix" registration marks - three letter/three numbers and a year suffix. The registration year ran from 1 January - 31 December until 1967, when the suffix change was moved to 1 August.

Suffix Letters (1963-1983)
A	February 1963 to December 1963
B	January 1964 to December 1964
C	January 1965 to December 1965
D	January 1966 to December 1966
E	January 1967 to July 1967
F	August 1967 to July 1968
G	August 1968 to July 1969
H	August 1969 to July 1970
J	August 1970 to July 1971
K	August 1971 to July 1972
L	August 1972 to July 1973
M	August 1973 to July 1974
N	August 1974 to July 1975
P	August 1975 to July 1976
R	August 1976 to July 1977
S	August 1977 to July 1978
T	August 1978 to July 1979
V	August 1979 to July 1980
W	August 1980 to July 1981
X	August 1981 to July 1982
Y	August 1982 to July 1983

Old Style Prefix Letters (1983 to 2001)
A	August 1983 to July 1984
B	August 1984 to July 1985
C	August 1985 to July 1986
D	August 1986 to July 1987
E	August 1987 to July 1988
F	August 1988 to July 1989
G	August 1989 to July 1990
H	August 1990 to July 1991
J	August 1991 to July 1992
K	August 1992 to July 1993
L	August 1993 to July 1994
M	August 1994 to July 1995
N	August 1995 to July 1996
P	August 1996 to July 1997
R	August 1997 to July 1998
S	August 1998 to February 1999
T	March 1999 to August 1999
V	September 1999 to February 2000
W	March 2000 to August 2000
X	September 2000 to February 2001
Y	March 2001 to August 2001

Note: 'Q' plates are issued to vehicles of indeterminable age, e.g. kit conversion vehicles which are built of major components from more than one donor vehicle, or imported vehicles where the date of first registration cannot be established.

New Style Prefix Letters (2001 to Date)



Local Memory Tag
The first two letters of the current registration mark format form a local memory tag showing the region where a vehicle is first registered. These local memory tags are designed to help with the recall of number plates and the identification of vehicles. The letters I, Q and Z are not used in the Local Memory Tag. The first letter represents the region, the second letter relates to a DVLA Local Office. In the example above 'AB' shows that the vehicle was first registered in Anglia (A) at the Peterborough office (B).

Age Identifier
The two numbers indicate the age of the vehicle (see table below). In the example above '51' represents the 6 month period from September 2001 to February 2002.

Random Letters
The last three letters give a unique identity to a vehicle. Letters 'I' and 'Q' along with letter combinations that may be considered offensive, are not used. However the letter 'Z' is used in this element of the number plate.

51	September 2001 to February 2002
02	March 2002 to August 2002
52	September 2002 to February 2003
03	March 2003 to August 2003
53	September 2003 to February 2004
04	March 2004 to August 2004
54	September 2004 to February 2005
05	March 2005 to August 2005
55	September 2005 to February 2006
06	March 2006 to August 2006

Vcheck" for buyers of used cars, vans and motorbikes.

"Vcheck", matches registration number and VIN number of a vehicle by checking the DVLA information. It then checks that it's not stolen or written off by accessing the data from Association of British Insurers (ABI) and official Police (PITO) vehicle data across the UK.

Last year 497,630 were written off (source Vcheck ABI Category 1-4 insurance write-offs) and over 350,000 were stolen (source Vcheck PITO). Figures show that every 20 minutes an unsuspecting car buyer drives off having bought a stolen vehicle.

Before you buy it, Vcheck it! Vcheck costs only £19.95!

Hull FC Wins the 2005 Challenge Cup Final

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Hull FC have just won the 2005 Challenge Cup Final. I'm no rugby fan but even I must admit that was one hell of a match.

Well done Hull FC.

BBC SPORT | Rugby League | Challenge Cup | Hull down Leeds in Challenge Cup: "Paul Cooke's late try handed Hull a shock 25-24 win over Super League champions Leeds in the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff.

Tries from Motu Tony, Gareth Raynor, Richard Mathers and Cooke handed Hull their first Cup title since 1983.

Danny Brough's four goals and a drop goal gave Hull the edge after dominating for most of the match.

Hull led 19-12 with 20 minutes left but six-point tries from Mark Calderwood and Marcus Bai gave Leeds hope.

Leeds also claimed a first-half penalty try, while Danny Ward added another score and skipper Kevin Sinfield kicked four goals.

The sides turned around 6-6 at half-time but Hull's aggressive defence and superior kicking game gave them the best of the chances.

It was Leeds who struck first on 13 minutes, ignited by Sinfield's high kick into Hull's in-goal area.

Defenders Nathan Blacklock and Raynor both jumped for the ball and missed, and as Calderwood tried to gather it he was tugged back by the shorts.

After consulting the video official, referee Steve Ganson had no choice in awarding the penalty try.

Sinfield added the extra point but Hull were not put off and soon went close when Richard Horne dived for the Leeds line, only to be blocked by the legs of Ali Lauitiiti.

