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.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300

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 of mobile phone users, with most parents purchasing mobiles for their children due to issues around children's safety. Ironically the mobiles may be making children more vulnerable particularly when crossing the road.

Figures show that amongst 11-16 year olds:

• 90% of over 10's now have a mobile.


• 5% very often cross the road using a mobile and not looking properly.


• 7% fairly often cross the road using a mobile and not looking properly.


• 18% sometimes cross the road using a mobile and not looking properly.


• 41% have been involved in a "near miss" as a pedestrian.


• Almost one in ten teenagers who have been involved in accidents say that they were not looking or paying attention.

The most recent casualty figures show an 8% fall in number of people killed in road accidents from 2003 to 2004. The figures also show that 34,351 people were killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2004, 8% fewer than in 2003.

The statistics show:

• 8% reduction in fatalities from 3,508 in 2003 to 3,221 in 2004.


• Child casualties fell by 3%.


• The number of children (0 - 16) killed or seriously injured in 2004 was 3905 (down 5% on 2003).


• According to DFT traffic is the biggest single cause of accidental death for 12-16 year olds.


• 50% of 5-10 year olds walk to school.


• 44% 11-16 year olds walk to school.

Whilst reductions in casualties are very encouraging, the RAC Foundation points out that we still have a long way to go with our road safety record. There are still 94 people a day killed or seriously injured on the roads in Great Britain, 11% of whom are children. The Foundation and 4Children are concerned that the increased use of mobile phones, texting and iPods whilst out and about, puts teenagers more at risk while crossing the road.

Research suggests that teens often see road safety as juvenile and they feel invulnerable. Many teens will give cursory glances left and right whilst crossing the road but will not pay full attention. Using a mobile phone, listening to a personal stereo or talking to friends can reduce the level of attention.

The RAC Foundation and 4Children have raised these concerns with the Department for Transport and are delighted that these issues will be addressed in a major new commercial, targeting teenage pedestrians, which will go to air for the first time on 20 August during the X Factor on ITV and will run until 11 September in teen programming.

The RAC Foundation has produced a list of key improvements to Road Safety we would like to see implemented to ensure that the current trend of reductions in casualties on our roads continue:

• Insufficient importance is given to the education of pedestrians and road users, especially during their formative years. The introduction of a 'road safety' module into the national curriculum could improve road safety.


• Motoring penalties should be supplemented with courses to re-educate drivers such as nationwide speed awareness courses.


• Re-training should be offered as an alternative to, or part of criminal proceedings or sentence, depending on the nature or circumstances of the offence.


• A review of speed limits should be undertaken to ensure that they are appropriate for the type of road along with more flexible speed limits relating to time of day or conditions. Wider use of flashing lights outside schools during peak periods would help drivers to be aware of the dangers.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said

" We are delighted that the Government's Think! Campaign is to target inattention amongst teens. We have been concerned for some time that the increased use of mobile phones and personal stereos amongst teen pedestrians was adding to road safety hazards. Listening to Busted and phone videoing your friends whilst crossing the road is not conducive to road safety."

"Drivers should also be aware of extra dangers when children are round and slow down and expect the unexpected. Children often run across the road to join friends without checking for traffic".

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children said;

"4Children is dedicated to the care and development of all children, parents and families. We have been working with the RAC Foundation for sometime to find ways of getting crucial road safety messages across to children. We are delighted that some of these messages are to be highlighted in new Think! Commercials".

Research Material:

RAC Web Site

*"Adolescent road user behaviour: A survey of 11-16 year olds", TRL report 561 prepared for Road Safety Division, DFT.

• 4Children is the national charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for all children. A child centred and family focused organisation dedicated to the care, education and personal development of children, 4Children aspires to ensure that all children, young people and families have access to a creative, safe and child focused environment, and activities.


• 4Children provides an information line for parents and childcare professionals with advice and support on all aspects of childcare, including details of out of school clubs in your area. Information line 020 7512 2100 or visit the website at www.4Children.org.uk

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!

Don't Shoot The Messenger

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Universally loathed, traffic wardens have always faced abuse during their working day. Recent research suggests that the management of the employing companies and councils have much to answer to and the parking attendants on your street are being exploited as much as the recipients of the millions of parking tickets issued each year.

With a typical pay rate of GBP5.50 an hour and a two-week training programme which fails to teach staff "when not to issue penalties", it is not surprising mistakes are frequent and even routine.

In many instances, office staff failed to respond properly to complaints and appeals from motorists. Letters were "very poorly drafted" and contained "undue bluntness, clumsy and legally inaccurate phraseology and inadequate proof-reading".

Of even more concern is the fact that many companies were also ignoring industry guidelines discouraging them from setting targets for the number of tickets their parking attendants issue. This practice has been widely discredited because of evidence that wardens break the rules to meet their targets, such as by failing to allow drivers the usual observation period before issuing a ticket. One warden based in Westminster issued 1,444 tickets in a month after his employer, NCP, offered a Vauxhall Corsa worth GBP12,000 to the warden who imposed the most fines.

Learn the rules, regulations and how to appeal against your parking ticket:
http://www.parkingticket.co.uk
http://www.ticketbusters.co.uk
http://www.parking-appeals.gov.uk

Read the Label

In other news, all new cars are now required to clearly display their carbon dioxide emission level both on the forecourt and in showrooms, and the first colour-coded labels denoting emissions have begun to be displayed on new cars. The nationwide scheme will be mandatory from September but 24 participating dealerships in the Guildford area are piloting the labels. Besides giving carbon dioxide ratings, the labels also show estimated annual running costs, based on tax bandings and average fuel consumption. It is hoped that they will enable consumers to make comparisons between models more easily and may reinforce the current trend towards greener motoring.

Research Material:

As one of the UK's largest independent van, car and bike insurance brokers, QuoteA offers offering cheap online insurance quotes. With more than 250 dedicated members of staff on hand, QuoteA prides itself on top quality customer service.

www.quotea.co.uk

Vcheck Car Data Checks

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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.

Vcheck Used Car, Van and Motorbike History Check

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

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!

Ethanol vs. Gasoline

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Home-Grown Fuel Source More Widespread As Gas Prices Hit Highs

As the price of gas hits record highs, alternative fuel sources continue to be debated. One alternative fuel which has been touted for years as a renewable, low-emission resource that could replace oil is gaining momentum.

More than four million vehicles on the road today can run on gasoline as well as ethanol, the clean-burning fuel made from corn and other biomass sources. The number of stations in the US offering ethanol has also jumped 60 percent since the beginning of the year.

Current flexible fuel vehicles can run on as much as 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. A gallon of ethanol is 20 to 30 cents less than regular gasoline, with little difference in ease-of-use at the pump or car performance. General Motors says as much as 30 percent of our gasoline consumption could be replaced by ethanol if it were to become available across the country.

Media:



Related Articles:

• The Ethanol Boom
  
• First Ford Flexi-Fuel in Britain
• Ford Leads With Bio-Ethanol Powered Cars For Europe
• Saab 9-5 BioPower Flex-Fuel Launched in the UK
• Competing With Hybrids
• Global Alliance for Hybrid Drive Development
• Debate Over Clean Car Technology Rages On
• Enova Furthers Hybrid Drive Market Capture in U.K. and Asia
• Greener Motoring Showcase Opens in Birmingham
• Action to Make Transport Fuels Greener
• Volkswagen to Make Hybrid Cars with China

£1bn Road Shortfall Maintains Car Damage Problem

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Poor road surfaces continue to account for nearly 1 in 6^*1 vehicle failures as the shortfall in annual road maintenance funding hits the £1bn mark^*2.

According to a study by independent automotive warranty firm, Warranty Direct, 17.1 percent of reported car failures for the first eight months of 2005 are the result of suspension and axle damage, linked to potholes. The average cost of repair, so far, stands at £276.07 - compared to £185.84 in 2000.


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

Warranty Direct has recorded a 42 percent increase in the number of claims it handles where the vehicle owner subsequently refers the cost to local authorities for compensation over the past 12 months.