But Hull did get on the scoreboard in the 18th minute, sparked by a cross-kick from Shayne McMenemy.

Richard Whiting jumped for the ball and palmed it over his head for Tony, who chipped over the top and gathered to flop over the Leeds line.

The white tide was rising and the underdogs went close again towards the half hour mark when Calderwood resorted to punching away a bouncing ball in Leeds' in-goal area.

Next up it was the turn of Kirk Yeaman to dive for the Leeds line, only for the video official to rule he had lost the ball in Rob Burrow's last-gasp tackle.

Inside the final five minutes of the half, Hull again claimed a try when Blacklock was first to another precision chip-through but was ruled offside.

At half-time Leeds took off Great Britain centre Keith Senior, who had struggled to be fit before the match.

They began with renewed vigour but were stunned when Hull's Tony made an interception and searing break, continued by Richard Swain, to set up Raynor with a score in the left corner.

Hull could have been guilty of relaxing as Leeds quickly powered upfield and sent Ward over.

But Leeds were definitely at fault for Hull's next try, when Bai gathered a chip in his in-goal area before inexplicably popping a pass out of the tackle for Mathers to pounce on and score.

Brough added his third conversion and shortly after slotted a drop-goal to edge Hull further ahead.

Inside the last 20 minutes, Leeds hit back to fray Hull nerves when Calderwood produced a stunning solo break from his own half to score under the posts.

And Leeds surged past Hull when Bai made amends for his earlier mistake to gather a lofted cross-kick and score his side's fourth try.

But in a dramatic late twist, Hull worked Cooke under the Leeds posts and Brough stroked the extra point to give his side an unlikely win.

Hull: Tony, Blacklock, Yeaman, Whiting, Raynor, R. Horne, Brough, Dowes, Swain, Carvell, McMenemy, Kearney, Cooke.
Replacements: Thackray, King, Chester, Saxton.

Leeds: Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, Senior, Bai, Sinfield, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Ward, Lauitiiti, McKenna, Ellis.
Replacements: McGuire, Poching, Jones-Buchanan, Dunemann.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)"

Hull FC Web Site

Are You Up to Motorway Driving?

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On the busiest weekend of the year on motorways, the RAC Foundation has revealed that one third of drivers admit to regular feelings of anxiety when driving or considering driving on them.

The vast majority of motorists, however, would support compulsory post-test motorway training - even though almost 80 per cent of them rarely, if ever, look at the Highway Code, according to an NOP Automotive poll for National Motorway Month today (26th).

National Motorway Month is a joint initiative by RAC Foundation, Auto Express Magazine, IAM and BSM to encourage safer driving on our motorways. The campaign has been running through the busy holiday month of August.

The NOP survey carried out for the National Motorway Month campaign also revealed a lack of basic safety knowledge amongst motorists. Only 19 per cent of motorists know about the two second rule - the safe, recommended gap between a car and the one in front. In average traffic and fine weather conditions that gap should be two seconds. Fifty eight per cent of people think the gap should be six seconds.

The Motorway Month group is worried that motorists may be putting their lives and the lives of others at risk because they fail to understand the basic rules of the road, and fail to keep themselves updated by regularly reading the Highway Code.

The partners are particularly concerned about the potential problems this causes for those driving on motorways, because of the large number of motorists who have never received any professional motorway training.

The National Motorway Month group survey actually found that 86 per cent of motorists support compulsory post-test motorway driving training for every newly qualified driver. This suggests that many motorists feel that they would benefit from extra tuition on the motorways.

Practicing driving on a motorway with a qualified instructor could in many cases help nervous motorway drivers. The National Motorway Group are calling for the Government to conduct a consultation exercise on the possibility of compulsory post-test driver training for all newly qualified drivers.

There have always been some practical problems with this idea. For newly qualified drivers in remote rural areas of the country with no access to motorways this could mean a lengthy journey before they even catch a glimpse of a motorway.

However the survey actually shows that support for the proposal is just as high from drivers in regions without motorways (85% support) as elsewhere.

Currently about 17 per cent of drivers take a Pass Plus course after passing their test. This course includes driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and includes a motorway driving session.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on car insurance to inexperienced drivers who have undertaken the Pass Plus course. The National Motorway Month group would advocate that more drivers should take the Pass Plus course and bigger incentives should be introduced in terms of insurance discounts for motorists who do so.

Other survey results include:

• 93 per cent of people in Granada region support compulsory post-test motorway training, compared to 79 per cent of people in Tyne Tees - support for the idea was also high in the three areas with the poorest access to the motorway network (89 per cent in the West Country, 85 per cent in Anglia and 84 per cent in Scotland).


• 27 per cent of motorists in the Meridian region knew the two second rule compared to seven per cent of people in the West Country.


• 74 per cent of people in the West Country, 69 per cent of people in Harlech and Granada regions thought the recommended gap was six seconds.


• 49 per cent of people in Wales have never looked at their Highway Code since passing their test compared to 29 per cent in Anglia region.


• 16 per cent of people in West Country regularly look at their Highway Code compared to no-one in Anglia, and only one per cent of people in Granada and Yorkshire regions.


• 35 per cent of Vauxhall drivers and 32 per cent of Renault drivers look at their Highway Code more than once a year. This is compared to only seven per cent of Peugeot drivers.


• 28 per cent of over 65s have never looked at their Highway Code since passing their test.

Edmund King, Executive Director of the RAC Foundation said:

"It is worrying, but perhaps not surprising, that only four per cent of drivers regularly look at their Highway Code. It is vital that motorists do not become complacent when it comes to driving. Perhaps we need more direct ways to remind motorists of the rules of the road including more use of variable signs and leaflets at motorway service areas."

"Drivers of any age have a responsibility to ensure that they are up to the job. If in doubt a driver should take up voluntary retraining. As motorway driving involves manouvering at speed, it is not surprising that 86 per cent of motorists would like to see compulsory post-test motorway driving training for all newly qualified drivers. We would urge the Government to consider the training needs of motorists on motorways carefully."

Research Material:
Results from an NOP Automotive survey of 517 drivers conducted on 18-19 June 2005. For further regional survey results please contact the RAC Foundation on 020 7747 3445

The two second rule: Allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying fast traffic. Use a fixed point at the side of the road to measure the gap. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads, and increased still further on icy roads.

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its six million customers with breakdown cover and a wide range of other motoring solutions. The views of each organisation should not be attributed to the other.

RAC Web Site
For research and past releases visit www.racfoundation.org

New Roadside Comms System Will Revolutionise Vehicle to Roadside Communications for Car Drivers

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Scottish drivers know the frustrations of traffic jams, especially over busy Bank Holiday weekends, while there are roadworks or during the Edinburgh festival. Now, a new sensor device / roadside comms system which will give car drivers access to both traffic reports and entertainment via high speed internet access and alerts them to traffic travelling in front and behind them is being developed by UK businesses with support from the dti.

This is being developed as part of the joint industry, education and Government SLIMSENS research project, part of the SMMT led Foresight Vehicle programme. This programme aims to maintain Britain's position as one of the high technology leaders in automotive design and development.

The UK businesses involved include UK aerospace and defence giant BAE Systems as well as e2v technologies and L.E.W. Techniques - two British companies with extensive microwave and sensor technology - and the University of Birmingham's Department of Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering. Jaguar Cars are acting as advisers to the project.

The new module is being designed to be small, light and affordable and unlike other in-car satellite navigation systems, it is believed to be the first in the world to combine both radar and telematics. Manufacture of the first prototypes will start later this year and will be followed by testing in 2006.



The system is broken down into three main sections:

1) Pencil beam radar, comprising 3 to 5 very narrow radar beams which point out in front of the vehicle (a second module may be used for rear coverage) detecting other vehicles' range, speed and direction. This sensor relays information instantly for use in anti-collision and adaptive cruise control systems.

2) Radar cloud, this is essentially a short range radar blob surrounding the front of the car and will detect things like pedestrians and will prepare the car for a potential emergency stop. It will allow automatic stop/go operation of the vehicle.

3) Car to road side comms, which uses the 63 GHz band which enables a very high band width communications link with roadside beacons. The roadside beacons will be placed every kilometre or less depending on road conditions. This means that high data rates can be maintained in even the heaviest of traffic providing reliable on demand or real-time in car video and high speed internet access. This will allow vehicle drivers and passengers to receive traffic information, web-browsing on the move, online shopping and even video-conferencing.

The project will also investigate 'smart reflectors' which allow future car radar systems to identify road signs, distinguish large bridges from articulated lorries and even traffic cones when they are installed.

"The new technology will revolutionise vehicle-to-roadside communications and speed vital road traffic information, allowing drivers to avoid congestion points and thereby minimise traffic jams and reduce emissions," said Waseem Qureshi from BAE Systems' Advanced Technology Centre. "Ultimately, the combined broadband and radar systems which the Foresight Vehicle programme is looking to develop will be able to take control of vehicles joining and leaving major road networks and even allow automated hands-free convoy driving on motorways."

Nigel Priestley of e2v Technologies, the company leading the Foresight Vehicle programme said: "A key objective of the research is to reduce the size and cost of the 'new wave' technologies by packaging them into a single unit to allow fitment to any motor vehicle. The benefits will be felt throughout the British car industry from component suppliers to manufacturers and we anticipate that around 80% of the systems finally produced will go to export markets in Japan, Europe and the USA."

AA Web Site
RAC Web Site

Ford Offers Diesel Particulate Filter Systems Across Best-Selling Carlines

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• Ford of Europe to offer diesel particulate filter systems for selected powertrains across its best-selling carlines


• Increased capacity for Focus and Focus C-MAX DPF systems to meet customer demand


• Mondeo to get 'coated' DPF in production from early 2006


• New Ford Motorcraft Retro-Fit system will be made available for diesel-powered Ford vehicles already in customer hands

Ford of Europe is making Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems available across the heart of its vehicle portfolio - including retro-fit systems for the majority of diesel-powered Ford vehicles already in customer's hands. New Ford Motorcraft retro-fit systems will be available to suit a wide range of older Ford models.