The most recent survey by ALARM (Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance)^*2 revealed increases in claims by road users against local authorities for damage to vehicles due to road structural conditions over the past 10 years of 60 percent in England (exc London), a staggering 187% in Wales and 43% in London. It also revealed a near £1bn shortfall in road maintenance funding for 2004, an increase of almost 50 percent.

Either continuous driving over cracked or uneven road surfaces, or the sudden jolting of a deep pothole, can cause damage to shock absorbers, springs, upper and lower arms and stabiliser bars.

Regionally, Anglia recorded the largest share of all claims attributable to a road defect for one region. At 28.35 percent, it was up by more than half compared to 2004. More than 1 in 5 claims from motorists in the North East and Scotland were the result of poor road conditions.

Greater London crept above the national average to 17.74 percent of failures compared to 13.99 percent in 2004. The rise left the local authority with a £392,000 compensation bill.

Table showing percentage of all suspension and axle failures:

Pos	Region	Percentage
1.	Anglia	28.35
2.	Scotland	21.43
3.	North East	21.07
4.	Greater London	17.74
5.	East Midlands	16.52
6.	North West	14.78
7.	South East	13.60
8.	Wales	12.56
9.	South West	12.50
10.	West Midlands	12.47

Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure Fisher commented: "It is fast becoming a Catch 22 for the local authorities. Under funding, poor and potentially dangerous road surfaces, and a diversion of much needed finances to deal with the marked increase in compensation claims.

"Last year, our research highlighted the link between poor road conditions and a 47 percent rise in suspension failures over a five year period. Twelve months on, the problem remains and there are no signs that matters will improve in the short-term," McClure Fisher added.

In 2004, local authorities in England paid out more than £810,000*2 in compensation. Records for Wales show a similar sum of £790,000^*2.

Vehicle reliability data is available on www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Based on data gathered from millions of pounds worth of claims handled every year by leading independent automotive warranty supplier, Warranty Direct, the Reliability Index provides the car buyer with a valuable insight into the good, bad and ugly of the motoring community.

Visitors to the website are able to examine a host of data including the average cost of repair and length of time it should spend in the garage. Importantly it also plots the chances of your chosen model suffering from engine meltdown, transmission hiccups, air-conditioning failure and axle or suspension trouble.

Notes:
^*1 According to Warranty Direct data as at 1st August 2005.
^*2 2005 Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey

Research Material:
Launched in 1997, Warranty Direct was the first direct personal Warranty Company operating in the UK. As a privately owned insurance intermediary, the firm operates within the automotive and household electrical markets. Its Reliability Index is featured in What Car? Magazine.

All Warranty Direct policies are underwritten by Cassidy Davis Insurance Group. Founded in 1977 Cassidy Davis Insurance Group is the specialist personal lines division of The St Paul at Lloyd's. The St Paul at Lloyd's is wholly owned by The St Paul Companies Inc (a world-wide insurance organisation founded in 1853 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA which has assets in excess of US$38 billion).

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!

Kia Makes History in the Humber

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Monday 15 August was a day of firsts at the Humber Sea Terminal, as it welcomed the first ever Deep Sea Pure Car Carrier to enter the Humber carrying 2400 Kia vehicles.

The ship "MV Crystal Ray" owned by Eukor, is to be the first of many to bring Kias to Killingholme, a port chosen by Kia for its river berths, excellent central location, land availability and quality of its specialist services.


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

As one of the fastest growing brands in the UK new car market, Kia outgrew its current operation in Sheerness and the new facility enables Kia to enhance logistics and vehicle preparation to meet future volume targets of 100,000 units by 2010.

During the remainder of 2005, over 20,000 Kia vehicles will pass through the site and in 2006 this will rise to 60,000.

Latent Need for Better Safety Features Promises Opportunities for European Automobile Manufacturers

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With the growing awareness of safety levels among drivers in Europe, automobile manufacturers expect a significant increase in demand for safety features. Although around 68.0 per cent of the respondents in this Frost & Sullivan study believe they have sufficient safety features, a significant 55.0 per cent acknowledged the need for additional safety mechanisms in their vehicles, thus reflecting the expectations of the manufacturers.

The study identified that the perceptions and desirability of respondents differ across countries. For instance, while Italian drivers are more likely to consider themselves good drivers (37.3 per cent), the majority of Spanish (72.3 per cent) and UK (61.5 per cent) drivers feel the need for additional safety features. Further, vehicle owners associate the concept of "vehicle safety" with features that protect occupants in the event of a collision rather than those that prevent accidents, indicating a strong inclination to associate safety technologies with traditional, passive safety features than with more advanced, active features.

"While differences exist in perceptions and desirability across countries, 'traditional,' occupant protection and braking technologies are preferred over newer active technologies across Europe," notes Frost & Sullivan (http://automotive.frost.com) Programme Manager Anil Valsan. "While anti-lock braking system (ABS) was the most preferred enhanced braking option, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and driver drowsiness warning (DDW) were accorded priority among the features that warn drivers of potential risks."

With the tendency of respondents to perceive vehicle safety as passive protection, it is not surprising that majority of respondents across Europe desire front and side airbags. What is worth noting is that respondents generally perceive more value in occupant detection systems than additional airbags.

Among features that aid driver vision, blind spot detection (BSD) and night vision system (NVS) were the most desirable features across Europe, with the exception of the United Kingdom. While European drivers generally accept different levels of adaptive cruise control (ACC), the study found UK drivers least likely to prefer anything beyond the basic ACC. Also, among features that help maintain the correct speed, intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) with warning was the most preferred option, whereas the technology that prevented drivers from exceeding the speed limit was the least preferred by respondents.

Only a small per cent of respondents were concerned about collisions with pedestrians. The concern was higher in Italy and Spain, reflecting the driving conditions in theses countries. However, a third of the respondents are willing to buy a vehicle that offers pedestrian protection, even if it costs more.

Although a reliable and proven technology was the most important attribute influencing the decision to purchase safety features, Frost & Sullivan also identified a number of regional differences. For instance, while manufacturers' reputation was among the least influencing factor across Europe, it had considerable influence on drivers with young children in France and on D and E segment drivers in Germany.

The study also found that the overall awareness of the European new car assessment programme (Euro NCAP) is low across Europe, with the highest being in France (36.0 per cent) and lowest in Italy (22.0 per cent). The prevailing opinion was that a Euro NCAP rating is insufficient to assess vehicle safety and that it should also administer more impact scenarios. Despite this, Euro NCAP ratings were found to be influential in purchase decisions, with 21.0 per cent of respondents more likely to purchase a vehicle with a good rating and 32.0 per cent admitting to considering the vehicle as a purchase option.

The study saw respondents consistently underestimating the price of existing safety features, indicating a clear lack of awareness about the cost of these features. With the existence of a psychological pricing "sweet spot", manufacturers can increase the uptake of safety features by pricing them closer to this range while simultaneously raising awareness levels through driver education.

Frost & Sullivan estimates that the European market for active and passive safety systems could generate over EUR6.60 billion by 2010, with active systems contributing over 53.0 per cent of the revenues. "However, manufacturers are facing a market that is currently resistant to new, active safety technologies and most of this is due to a lack of awareness," says Valsan. "Hence, the success of a safety technology is likely to depend on how well manufacturers communicate and educate drivers in the value of these technologies and their ability to enhance safety.

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 Strategic Analysis of Active and Passive Safety Systems in Europe - Customer Desirability and Willingness to Pay (Passenger Vehicles), 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.

To view graphs indicating the perceived importance of technology in overall vehicle safety and showing awareness levels of Euro NCAP please go to: www.frost.com/pressB505

Background:
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.

List of key industry participants: Audi, Autoliv, Benteler, BMW, Bridgestone / Firestone, Daimler Chrysler, Denso, Faurecia, Fiat, Ford, Hella KG Hueck, Hyundai, Johnson Controls, Lear, Magna International, Magneti Marelli, Michelin, Pirelli, PSA, Renault, Robert Bosch, Saab, Siemens VDO, Takata Petri, Thyssenkrupp Automotive, Toyota, TRW, Valeo, Visteon, Volkswagen, ZF Friedrichafen

Source:
Frost & Sullivan
Web Site - http://www.frost.com

GM, Bosch Team with Stanford on Technology to Make Gas Engines 20 Percent More Efficient, with Near-Zero Emissions

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General Motors Corp., the Robert Bosch Corp., and Stanford University are developing a cost-effective engine technology that makes gasoline engines much more efficient and diesel engines much cleaner, for both conventional and hybrid propulsion systems.