(Click on the photo to enlarge. High resolution versions are available)

Ford already offers modern diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems on the new Ford Focus and Focus C-MAX models. A DPF is now standard equipment for Ford's Duratorq 1.6-litre 109 PS TDCi engine, and optional on the 2.0-litre 136 PS variant. These systems rely on the use of a liquid additive to enable diesel particulates to oxidise at relatively low temperatures in the filter.

To satisfy the heavy demand for these DPF-equipped models, particularly in Germany , Ford has increased production as a result of increased availability of DPF systems.

Ford of Europe will also continue to develop advanced DPF systems for its next generation Duratorq TDCi engines with higher torque and power outputs exceeding 110 kW (150 PS).

New 'Coated' DPF for Mondeo

The next Ford product to be equipped in production with a DPF system will be the Ford Mondeo.

Although all Ford Mondeo Duratorq TDCi powertrains meet the most stringent Euro Stage IV emissions standard without a DPF, the popular 85 kW (115 PS) and 96 kW (130 PS) versions of the 2.0-litre, Duratorq TDCi engine will be offered with an optional new 'coated' (C-DPF) system from early 2006. In this system, the internal surface of the filter itself is coated with a catalyst to enable oxidation of particulates in the filter. A liquid additive, therefore, is not required.

The Mondeo Duratorq TDCi with C-DPF will initially be offered in Germany plus the Scandanavian, Austrian, Swiss and French markets. Other markets will follow shortly afterwards, depending on demand which in turn is largely driven by local governmental tax incentives or penalty regulations.

With the Ford Mondeo offering this additive and maintenance-free C-DPF system, Ford will soon offer three different DPF systems across its diesel product range. This demonstrates Ford's commitment to delivering a range of technical solutions, each tailored to the demands of any type of diesel powertrain.

Retro Fit for older Fords

As well as equipping new vehicles with filter systems, Ford of Europe is working on a solution to provide older cars calibrated to the Euro Stage 3 and 4 emissions standards with retrofit DPF systems. Ford will soon begin to market these kits as Ford Motorcraft Retro-Fit systems.

The intention is to offer customers every possible means of support to maintain the residual value of their vehicles while providing them with potential tax benefits as national governments take action on diesel particulate filter regulations.

National tax incentives and regulations in individual markets for diesel particulate filter systems will determine the future of Ford's supply plans for this third filter system variation.

Unlike the closed ceramic filter body used in the volume production models, the Motorcraft Retro-Fit kit consists of a wrapped metal foil system with trap pockets to filter the flow of emission gasses.

Because the complex process of filter regeneration cannot be achieved through variations in the engine management system due to differences in injection strategies, for example, the Motorcraft Retro-Fit system relies on the filter's natural regenerative capabilities under higher load conditions.

The Ford Motorcraft Retro-Fit system has therefore been designed to be open, to allow the engine continuous and unrestricted operation even with a fully loaded filter. The overall efficiency of this filter system has been determined to be between 30 and 40 percent.

The Motorcraft Retro-Fit systems are being developed for the volume diesel models of all Ford vehicle lines. Ford intends to offer these aftermarket kits in any market where there is potentially significant demand. Full details of vehicle application, market availability and pricing will be issued prior to launch in relevant markets.

Getting Away for the Summer Bank Holiday

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• Highways Agency advice for road users

As millions prepare to take to the roads over the August Bank Holiday, roadworks at more than 22 locations on motorways and major A roads in England are being suspended and a further 17 have had their start dates put back, were completed early or were planned to avoid the Bank Holiday. This makes up around 60 miles of clear, unrestricted road across the country, which would otherwise have lane closures or speed restrictions, the Highways Agency announced today.

Archie Robertson, the agency's chief executive said: "Because our roads are busy for the holiday we have reviewed our roadworks and lifted as many restrictions as possible, except those with safety concerns or where removal would have detrimental effects in the longer term. Where roadworks have to remain in place, delays will be minimised.

"Some works have been rephased, to avoid the bank holiday. This is one of the measures the Agency is taking to improve safety and reduce delays, to give more travellers trouble-free journeys."

Highways Agency Traffic Officers are working on the motorways in the Midlands near Birmingham and have begun patrolling on the southern section of the M25 around London, the M23 and the Surrey section of the M3. Traffic officers are helping to reduce the time roads are closed after incidents, thus reducing the time drivers are stuck in queues.

More than 2,200 electronic message signs give drivers roadside warning of closures and heavy traffic, and provide diversion routes. 'Queue detection' sensors trigger warnings for drivers to slow down.

Improved information about conditions on our motorways and other major roads is available from:

• Highways Agency traffic information website at: http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo


• 24-hour voice-activated telephone service on 08700 660 115. Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more.