Under a three-year, $2.5 million program announced today, GM, Bosch and Stanford researchers will work to accelerate the development of Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition, or HCCI, which is a research technology that has the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of gasoline and hybrid propulsion systems by more efficiently burning the fuel. HCCI could enable the improvement of gasoline engine fuel efficiency by 20 percent, while achieving near-zero oxide of nitrogen (NOx) emissions and particulates - contributors to ozone depletion and smog.

According to Dr. Gary Smyth, director of Powertrain Systems Research Lab, GM Research & Development and Strategic Planning, "It is GM's goal to develop and demonstrate the viability of HCCI -- a clean, efficient combustion process -- within the next few years. The joint program will allow us to expand the scope of controls, sensors, and actuators work beyond what we're already doing toward this goal."

This technology is attractive, as HCCI engines have the potential to provide a dramatic increase in fuel efficiency over conventional port fuel-injection spark-ignition engines and can run with diesel-like efficiency, but produce near zero particulates and very low NOx emissions. "For example," Smyth said, "gasoline engines could achieve 80% of diesel engine efficiency for about 50 percent of the cost."

In the HCCI engine, fuel is uniformly mixed with air (hence, "homogeneous charge), as in a spark-ignition engine, but with a higher proportion of air to fuel. Rather than using a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture, however, the mixture is compressed by the piston until rising temperatures inside the chamber ignites it spontaneously - a process similar to that used in a diesel engine (hence, "compression ignition"), but at a much lower temperature. The lower combustion temperature combined with the high ratio of air to fuel, known as lean operation, virtually eliminates NOx emissions and lowers throttling losses, which leads to a significant boost in fuel economy.

Despite the advantages offered by HCCI engines, controlling HCCI combustion in the real-world environment versus the lab environment is a major hurdle for its commercialization, according to Dr. Patrick Popp, director of Electrical & Controls Integration Lab, GM Research & Development and Strategic Planning. "For it to be successful, HCCI will require development of advanced control technology and systems to make it robust. The development of critical sensors and actuators, along with control systems, will allow us to maximize the performance of the combustion system during transient operation, and comprehend the variation in fuels found around the globe."

Dr. Rolf Leonhard, executive vice president, Engineering Gasoline Systems Division, Robert Bosch GmbH, believes that HCCI could be a very promising technology for future generations of gasoline engines. "It is simply a better way to combust, providing large gains in fuel economy," Leonhard stated. "Due to the 'cold' HCCI combustion, engine raw emissions can be drastically reduced, offering the potential to meet emission standards with a cost effective three-way catalyst. However, stable and satisfactory operation of an HCCI engine is not possible without further development and sophistication of sensors, actuators and feedback control systems. The goal at the end of the day will be to suggest a complete engine controls solution that is both robust and cost effective."

The Bosch Group, specifically the Bosch Research and Technology Center (Bosch RTC) in Palo Alto, CA, in conjunction with Stanford, have already been working on advanced system technology for HCCI combustion control. During the same timeframe, GM's global research and development team, in cooperation with a number of other universities and suppliers in both North America and Europe, has developed an HCCI combustion system concept, base engine architecture, and operating strategy that allows the operation of HCCI over a broad engine speed and load range.

The interaction between industrial and academic researchers is central to this project. "Stanford's real strength is the ability to offer new perspectives on problems," stated Professor Chris Gerdes of Stanford University. "In the case of HCCI, we have demonstrated how the physics of combustion can be used as a model for the control system, tightly linking the fields of combustion and control. We are excited to now be partnered with GM and Bosch to help bring these ideas from the lab to the road," Gerdes said.

According to Dr. Smyth, the joint program nicely blends the two company's needs, as GM explores the potential commercial implementation of HCCI engines, and Bosch strives to develop the technologies critical to the manufacture of key HCCI sensors and actuators. "We bring engine, combustion and control system experience along with key operating strategies," Dr. Smyth said. "Bosch and Stanford supply control system experience along with knowledge associated with critical sensors and actuators."

General Motors Corporation

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader since 1931. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 317,000 people around the world. It has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 200 countries. In 2004, GM sold nearly 9 million cars and trucks globally, up 4 percent and the second-highest total in the company's history. GM's global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Bosch Group

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.

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, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs nearly 23,000 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout North America and reported sales of $7.8 billion in 2004. For more information, visit www.boschus.com.

Stanford University

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Its current community of scholars includes 16 Nobel Prize winners, four Pulitzer Prize recipients and 22 MacArthur Fellows. Because of the academic excellence of its more than 1,700 faculty members, Stanford is uniquely positioned to pursue interdisciplinary solutions to the world's most daunting problems. The areas of excellence cross disciplines and range from the humanities to social sciences to engineering and the sciences, and the professions of business, education, law and medicine. Stanford's 14,000 students--7,500 graduate students and 6,500 undergraduate students--are drawn from an international pool of accomplished and talented young scholars.

Honda Reveals Next Generation Civic Engines

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A new British-built petrol engine and an improved IMA Hybrid will ensure that new Civic range drives as good as it looks

• All new 1.8 i-VTEC gives 2.0 litre performance with 1.5 litre economy


• Improved Hybrid system achieves significantly improved efficiency

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

1.8 i-VTEC
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently announced that it has developed a new 1.8 i-VTEC engine to be introduced in the new Civic that achieves both more powerful performance and improved fuel economy. The engine employs an intelligent VTEC system that switches the valve timing for maximum efficiency during startup and acceleration to achieve powerful, torquey performance, then delays intake valve closure timing during cruising and other low-load conditions for improved fuel economy. Use of the valve timing control system results in off-the-line acceleration performance equivalent to a 2.0-litre engine, fuel economy better than the current 1.6-litre Civic engine, making it one of the world's most efficient 1.8-litre engine designs. During cruising, the new engine achieves particularly high fuel economy, on a par with that of a 1.5-litre engine.


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

Under low-load conditions on conventional engine, the throttle valve is normally partly closed to control the intake volume of the fuel-air mixture. During this time, pumping losses are incurred due to intake resistance, and this is one factor that leads to reduced engine efficiency. With the i-VTEC engine, however, intake valve closure timing is delayed to control the intake volume of the air-fuel mixture, allowing the throttle valve to remain wide open even under low-load conditions for a major reduction in pumping losses of up to 16%. Combined with comprehensive friction-reducing measures, this results in a significant increase in fuel efficiency for the engine itself.


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

A DBW (Drive By Wire) system provides high-precision control over the throttle valve while the valve timing is being changed over, ensuring smooth driving performance that leaves the driver unaware of any torque fluctuations. Other innovations include a variable-length intake manifold that delivers optimum inertia effect to further improve intake efficiency and piston oil jets that cool the pistons to suppress engine knocking, for powerful torque at rpm ranges typical in normal driving. The new engine delivers a high level of performance, with maximum output of 103 kW (140 PS) and maximum torque of 174 Nm (17.7 kgm). It also delivers cleaner emission performance, employing a 2-bed catalytic converter positioned immediately after the manifold and high-precision air-fuel ratio control to achieve low emission levels.


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

In addition, lower block construction resulting in a more rigid engine frame, aluminium rocker arms, high-strength cracked connecting rods, a narrow, silent cam chain, and other innovations make the engine more compact and lightweight.

The Civic has a tradition of featuring new technologies. In 1974, the world saw the introduction of the CVCC engine - a revolutionary powertrain incorporating a revolutionary technology of drastically reducing emissions without the use of a catalytic converter. The original VTEC technology that variably controlled engine valve timing, to achieve both high fuel efficiency and high output, was introduced into the Civic model in 1989.

With the application of the 1.8 i-VTEC engine into the new Civic, Honda keeps up the tradition of introducing advanced technology into cars of affordable price segments, contrary to the general trend in the industry to adopt a "top-down" approach.

Specifications for the 1.8 i-VTEC engine

Engine type and number of cylinders	Water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder
Displacement (cc)	1,798
Bore x Stroke (mm)	81 x 87.3
Max. Output (kW [PS]/rpm)	103 [140]/6,300
Max. Torque (Nm [kgm]/rpm)	174 [17.7]/4,300
Compression Ratio	10.5

*All values according to Honda in-house calculations

New Honda Hybrid System
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it has developed a New Honda Hybrid System, which features a 3-stage i-VTEC engine that employs Honda's intelligent VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm, and cylinder idle mode), combined with Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system that has been made significantly more compact and efficient. The New Honda Hybrid System will be introduced in the all-new Civic Hybrid, to be launched in 2006.


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

The New Honda Hybrid System employs intelligent engine functions and a more efficient IMA system to achieve an approximate 20% increase in system output over the current system, giving a powerful performance of a 1.8-litre engine while improving fuel economy, reducing the system size by 5% and attainting a world-leading level of emissions performance. The system offers significantly improved performance and fuel economy over the current system.

The 3-stage i-VTEC engine employs three hydraulic pathways to couple and uncouple five rocker arm assemblies, providing three stages of valve control depending on the driving conditions to achieve a combination of responsive driving and fuel economy. During deceleration when the cylinders are idle, combustion in all four cylinders is halted and the cylinders sealed shut, reducing pumping losses caused by engine aspiration for a 10% improvement in recovery of braking energy compared to the current Civic IMA. Virtually everything possible has been done to reduce friction as well, including the use of aluminum die-cast pistons, which feature low thermal expansion for less friction under high-temperature conditions, ion-plated piston rings, and plateau honing of the cylinder walls for a smoother surface.


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

Honda's independently developed electric motor employs coils with high-density windings and high-performance magnets to attain output 1.5 times that of the current model while maintaining the same size. The inverter used to control motor speed-also independently developed and manufactured by Honda-is integrated with the motor's ECU for more precise digital control, contributing to even greater motor efficiency and fuel economy. Battery output has been increased by around 30% over the current model, while a more compact, custom designed battery storage box offers increased cooling performance and vibration resistance for improved long-term reliability.

Also, a dynamic regenerative braking system is employed that hydraulically controls the brakes based on the amount of brake regeneration. This permits maximum braking regeneration along with smooth deceleration that conforms to brake-pedal pressure. The air conditioner features a hybrid compressor that is powered by both the engine and the motor. When the engine is in Idle Stop mode the compressor is powered by the motor; if rapid cooling is required it is powered by the engine and motor combined. When the temperature is stable it runs off the motor alone, for both improved comfort and fuel savings.

New Honda Hybrid System Modes of Operation

Vehicle stationary
The engine is turned off and fuel consumption is zero.

Startup and acceleration
The engine operates in low-speed valve timing mode, with motor assist.

Rapid acceleration
The engine operates in high-speed valve timing mode, with motor assist.

Low-speed cruising
The valves of all four of the engine's cylinders are closed and combustion halted. The motor alone powers the vehicle.

Gentle acceleration and high-speed cruising
The engine operating in low-speed valve timing mode powers the vehicle.

Deceleration
The valves of all four of the engine's cylinders are closed and combustion halted. The motor recovers the maximum amount of energy released during deceleration and stores it in the battery.

Frustrated Fatal Fridays

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Motorists travelling on a Friday evening between 4 and 7pm on busy motorways are more likely to be killed or seriously injured and should be prepared for longer delays as this is the most dangerous and congested time to be on the roads, according to RAC Foundation research released today (12) during National Motorway Month.

Those on the western section of the M25 should be prepared for even longer delays - as this is the most congested time and place on the UK motorway network.

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 will run through the busy holiday month of August.

The RAC Foundation has analysed the Government's "Road Casualties Great Britain Report:2003" and found that more car users are killed or seriously injured on Friday late afternoon / early evening than at any other time during the week. The figures show that on Fridays:

Between 8 - 9 am 95 car users killed or seriously injured
Between 9 - 10 am 115 car users killed or seriously injured
Between 4 -5 pm 205 car users killed or seriously injured
Between 5- 6 pm 175 car users killed or seriously injured
Between 6 - 7 pm 182 car users killed or seriously injured.

The average numbers killed or seriously injured between 4 - 5 pm Monday - Friday is 158, which is 25 per cent lower than the Friday figure. This "fatal Friday phenomenon" may be due to motorists switching off early, fatigue after a long week and lack of concentration due to the: "Thank God It's Friday" effect.

The RAC Foundation and Trafficmaster have found that: the worst days of the week for congestion are:

1. Friday


2. Thursday


3. Wednesday


4. Tuesday


5. Monday


6. Sunday


7. Saturday

Around seven per cent of the motorway and trunk road network suffers heavy congestion at peak times and a further 13 per cent does so on at least half the days of the year, according to the National Motorway Month research. August is the busiest month on the motorways.

The busiest single link on the motorway network in 2003 was the western section of the M25 (junctions 13 - 14) with 196,000 vehicles per day. However, due to road works on this section, in 2004 the busiest motorway link (carrying 181,000 vehicles per day) was between junctions 16 and 17 on the M60.

The average flow for the M25 as a whole was considerably higher than that of the next busiest motorways, the M60, M27, M1, M6 (south of the M62) and M62 (east of the Pennines at junction 22). The M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh was the busiest motorway in Scotland.

In 2004, motorways accounted for less than one per cent of road length, but carried 19 per cent of all traffic in England. In Scotland and Wales, motorways carried 14 and 12 per cent of traffic respectively. The North West and South East had the highest percentages of traffic on motorways at 31 and 26 per cent respectively, with the North East and London motorways carrying the lowest percentage of traffic (five and six per cent respectively). Average traffic speeds on trunk roads (including motorways) fell between 1995 and 2003 at all times of the day*, and recent research has shown that congestion on motorways is a serious problem for nearly one third of people**.

In a recent survey***, road works were considered to be the main and most annoying cause of congestion, followed by the overall level of traffic. However research has found that actually only 10 per cent of congestion is caused by road works, whereas 25 per cent is caused by accidents, and 65 per cent by volume of traffic. The average time taken to clear motorways after a major incident, or accident is currently around 5.5 hours.****

The survey also revealed that of those who had used a motorway in the last six months, almost half said they had experienced congestion at some point during their last journey and the majority said they had experienced some or all of this congestion on the motorway section of their journey.

Forty eight per cent of those who had experienced congestion on their last journey involving a motorway said the congestion had added over half an hour to their journey time.

The National Motorway Month partners are today calling for more innovative measures to help cut congestion on our motorways and have produced a list of top priorities for helping ease congestion on the motorway network:

1. Real Time Information: The main reason people find congestion annoying is because it makes their journey time unpredictable. The National Motorway Month group believes much of this frustration could be avoided if better real time information was provided to motorists. Currently, only 16 per cent of motorway drivers check the local traffic conditions before setting out on their journey. Of those that did check, 69 per cent had listened to a radio traffic bulletin and 19 per cent had checked Teletext or Ceefax. Greater use of technology such as that on the M8 near Glasgow which shows actual journey times to destinations at various points further along the motorway which also allows other, alternative routes to be considered, would help.


2. Stopping rubberneckers - The Highways Agency has announced the trialling of a new screening device, aimed at keeping speeds up on the motorways and stopping drivers from being distracted by roadside accidents. If the trial is successful, the Motorway Month partners would like to see this idea rolled out across the UK motorway network.


3. Traffic management measures - Highways Agency and the Scottish Executive should adopt more radical traffic management measures such as more variable speed limits, ramp metering and dedicated lanes, in order to help reduce congestion. In its Motoring Towards 2050 report, the RAC Foundation estimated that these measures could reduce congestion by some 10 -15 per cent.


4. Merge in Turn signs - Further use of "Merge in Turn" signs at road works, asking motorists to 'use both lanes', should be considered. These are widely used in Scotland and research has found them effective at cutting nearside lane queuing at road works, and in persuading drivers to develop a measure of give and take when merging.