On long journeys drivers are advised to take regular breaks. Accidents are caused by loss of control which can cause injury and significant disruption. Where accidents occur, the Agency's contractors and traffic officers will work with the police and emergency services to clear up and reopen lanes as quickly as possible.

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Drivers can help by making sure their vehicles are prepared, planning their route using information from the Highways Agency website and telephone services, and checking weather forecasts and travel news for possible delays before and during their journey.

For a safe journey, the Agency offers these 'driving tips':

1. Plan ahead. Check your route for possible delays and roadworks before setting out, listen to radio travel bulletins.

2. Allow plenty of time - don't forget to stop for a break at least once every two hours. Tiredness kills!

3. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and you and your passengers are prepared for a long journey.

4. In very hot weather, the Agency encourages drivers to take drinking water with them and take frequent breaks in their journey because hot weather causes drowsiness.

5. Stay calm on the road, and drive safely. Poor driver behavior causes frustration and increases the risk of accidents:
- Keep left - don't hog the middle lane
- Don't tailgate. Keep your distance
- If traffic has to merge, merge in turn
- Avoid switching lanes suddenly

6. Drive carefully at roadworks. Lane restrictions and reduced speed limits are there for the safety of drivers and to provide a safe area for the workforce.



Roadworks Suspended

M42 Jct 3a to 7 North and Southbound
Birmingham

M5 Junction 6 Island (A449)
Nr Worcester

A46 - M40 to M5
Nr Warwick, Alcester and Evesham

A449 Comberton to Greenhill
Nr Kidderminster

M54 Jct 2 to 7
Nr Telford

A46 Sedgeberrow to Evesham
Nr Evesham

A4123 Junction of Lower City & City Roads
Nr Oldbury/Sandwell

A50 (s/bound between M1 Jct 24a and 24)
Nr Derby

M3 Junction 9 to 14 E&W Bound
Nr Winchester/Eastleigh

M4 Junction 8/9 to 10 E&W Bound
Nr Maidenhead/Bracknell

A27 Burgh Lane Eastbound c/w east of Burgh Lane
Nr Firle

M62 Junction 7 to 8
Widnes

A47 Soke Parkway, east and westbound carriageways
Nr Peterborough

A1 Wansford
Nr Peterborough

M1 J10 -J12
Luton

A52 Derby Road (Bramcote Roundabout to Priory Roundabout)
Nr Nottingham

A38 Mickleover Bypass
Nr Derby

M1 Rothersthorpe - Northampton Road Bridge
Nr Rothersthorpe

M1 Kislingbury Grange Farm Bridge
Nr Kislingbury

M1 Collingtree Footpath Bridge
Nr Collingtree

A5 Oxhouse Accommodation Bridge
Nr Old Stratford

M4 Junctions 14 to 18
Between Bath and Hungerford

Roadworks Completed Early, Deferred or Planned to Avoid August Bank Holiday

A449 Hoo Farm Trading Estate
Nr Kidderminster

A449 Broadwaters to Caunsall
Nr Kidderminster

M50 Junction 2, Bury Court
Nr Ledbury

M62 J37-38
Nr Gilberdyke and Howden

A1 Tuxford Resurfacing
Nr Tuxford

A1 Wetherby
Nr Leeds

A46 Newton Safety Scheme
Nr Grantham

A46 Widmerpool Area Resurfacing
Nr Nottingham

A46 Saxondale Area Resurfacing
Nr Nottingham

A46 East Stoke Resurfacing
Nr Newark

A46 Newark Resurfacing
Nr Newark

M1 Junction 27-28
Nr Mansfield

M1 Junction 25-26
Nr Nottingham

A52 Sedgebrook to Barrowby Resurfacing
Nr Grantham

A6 Alvaston By Pass Cycleway
Nr Derby

M1 Collingtree Road Bridge
Nr Collingtree

M6 Jct 44 Greymoor Hill Interchange
Carlisle

Roadworks Remaining

M25 J12 - 15 widening/Heathrow Terminal 5 Spur - slight to moderate delays

A249 Iwade Bypass to Queenborough - slight to moderate delays during peak times

M3 Winchfield Railway Bridge - slight delays

M2 Hutton Lane - slight delays

M2 Brenley Corner - slight delays

M20 J2-3 Major maintenance - moderate delays

A30 Long Lane Major Repairs - moderate delays

M25 Jct21a anti-clockwise to M1 Jct 6a NB - slight delays

M1 NB J6-6a - slight delays

A14 Rookery Crossroads - slight delays

A14 Kettering Southern Bypass - slight delays

A47 Thorney bypass - slight delays

A1 (M) Jct 8-7 Stevenage - moderate delays

A1 Black Cat, Wyboston - slight delays

M40 J 10 - 11, Franklow Knob Rail Overbridge, Banbury - nil to slight delays

A5 Weeford-Fazeley improvement - slight delays

M1 J20-21 - moderate delays

A52 roundabout over M1 J25, Nottingham - slight delays

A453 Ratcliffe, nr Nottingham - nil to slight delays

A50 nr Foston, Uttoxeter - slight delays

M6 Jct 13 southbound, Stafford - slight delays

A500 Stoke Pathfinder,Stoke on Trent - moderate delays

A50 Trentham Lakes - slight delay

A38 Willington Level Crossing between A50 and A5132 - slight delays

M69 Jct 2 near Stoney Stanton in Leicestershire - slight delays

M4 Junction 18 Eastbound Diverge (A46 Bath turning) - slight to moderate delays

M5 J18A - 17 Northbound Climbing Lane (Hallen Hill) - slight to moderate delays

M6 J16 (Alsager) to 17 Sandbach - moderate delays

M6 Kendal - slight delays

M1 Tinsley Viaduct - slight delays

M53 Bidston Moss Viaduct - nil to slight delays for HGVs only

M60 Junctions 5 to 8 Widening - moderate delays

A1 Selby - slight delays

M62 Ferrybridge - slight delays

A1 Darrington - slight delays

Research Material:
The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport which manages, maintains and improves motorways and major A roads in England on behalf of the Transport Secretary

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Highways Agency Traffic Information Website

Worth the Weight - Caterham Superlight is Back

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Due to popular demand, Caterham has confirmed the launch of a new model in its Superlight range. Once again offering the perfect balance of power to weight, the original 'Superlight' is back, with production beginning later this year.

Combining the dependable power of the lightweight 1.8 litre X-Power K-series engine with pin sharp handling and a race-bred legacy of stripping all but the essentials - windscreen, heater and carpets are all options - Caterham is delivering a back-to-basics, hear-it-before-you-see-it, Superlight that will slingshot the driver to 60mph in under 5 seconds.

And just like its predecessors, this new Caterham Superlight delivers all the thrills of telepathic steering, high revving eager performance, slick gear change and frantic acceleration, yet packages it in a vehicle that is perfectly balanced to focus the driver on driving and the handling experience. That said, this adrenalin-pumping Caterham Superlight delivers a maximum 124lb ft of torque at 5000rpm and packs the same power to weight ratio as the Ferrari 360 Spider.

Standard equipment centres on handling performance. 13" motorsport wheels with Avon's CR500 tyres - exactly as used in the Caterham Roadsport race series - are coupled to adjustable suspension and uprated brakes. The driver sits in a G-defying race seat, held securely in place by a 4-point harness; controlling the car through a Momo steering wheel and shifting the power via Caterham's bespoke 6-speed gearbox.

As you would expect of a stripped-to-the-minimum Caterham Superlight, the options list is long and includes windscreen, heater and weather gear for the road orientated owner, or dry sump, track day roll-over bar and fire extinguisher, for those who spend more time at the circuit. Customers will also notice that options are listed by price alongside the respective weights, thereby informing the discerning customer of the weight they would save, or add.

Priced at £19,995 in partial built form, or £22,450 fully built, deliveries of the new Caterham Superlight will begin from October 2005 - ten years after the original first appeared.

Caterham Superlight Specification
Series 3 Chassis with black powder coated interior
Carbon fibre dash panel
1.8 litre 140bhp X-Power K series engine
Anti-cavitation oil tank
6-speed gearbox
Composite wind deflector
Carbon rear wing protectors
Satin black headlamps
Composite race seats
Carbon fibre front wings
'Wide-track' suspension with adjustable spring platforms
10" vented front discs with 4 pot alloy callipers
Caterham 13" 8 spoke Motorsport wheels with 175/55 Avon CR500 tyres
Momo steering wheel
4-point harness

Caterham Cars Web Site

Modular, Production-ready Concepts for More Safety and Driving Comfort

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Johnson Controls Presents a Number of New Solutions at the International Motor Show 2005

Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries, will be showcasing new solutions for increased safety and seating comfort at this year's International Motor Show. The company also will present numerous concepts in the areas of materials and recycling. Among the products introduced will be an innovative door module offering greater integration options than conventional door panels. The highlight at the IAA will be the company's press conference on 14 September at 10.30 a.m. in Hall 5.1, Stand B16.

Interior comfort and flexibility play an important role in new vehicle purchasing decisions, but safety features are also a very important factor in the minds of consumers. Johnson Controls has put a great deal of effort into the subject of occupant safety and will be unveiling a large number of new solutions to the public.

Increased protection for your head, legs and knees

One innovation being showcased by Johnson Controls is the "active headrest", which has the ability to protect the back of the neck of both driver and front-seat passengers from whiplash injuries in the event of a rear impact collision. The company has engineered a new mechanical version with the release mechanism ingeniously integrated into the seat rest. For automakers favoring sensor-controlled active headrests, Johnson Controls also offers the product with electro-mechanical and pyrotechnical releases. Once the sensor registers the crash, the headrest mechanism needs about 20 milliseconds to assume the protective position.

In addition to protecting the back of the neck, the company has also developed an active system to reduce the risk of injury to the knees by limiting the amount of slippage under the seatbelt. Unlike airbag systems, this active solution is based on a trigger-guard, which is released from the seat cushion. This restrains the legs and knees and prevents them from hitting with the instrument panel in the event of a collision. In developing this concept, the emphasis was placed on optimal cost, weight and functionality.