5. Quicker police clear up of accidents - Computer controlled digital image recorders and evidence gatherers, which can record a series of images at any angle at the scene of an incident including an overhead view, could help reduce the time that a road is closed after a collision. These allow police officers to conduct their work at the scene of an incident in a more timely fashion. Such technology should be thoroughly trialled with a view to investment.


6. Traffic Officers - The Highways Agency is rolling out traffic officers across its network over the next 12 months. Traffic officers are there to help drivers get moving again after incidents and working with the police to clear delays more quickly. A network of seven new regional traffic control centres will help the police and Highways Agency manage traffic more effectively. Scotland has recently seen the introduction of incident response vehicles to expedite accident clear up on some motorways and trunk roads.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said:

"Motorway congestion is a very serious problem for many motorists, but there are some simple actions that can be taken to ease this. By introducing more variable speed limits, providing motorists with real-time information and using merge in turn signs, we could cut congestion and leave motorists able to enjoy their journey. Motorists will want to see real improvements on the motorways after the introduction of traffic officers."

"Effective traffic management will help but in the longer term we still need to see an expansion in capacity on our motorway network. It is better for the environment and economy to keep traffic on the motorway network rather than rat-running through towns and villages to avoid congestion."

"Motorists should be extra careful driving on a Friday evening as they are more likely to hit congestion or hit other cars."



Research Material:
* DfT Transport Trends 2004
**British Social Attitudes Survey (NatCen).
*** Attitudes to congestion on motorways and other roads - DfT March 2005
**** House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts - Tackling congestion by making better use of England's motorways and trunk roads, June 2005.

According to Trafficmaster the five worst stretches of motorway for congestion are:
1) M25 between J10 and J19 (Western section)
2) M4 between J4 and J12 (Heathrow to Reading)
3) M25 between J21 and J27 (St Albans to M11)
4) M6 between J16 and J22 (Crewe to Warrington)
5) M1 between J6A and J12 (Watford to Toddington)

The Highways Agency National Traffic Control Centre collects and analyses information on traffic conditions and flows from CCTV and in-road sensors. This real time information is available at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.

RAC Breakdown Cover

What Drives You To Fear?

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Nearly half of all motorists (46 per cent) say tailgaters are their worst motorway fear, followed by heavy goods vehicles overtaking them (22 per cent) according to the RAC Foundation today (16), launching the results of an NOP Automotive survey as part of National Motorway Month.

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

When asked what their biggest fears were on motorways respondents cited:

• 46 per cent - motorists who drive too close


• 22 per cent - HGV's overtaking


• 15 per cent - motorists driving too fast


• 5 per cent - getting pulled over by the traffic police for speeding


• 5 per cent per cent - joining/leaving the motorway


• 4 per cent - had no fear.

A survey of 15,000 vehicles for National Motorway Month last year found that 40 per cent of motorists travel too close to the car in front on motorways and more than 70 per cent of those motorists travelling in clusters were following too closely. Figures also show that trucks are involved in 22 per cent of fatal accidents but make up just 7 per cent of traffic.

Only five per cent of people fear getting pulled over by traffic police for speeding, suggesting that either we are a nation of law abiding motorists or that there is a perception speeders won't get caught due to the declining traffic police presence on our roads - and in particular on motorways.

When asked about road safety problems specific to motorways:

• 31 per cent of motorists think drug/drink drivers are the biggest road safety problem on motorways


• 13 per cent think drivers on hand held mobile phones


• 12 per cent think tired drivers


• 9 per cent think speeding drivers


• 6 per cent think congestion/volume of traffic


• 5 per cent think inexperienced drivers

Motorway month research has shown that there is very little information on the actual causes of accidents on motorways, and the groups involved in the campaign are now urging Government to review the mechanisms for recording accident data. What is known however includes:

• Close following is a contributory factor in more than one third of all personal injury accidents on the motorway network.


• Research commissioned by the Government found that falling asleep at the wheel accounts for up to 20 per cent of crashes on motorways or similar roads, and as many as one in ten of all crashes on Britain's roads.


• Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres.


• More than a third of accidents are caused by lane changes or unintentional lane departures.


• Two thirds of rear end collisions are caused by inattention.


• Research has also shown that with the exception of motorway sites, accident rates are lower during periods of heavy congestion than during uncongested conditions. For motorway sites, however, the accident rate in congested conditions was nearly twice the rate of those in uncongested conditions.

In France it was found that lack of attention (including fatigue and sleepiness) was a principal causes of fatal accidents on motorways in one in three accidents, speed and dangerous driving in one in four accidents, dangerous overtaking and driving too close in one in 15 accidents and alcohol, drugs or medication in one in five accidents.

Edmund King, executive director of RAC Foundation, said:

"Motorists are right to fear the tailgater on motorways. These drivers put their own lives and those of others on the line by driving too close."

"Sudden lane changes, often without indication, are causing a third of accidents. All drivers need to be more considerate in their motorway driving style. Too many drivers do not use their mirrors, do not signal and do not pay attention on motorways."

Other NOP Automotive survey results:

• 31 per cent of people in the Anglia region fear heavy goods vehicles overtaking most, compared to only 15 per cent of people in the West Country.


• 54 per cent of people in Granada and 55 per cent in the West Country fear motorists driving too close, compared to 31 per cent in Tyne Tees region


• 25 per cent of cabriolet or coupe drivers fear getting pulled over by traffic police for speeding, compared to three per cent of 4x4 drivers.


• 19 per cent of drivers under the age of 35 think inexperienced drivers are the biggest road safety problem on motorways.


• Half of people in the West Country think drink/drug drivers are the biggest road safety problem on motorways, compared to 16 per cent in the Tyne Tees region.


• 19 per cent of drivers in Yorkshire think speeding drivers are the biggest road safety problem compared to only 5 per cent in Harlech region.


• 31 per cent of Peugeot drivers think tired drivers are the biggest problem compared to only 5 per cent of Honda drivers.

Research Material:
Results from an NOP Automotive survey of 517 drivers conducted on 18-19 June 2005. For further regional results please contact the RAC Foundation on 0141 226 3305

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its seven 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 Breakdown Cover

Car Manufacturers Facing Challenge as Portable Navigation Market Booms

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SBD report calls for auto industry action to capitalise on consumer demand

In the past decade, navigation systems have moved from being expensive, niche products to mass-market items stocked on supermarket shelves. As consumers have become more sophisticated in their understanding of electronic gadgets, the market for portable navigation equipment has soared. Independent telematics specialist SBD Ltd predicts the European market will top six million units in 2005.

SBD has published a new report analysing the market and technical trends and forecasting continued growth. But as sales of portable systems soar, SBD emphasises the need for car manufacturers to change their approach if they are to increase the number of vehicles sold with embedded, factory-fitted satellite navigation units.

SBD's research shows that at present only around 10 per cent of new cars in Europe are sold with satellite navigation. Customer take-up is low, given that the equipment is typically offered as a relatively high cost option, or provided as standard principally on premium or luxury grade models. If present trends continue, fitment rates could reach a modest 12 per cent in 2006.

It contrasts this with the performance of portable systems, which have doubled sales levels in 2004-2005. Rapid growth has been fuelled by the success of new personal navigation devices (PNDs), which are smartly designed, simple to use and competitively priced. The portable market also includes personal digital assistants (PDAs) and newly introduced 'Smart Phones'. SBD's report anticipates PNDs will claim more than 50 per cent of the European portable market, as more new products reach stores and prices continue to fall.

Although the competition is strong, SBD believes vehicle manufacturers have the opportunity to capitalise on consumer awareness to give new impetus to the market for embedded navigation systems. David McClure, SBD head of Telematics, said: "If car makers are willing to adopt more cohesive marketing and technical strategies, we think there is an opportunity for fitment rates on new cars to rise as high as 30 per cent by 2008-2009.

"Manufacturers have an opportunity to turn increased customer awareness into increased sales of embedded systems, but it requires a fresh approach, both in the way they position the equipment within their model ranges and the way it is sold to the customer on the showroom floor," said McClure.