Occupant safety is also enhanced by a Johnson Controls tire pressure information system, integrated for the first time in the series production of a small vehicle. A special technology ensures wireless, automatic recognition of tire positioning, thus dispensing with the need for a wheel-specific reception module. Along with increased safety, seating comfort is also becoming a matter of high priority to consumers.

Active air-conditioning comfort now open to medium class vehicles Drivers of medium class vehicles desire comfortable seating in warm weather conditions, just as drivers of upper segments do. Having produced numerous designs for active air-conditioned seats in the upper segments and several passive solutions, Johnson Controls has now extended its product range to include an active air-conditioning option for the medium class segment. The new, patent-pending system, is ready for series production, as is a new surface technology.

Use of new materials leads to shorter processing times After years of experience working with surfaces, the company has begun producing its own high-quality, injection-molded skin for instrument panels. The benefit of producing this in-house is being able to determine its surface thickness, which is a real benefit for invisible airbag seams. The procedure also has the effect of shortening overall processing times. This skin will be making its debut in series production for a German automaker.

Concept for closed loop material recycling Johnson Controls has also developed an innovative recycling concept. Instead of relying on thermal processing of waste materials, the company has decided to leverage the benefits of materials recycling. It has developed suitable concepts for plastics and natural fiber substrates, which are not only environmentally friendly but also have no impact on costs. This includes such measures as utilizing production waste by turning it into recycled materials that can be used for fastening hooks on seat rests. The project has been implemented into series production.

In the future - 2008 - a new door concept will be available, offering great potential for individual adaptation to each automaker's requirements.

Door modules featuring extensive functional integration The new concept is a door panel module with all desired components already built into the system. Johnson Controls will supply a fully-tested module that needs only to be clipped into the door shell. This will simplify the process of assembly line production for the automaker. The concept will be suitable for everything from the lower-medium to luxury class segments.

If you would like to learn more about these new products and solutions, you are invited to visit Johnson Controls at the motor show and attend the press conference at their booth.

Research Material:
Johnson Controls GmbH Johnson Controls GmbH Automotive Group Automotive Group Astrid Schafmeister Ina Longwitz Industriestr. 20-30 Industriestr. 20-30 51399 Burscheid 51399 Burscheid Germany Germany Phone: +49-2174-65-3189 Phone: +49-2174-65-4343 Fax: +49-2174-65-3219 Fax: +49-2174-65-321

Johnson Controls, Inc., is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management.

Johnson Controls (New York Stock Exchange: JCI), founded in 1885, has its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The company's sales for 2004 totaled US$26.6 billion, the Automotive Group worldwide generating US$20.5 billion of this figure. The European headquarters is in Burscheid, Germany. The company's product portfolio also includes instrument panels/cockpits, door systems, overhead systems, interior electronics and electrical energy management.

Nissan Collaborates on Next Generation In-Car Safety Systems

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Nissan has been collaborating in an exploratory project to develop bone-scanning technology which will maximise the protection offered to occupants in the event of a car crash.

Nissan's Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) is one of several automotive organisations involved in the bone-scanning project, called BOSCOS (Bone Scanning for Occupant Safety). The aim of the project is to research and develop technology which can adjust the deployment of on-board safety systems to account for the density of the occupants' bone structure.

In recent years, huge progress has been made in occupant protection from the introduction of seat-belt pre-tensioners, steering wheel mounted airbags, then passenger, side- and curtain airbags. The BOSCOS project is intended to take these safety devices to the next level of effectiveness.

Research taken from analysis has shown that injuries such as fractured ribs and sternum result from the deployment of airbags and the high forces that are applied when seatbelts are used in real-world accidents. In particular, older drivers and passengers who have weaker bones or medical conditions such as osteoporosis, can suffer from fractures as a result of the deployment of airbags and seatbelts.

The bone-scanning system works by using ultrasound technology to analyse the bone density of the occupants and it can then adjust the force of the airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners to maximise the protection offered by those devices, and at the same time help keep to a minimum the risk of injury as a direct result of their deployment.

To analyse the bone density, occupants place their finger in an aperture upon starting the car and an ultrasound reader measures their bone density. With the results recorded, the various safety devices will calculate the optimum level of deployment to protect the occupants, whilst keeping to a minimum their risk of injury.

Although the deployment of airbags and the momentary high forces exerted on the chest by the seatbelt during real-world accidents can occasionally cause injuries, it is well known that these injuries are significantly less serious than the injury that would likely occur to the occupants without the intervention of a seatbelt and airbag.

At the moment, there is no schedule for when this technology will first be employed on a commercially available vehicle.

The consortium includes: the Cranfield Impact Centre, part of Cranfield University's School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science and TRW Automotive. NTCE is Nissan's engineering and development facility in Europe. With sites in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels and Germany, NTCE employs 700 people who work on European projects, as well as projects for non-European markets.