Key steps recommended by SBD include the provision of simple turn-by-turn navigation systems integrated as standard features within grade structures for both volume and premium models and improved training for car dealers on the advantages and benefits of embedded navigation equipment.



Research Material:
SBD Ltd. is an independent company providing specialist consultancy services in the design and development of automotive components and systems. The company founded in 1995 has extensive knowledge of the strategic development of vehicle systems.

Working closely with manufacturers and suppliers, SBD provides consultancy support at various levels, including: Technical Research, Strategic Planning, Program Management and Product Development.

SBD also provides the industry with detailed market and technical reports on various technologies, market trends and competitor analysis. The company has helped to develop many successful systems seen in the market today and is continuing to help manufacturers implement the next generation of systems with an emphasis on Vehicle Security and Vehicle Telematics.

Website: www.sbd.co.uk

Delphi to Highlight Environmental, Safety News at IAA 2005

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Delphi plans to present 10 new technologies and several new customer programs at show

Many technologies and programs center around the environment, including diesel

Delphi Corp. plans to present 10 new technologies and announce several new customer programs at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) Cars next month.

Much of this news will focus on two of Delphi's principal concerns in Europe: Helping protect the environment and helping better protect motorists through innovative safety technologies.

"Two of our main product goals are to help take the automobile out of the environmental equation, and to help protect motorists throughout the entire driving experience," said Volker Barth, president, Delphi Europe, Middle East and Africa. "With the environment, we are developing new technologies that will help automakers produce better-performing vehicles that improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and more. With safety, we are developing new technologies that will help protect drivers and occupants during every day driving, as well as before, during and after a collision event. We are particularly proud to push the boundaries on what is technically possible and commercially viable."

In environmental-related news, Delphi will show a new halogen-free, recyclable cable that may be the most significant breakthrough in wiring technology in 30 years.

Among its many safety technologies, Delphi will show a first-ever integrated Driver Protection Module, which offers drivers up to 27 percent more protection from serious injury during a frontal collision based on crash simulations.

Anticipated new product introductions include:

• Low-cost Infrared Side Alert System, designed to help drivers be more aware of vehicles in their blind spots when changing lanes and making turns.


• Delphi's new Slush Cast TPO Skin, which provides low-cost interior luxury by using breakthrough design and process technology.


• Delphi's latest mobile multi media technology for post-purchase installation, including a new hands-free application using Bluetooth technology for added driver safety.


• Innovative illumination technologies for interior comfort and personalization.

New applications include:

• Diesel common rail for a new range of prestigious passenger car engines.


• A world-leading air suspension system, an innovative new roll-control system and adaptive cruise control for one of the most powerful, most dynamically capable SUVs ever produced.


• A new Power Sliding Door planned for a European application in a new vehicle sector.

For more information about Delphi, visit http://www.delphi.com.

Source:
Delphi Corporation

Avoid the Bank Holiday Breakdown Blues

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As the August bank holiday approaches, Green Flag Motoring Assistance is gearing up for an inevitably busy weekend, and offers motorists some timely advice to avoid having a breakdown or getting in a jam.

Last August bank holiday Green Flag responded to almost 15,000 calls for help, mostly caused by battery problems and minor accidents. The busiest time was between 9am and 10am on Tuesday August 31, when Green Flag attended over 300 incidents in just one hour as people returned to work.

Melanie Denny from Green Flag said: "The August bank holiday is a popular time for family car trips, but bank holiday weekends are also renowned for long tailbacks and congested roads that lead to fraying tempers and tearful children. A bit of careful preparation and an early start can go a long way to avoiding the bank holiday horrors that leave some families crying on a hard shoulder."

The majority of breakdowns are caused by poor car maintenance, and a few checks before setting off can minimise the risk of any motoring mishaps that could scupper a fun family day out. Green Flag recommends checking the following before setting off on a long journey:

• Have the car battery checked at a local garage, as battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns
• Check the tyre pressure and tread depth. The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm.
• Ensure all lights are working inside and outside the car, and give external ones a clean to ensure good visibility
• Check the oil and water and top up if necessary
• Make sure the screen washer bottle is topped up
• Check wiper blades are in good condition with no tears or cracks
• Fill up the fuel tank and keep an eye on the gauge to ensure there is enough fuel for the journey.

Denny said: "It's a good idea to keep some toys or books in the car on long journeys to keep children entertained and stop them from distracting the driver."

Motorists embarking on long distance journeys this bank holiday are advised to avoid the busiest times to travel between 10am and 12 noon, and check the local travel news to keep abreast of any last minute hiccups. Drivers heading off to unfamiliar places can plan their route using a free online routeplanner at www.greenflag.com.



Research Material:

• Green Flag Motoring Assistance provides roadside rescue and recovery to almost 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Many join through unique partnership arrangements with some of the UK's largest businesses and organisations.
• Green Flag's incident management centre in Leeds handles around 1m calls each year.
• On average Green Flag reaches customers within 39 minutes (verified by 218,461 customer questionnaires received May 2003 - April 2004).
• Green Flag customers give the service a 98 per cent satisfaction rating (based on the results of questionnaires sent to 500,000 customers).
• Customers have access to a national network of independent recovery agents and 6,000 qualified technicians.
• More than 90 per cent get assistance within the hour.

Web Sites:
AA Breakdown Cover
Green Flag Breakdown Cover
RAC Breakdown Cover

Liverpool City Council Rejects Conversion Taxi

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Safety and Wheelchair Access Issues

Liverpool has become the latest authority to officially refuse to accept the Allied Vehicles E7 conversion type taxis to be used on their streets.


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

The Liverpool City Council, in support of representations from the local Taxi Trade, have decided that the Peugeot E7 conversion type taxi based on the Peugeot Expert Combi were unsuitable for use and they will continue to only licence the familiar London style taxis which are fully wheelchair accessible and purpose built as taxis to meet the current Public Carriage Office regulations.

Currently Liverpool has 1,400 licensed Hackney Carriages made up of Fairway, Metrocab, TXI and TXII models.



Allied Vehicles Limited from Glasgow, who converts the Peugeot E7 Combi vehicles into wheelchair accessible taxis, recently applied to have their taxi approved for use as a licensed taxicab within the City of Liverpool.

Members of the local Taxi trade stated they were not in support of this application on the grounds of, that an E7 has already been licensed in Liverpool as a private hire vehicle so it would be difficult for customers to differentiate between recognised Hackney Carriages and private hire vehicles. They also had concerns regarding passenger safety exiting the vehicle because of its sliding doors, the rear van type doors are not included in the central door locking system, the lack of driver visibility out of the rear windows, the E7 has a larger turning circle than the London Taxis and the E7 has a higher step height making ramp angles steeper for wheelchair passengers.

The Liverpool Council Licensing Committee supported the Taxi Trade and said that the E7 does not meet the Public Carriage Office specifications for taxis, which the City Council abides by, and the Committee has concerns over the safety issues regarding sliding doors and the use of wheelchair access ramps.

Currently the Public Carriage Office is reviewing the Condition of Fitness regulations, which apply to London style taxis following an appeal by Allied Vehicles for their E7 taxi to be allowed to be used in London. The appeal follows the Public Carriage Office's initial decision made nearly two years ago that conversion type taxis were not suitable vehicles for use as London Taxis.

Bosch Achieves Common Rail Milestone

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25 million common rail injection systems in 8 years

In just eight years Bosch has produced 25 million common rail injection systems for diesel engines. Reflecting the recent diesel boom, the company manufactured 5.8 million systems in 2004 alone.

The Common Rail system's concept allows for flexible break-down into several pilot, main and post injections which can be optimally tuned to the engine. Dr Ulrich Dohle, president of the Bosch Diesel Systems Division, summed up the reason behind its success as follows, "Common rail turns diesel engines into fuel efficient, clean, high-torque and quiet running engines."

Continuous improvements to high-pressure injection systems by Bosch, particularly since the start of the nineties, has had a major impact on reducing particulate emission by 90% in new diesel-powered passenger cars and other emissions - including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons - by at least 95%, whilst also meeting the EU-4 legislation.

"Modern diesel engines are cleaner than ever," said Mr Dohle. "The extremely low emission of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, which is in line with low fuel consumption, qualifies diesel engines as the power source for modern passenger cars."

Research Material:
The Bosch Group is the world's largest provider of automotive technology to all leading vehicle and component manufacturers.

In 2004, the company generated automotive sales of €25.3 billion and employs 149,200 people in this sector. The key business areas include: fuel injection technology (diesel & petrol); systems for active and passive vehicle safety (brakes, ABS, traction control, ESP, control units for restraint systems); electrical motors, rotating electrics and products for car multimedia.

Hidden Study Shows Speed Cameras Useless In Motorway Roadworks

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A study published by the Transport Research laboratory, but not released to the public, has found that speed cameras do not make roadworks safer - for either workers or drivers. The news comes soon after road safety group, the Association of British Drivers discovered that speeding is not a significant cause of motorway crashes.

The study, published in 2004 but not publicised or promoted shows clearly that "No significant difference was observed in the accident rate for sites with and without speed cameras." In other words, speed cameras do not save lives in roadworks.

The report was exposed using the Freedom of Information Act, by SafeSpeed's Paul Smith. It comes after the Association of British Drivers discovered data showing that driver inattention, not speed, was the lead cause of motorway crashes.

Mark McArthur-Christie, the ABD's Road Safety Spokesman commented "Here is yet more data dug out using the FoI Act showing that cameras do not save lives and that speed is not a major cause of crashes. How much more do we need to see before the camera partnerships are disbanded and we can return to effective road safety policies?"

Brian Gregory, the ABD's Chairman, said "This is rapidly becoming a farce. Time and again we have to drag information out of camera partnerships - damaging information they'd rather keep in the dark. There is a culture of spin and secrecy that hides the true causes of crashes and the total lack of effectiveness of speed cameras from the public. It's time the Partnerships were made accountable."

For more information about the ABD visit their Website at http://www.abd.org.uk

The Association of British Drivers is run on a voluntary basis to lobby for the beleaguered British motorist: "Reclaiming the roads for the people who pay for them" "Demanding proper roads (and railways) in exchange for paying one seventh of all taxes" "Debunking the nonsense you hear about the environmental impact of the car" "Promoting effective road safety instead of the criminalisation of safe driving"

Cowboy Clampers Ride Again

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New regulations aimed at curbing the worst excesses of cowboy clampers and introduced only twelve weeks ago are already being flouted according the RAC Foundation today (5).
The RAC Foundation warned Government prior to the introduction of the new legislation it would not work without a strict and enforceable code of practice.

Those suggestions were not heeded. Following a recent undercover operation by Sky News which exposed abuses of the rules by employees of a clamping company - some of whom were licensed by new regulatory body the SIA - the RAC Foundation has written to the Home Secretary demanding that he tightens up the rules urgently.

The Foundation is also asking motorists whether it is now time to ban clamping on private land completely as it has been in Scotland since 1992.

Scenes in the footage shot by an undercover Sky News reporter who had infiltrated the clamping company and worked for four weeks filming with a secret camera showed:

• A clamper telling a motorist to move his car and park in a specific area, waiting until he went into the bank and then clamping him.


• The company using an unlicensed clamper with a serious criminal record (including cutting off someone's fingers with a machete) to carry out clamping activity (contrary to the licence agreement).


• Clampers accepting bribes from the public and not giving receipts (contrary to the licence agreement).

Other abuses which featured in the ten hours of footage that was shot, but which were not broadcast, included clamping cars when there were no warning signs and then putting up signs after the event.

The Foundation has now sent a video of the documentary to Charles Clarke, Home Secretary. In the letter accompanying it, Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation says:

"The video is a clear indication that the licensing system is not working effectively.

"We believe that as a minimum the SIA should be given new powers to adopt and enforce an obligatory code of practice for wheel clampers perhaps based on the British Parking Association's draft code of practice. It would be a great shame if all the hard work and genuine commitment to regulate wheel clamping were to be wasted because there is a loophole in the regulations."
Over the last eleven years, the RAC Foundation has campaigned for the introduction of statutory regulations to limit the excesses of private clamping companies and run an annual "Dick Turpin Award" for the UK's worst clamper in 2006.

Excesses have included:

• Clampers demanding a lady's gold tooth or sexual favours in lieu of payment.


• Clampers who regularly charge £523 for clamping/towing.


• Clampers clamping a hearse with a body in the back.


• Clampers in Doncaster threatening to hold a mothers' three-year-old daughter hostage until she collected £60 from a bank.


• In London, a motorist moved his car under direction from the police who were investigating a murder at the original site where his car was parked. He was then promptly clamped.


• In Portsmouth a man was clamped when he stopped because the clampers lorry had run into the back of him.


• A clamper in Essex forced a heavily pregnant lady to walk two miles to a cash machine and back to pay him the clamp release fee of £75.


• A clamper in Devon preyed on an elderly disabled lady and her husband, after they parked their car for 5 minutes, displaying a disabled badge whilst going to the post office to collect the lady's pension. On their return the clamper bullied the lady into handing over her pension to remove the clamp.

"Maybe it's time that England and Wales followed the example of Scotland where clamping on private land was ruled to be "extortion and theft" in 1992, and banned overnight. Society does not seem to have crumbled north of the Border since then and parking mayhem hasn't broken out - even in busy city areas. The only ones to suffer when the ruling was made were the clamping companies."

Motorists are being invited to log onto the new look RAC Foundation web-site www.racfoundation.org and vote for or against the suggestion of outlawing clamping completely. This vote will then be presented to Government.

Research Material:
Sky News special "Cowboy Clampers" was broadcast six times over the weekend of 25/26 June 2005. Sky News were not involved in the RAC Foundation's campaign to better regulate wheel clamping.

Visit www.racfoundation.org for information on research and past releases

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its seven 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 Foundation Fact File. Clamping - The Rules

In May, clamping on private land without a licence became a criminal offence. From then, anyone clamping, towing away or blocking vehicles for a fee had to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence and those not complying could incur significant fines of up to £5000 and up to 5 years in prison.

All SIA licensed clampers have had to be trained to:

• Know when to clamp and when not to clamp


• Understand the legislation concerning vehicle immobilisation


• Behave in a responsible manner


• Provide effective customer care


• Avoid, resolve and defuse conflict.

The conditions of the licence state that any vehicle immobiliser must not clamp/block/tow away a vehicle if:

• A valid disabled badge is displayed


• It is a marked emergency service vehicle in use

When a release fee is collected, the vehicle immobiliser must provide a receipt which should include:

• The location where the vehicle was clamped or towed


• Their name and signature


• Their licence number


• The date

If motorists are clamped on private land, they should first ask to see the clamper's SIA licence. If they don't have one, report them to the SIA (08702 430 100) or email info@the-sia.org.uk. If the clamper won't release your car you should contact the police.

If the clamper does have a licence, and you feel they have behaved in an inappropriate way, you should first take the matter up with them. If they fail to resolve your complaint, you may have a case in civil law against them. You should contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or Trading Standards Officer.

For further information on the licensing scheme and the work of the Security Industry Authority visit www.the-sia.org.uk

Direct Line Survey Misses the Point, Says Road Safety Group

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Road safety group, the Association of British Drivers, today argued that a recent Direct Line survey is in danger of being overly simplistic. The survey argued that 'speeding is one of the biggest dangers on out nation's roads with one in three road deaths being attributed to speed'. The survey went on to criticise drivers for lack of speed limit knowledge.

Recent research from the ABD (see Notes for Editors below) showed that inattention, tailgating and poor observation are far bigger problems than exceeding a posted limit. In fact, official accident statistics do not even differentiate between exceeding a speed limit and driving too fast for the conditions -- two completely different things.

ABD Road Safety Spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie said 'Of course, setting a safe speed for the conditions is vital,- but the relationship between speed limits and safe speeds is becoming ever more remote. It is now perfectly possible to travel legally - and safely - at 60mph on one day and be breaking a new 30mph limit on the same road the next. Is it any wonder drivers are confused?'