Source:
Nissan Europe

Thieves Thwarted as Tracker Traces BMWs Galore!

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BMWs worth £824,000 were returned to their rightful owners during July, thanks to TRACKER.

Monthly figures compiled by the UK's most successful stolen vehicle recovery system operators, show that TRACKER thwarted thieves out of 28 BMWs - 14 were of the X5 4x4 model worth in total £478,000. The most valuable of the marque was the exclusive 645CI model valued £68,000.

Figures from TRACKER show that it seems UK thieves favour Germanic cars as 24 Mercedes, worth £778,500, were also recovered by TRACKER during July. Of the 121 cars, lorries, light commercial vehicles and heavy plant machinery stolen and recovered by TRACKER during the month, the highest valued vehicle was an £80,000 Mercedes SL55 AMG traced within the London borough it was stolen from.

Other TRACKER successes include £168,000 worth of Audis, several Land Rovers including the recently launched Discovery III worth a combined £86,000, nearly £90,000 worth of Subaru Imprezas, three Porsches (£160,000) and an Avondale caravan which tows in at £15,000.

Combining the £255,000 worth of heavy plant machinery recovered, TRACKER traced £2.85 million worth of vehicles during July. Alarmingly, nearly 70 per cent of those recovered were down to "key thefts", whereby thieves steal the vehicles' keys first.

Parita Patel, Marketing Manager for TRACKER, said: "Clearly, as our recovery figures show, equipping your vehicle with a state-of-the-art stolen vehicle recovery system is a necessity if you value it and you don't want it to fall permanently into the hands of thieves."

TRACKER has retrieved more than 14,000 stolen vehicles since 1993, valued at more than £276 million and has led the police to the arrest of over 1,650 vehicle thieves. The system is approved by 36 vehicle manufacturers. For more information, log on to www.TRACKER.co.uk or call 0500 09 09 09.

THINK! 'Make Time for a Break' This Bank Holiday Weekend

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The THINK! road safety campaign is alerting drivers who are making long journeys this Bank Holiday weekend to make sure they plan their journeys carefully and always 'Make Time for a Break'.

It is estimated that over 300 people are killed each year in sleep related crashes. In the run up to the August bank holiday, when thousands of people take to their cars for a summer getaway or to visit family and friends, hard-hitting radio adverts will highlight the risks of driving tired.

The Department has also linked with organisations that are supporting the campaign to deliver and reinforce the driver tiredness messages to drivers at key times throughout their journey.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said:
"As the Bank Holiday approaches we want drivers to plan their journeys carefully and make time for a break every two hours. Drivers need to remember that taking a short break really can make the difference between life and death."

To avoid the dangers of driving tired the DfT recommends: * Plan your journey to include a 15 minute break every two hours of driving;

• Don't start your journey tired. Be aware of the risks if you have to get up unusually early to start your trip, or have a long drive home after a full day's work;


• If you start to feel sleepy find a safe place to stop (not the hard shoulder of a motorway) as soon as possible;


• An effective method to combating driver sleepiness is to drink 2 cups of coffee or other high caffeine drink and to have a rest for 10-15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in; * Opening the window or turning up the radio does little to prevent a driver from falling asleep at the wheel.

Research Material:
The campaign, which also includes leaflets and posters, reinforces the message 'Tiredness kills. Make time for a break'. The radio adverts and campaign materials can be viewed and ordered from the THINK! website at: www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

The DfT is spending approximately £650,000 during 2005/06 on 'THINK! Tiredness kills. Make time for a break' messages.

Partners and the ways they are involved in the driver tiredness campaign are listed in the table below:

Partners Activity

• Moto is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver tiredness campaign by hosting events at selected service areas.


• Multimap is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver tiredness campaign by including 'take a break' messages in their route finder directions page.


• M6 Toll is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver tiredness campaign by distributing the campaign leaflet.


• First Motorway is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver Motorway tiredness campaign by displaying campaign posters and distributing the campaign leaflet.


• Little Chef is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver tiredness campaign by displaying online content.


• RoadChef is supporting the DfT's THINK! driver tiredness campaign by distributing the campaign leaflet.

Department for Transport Website
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is a unique scheme for UK motorists that significantly reduces servicing, MOT, repair and breakdown costs.

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Mitsubishi Concept Sportback

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has released a range of exterior images of its latest concept car, the Concept-Sportback. Set to make its world debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback gives very clear indications of the company's vision for its next generation of C-segment cars and debuts its design inspiration for a new European 5-doorsports hatchback.


(Click on the photo to enlarge. High resolution versions are available)


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Talk Safe, Text Safe, Stay Safe

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Almost one third of adolescents sometimes or often cross a road using a mobile phone and forget to look properly* according to the RAC Foundation and children's charity 4Children. Last year 3,232 teens aged 11-16 were killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads.

The Foundation and 4Children are concerned that the massive increase in mobile phone use amongst teens is adding to road safety dangers.

Children are the fastest growing group