The ABD is concerned that many new limits are the road safety equivalent of 'crying wolf'. Chairman Brian Gregory commented 'A driver can be well within a speed limit and yet be lethal because of lack of skill, lack of attention, poor road conditions or simply by being too close to the car in front to stop. It is far too simplistic to say that sticking to a speed limit makes him safe.'

Research Material:
The major causes of M4 crashes, 1999-2004 were:

• Inattention -- a factor in 28% of crashes


• Failure to judge others' path or speed (eg- poor lane changing) -- a factor in 28% of crashes


• Lack of judgement of own path -- a factor in 17% of crashes


• Fatigue - a factor in 14% of crashes


• Careless, thoughtless or reckless behaviour - a factor in 14% of crashes


• Excess speed - a factor in 14% of crashes

'Excess speed' is speed which is too fast for the conditions as well as speed in excess of the posted limit. As such, it is impossible to find out how many crashes were caused by drivers exceeding the limit and how many by simply too fast for the conditions.

Significantly, the causes of crashes are given rankings by accident investigators. They class causes as definite, probable and possible. 'Excess speed' was ranked as a 'definite' cause in just one fatal crash -- less than 1% of all accidents.

*Data from Wiltshire Constabulary, M4 crashes 1999-2004

For more information about the ABD visit their Website at http://www.abd.org.uk

The Association of British Drivers is run on a voluntary basis to lobby for the beleaguered British motorist: "Reclaiming the roads for the people who pay for them" "Demanding proper roads (and railways) in exchange for paying one seventh of all taxes" "Debunking the nonsense you hear about the environmental impact of the car" "Promoting effective road safety instead of the criminalisation of safe driving"

ESP Installation Rate Climbs in the UK

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The clear advantages of fitting Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to cars - the active safety system that prevents a car skidding in critical driving conditions - are increasingly being recognised by UK motorists with the installation rate on newly registered cars in 2004 climbing by almost 10% over figures from 2003.

Robert Bosch, the world's largest automotive components supplier which originally developed the system and launched series production with Mercedes-Benz in 1995, mounted a major campaign to raise awareness of the system in the UK following research that showed only 1% of motorists could nominate ESP as an active safety system. This lack of awareness was reflected in European figures which showed that the UK sat close to the bottom of the ESP fitment rate table. At the end of 2003, only 20% of cars were fitted with ESP in the UK compared to a European average of 29% and a staggering 55% in Germany.

Figures just released by Bosch for 2004 show the ESP fitment rate to cars in the UK has climbed to 29%. Bosch's target for the end of 2005 - the 10th anniversary year of ESP - is to see a fitment rate of over one third of all new passenger vehicle sales in the UK.

According to Chassis Systems marketing manager, David Fulker, these figures are very much welcomed: "We're absolutely delighted with the latest figures, which not only show that we're well on target to reach an installation rate across a third of all new passenger car sales, but also suggests our 'No car without ESP' safety message is starting to slowly reach all the right target audiences. With our dealer training programme underway for vehicle manufacturers and plans to expand the offering to consumers, I am convinced that we will continue to see an upward trend of ESP fitment here in the UK."

The road safety benefits of ESP are increasingly being recognised by road safety professionals and industry. In a recent presentation to UK fleet managers, Matthew Avery, Crash Research manager at Thatcham - one of the world's leading automotive research and technology centres - said that accident rates were slashed when cars were fitted with ESP. "ESP is an absolute lifesaver," said Mr Avery. "I really recommend it because research from Japan, USA and Sweden has all shown that accident rates reduce by over 30% on cars fitted with ESP." To conclude, Mr Avery gave the audience this advice: "When choosing cars for your fleets, choose vehicles with five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests, seats with a "GOOD" rating in the Thatcham whiplash tests and ESP fitted as standard."

Bosch has further committed to the promotion of ESP across Europe by becoming a signatory to the EU Road Safety Charter - a commitment to halve the current number of deaths on European roads from 50,000 to 25,000 by 2010. The company has also embarked on a comprehensive dealer staff training programme designed to inform new car showroom sales executives of the benefits by using practical demonstration under controlled conditions at leading motoring circuits around the UK, with plans to expand the programme to a consumer package expected by the end of 2005.

Research Material:
The Bosch Group is the world's largest provider of automotive technology to all leading vehicle and component manufacturers.

In 2004, the company generated automotive sales of €25.3 billion and employs 149,200 people in this sector. The key business areas include: fuel injection technology (diesel & petrol); systems for active and passive vehicle safety (brakes, ABS, traction control, ESP, control units for restraint systems); electrical motors, rotating electrics and products for car multimedia.

Road Pricing Could Quadruple the Cost of Commuting

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The cost of commuting could quadruple for commuters if the Government's plan for pay-as-you-drive motoring goes ahead.

To check the system CAR Magazine put a satellite tracking system and the Government's provisional pricing structure to the test, with chilling consequences.

A black box tracker was fitted to a Ford Focus, and the magazine discovered that the device, already in use by fleet operators, pinpointed the car's every move to within three metres. The system can also identify speeding infringements, even by as little as 1mph.

However, there is also the potential for a huge jump in motoring costs.

CAR magazine tried out the system on some of Britain's most congested roads during the rush hour and the magazine applied the Department for Transport's sample prices per mile, following the Government's charging principles: the more congested and major a road, the higher the cost per mile.

And in conclusion CAR found that the cost of motoring would rocket for millions of Britain's commuters.

The first journey, from Peterborough (Cambridgeshire) to Baldock (Hertfordshire), took in a mix of motorway, urban, A roads and rural roads, with prices varying from 86p a mile on the gridlocked A14, to just 4p a mile on the rural A505.

At today's prices, this 53.2-mile journey would have cost £3.57 in fuel duty and road tax, in a 1.6-litre Ford Focus averaging 44.1mpg. But under pay as you drive charging, CAR estimates that the journey would cost £17.50.

Similarly, a 74.3-mile journey from Peterborough to London - depositing £4.84 into Government coffers at today's rates - could cost £20.85 when pay-as-you-drive is up and running.

'The Government says half of motorists will pay less if road pricing comes in. But the other half - some 14m drivers - face big hikes in their cost of commuting,' says Jason Barlow, CAR editor. 'Not to mention the 140,000 drivers who will be subjected to the top rate, provisionally priced at a hefty £1.34 a mile.'

CAR agrees something has to be done about the congestion that blights our roads - and the Government claims this pricing structure would cut total jams by 46 percent.

'Having conducted a real-world test, we believe satellite tracking could provide a sophisticated, precise way to make motorists pay for their true cost of motoring,' says Jason Barlow. 'But it will be a huge challenge - and cost billions of tax-payers' money - to develop a bullet-proof system that works not just for one car, but for the 28m cars out there on Britain's roads.'

CAR believes there are other crucial issues that must be dealt with, before the system is implemented.

Says Jason Barlow: 'We are concerned that congestion might be displaced from high rate, major roads - which are best suited to dealing with heavy volumes of traffic and typically away from residential areas - and onto cheaper, minor roads, causing congestion there.

'And we need the following guarantees from the Government. First, that the public transport system will be improved, to offer a true, reliable and flexible alternative to the convenience of the car.

'Second, that employees will be guaranteed flexible working hours, to help motorists avoid peak time charges if they wish to.

'And finally, we would like the Government to go on the record, and promise that satellite tracking won't be used to catch out motorists for accidentally slipping just over the speed limit.'

Research Material:
Car magazine has an average circulation of 103,272 (abc Jul-Dec 2004)

Emap Automotive is the UK's leading car and bike media company and aspires to be the world's biggest and best. The business encompasses magazines, websites, major shows and conferences, across consumer and business to business markets.

Emap Consumer Media comprises the majority of the company's consumer magazine portfolio in the UK and overseas, with the exception of France. Over 70 titles in the UK, many with market leading positions serve the motoring (Emap Automotive), special interest (Emap Active), women's and youth (Emap Elan), women's weeklies (Emap Entertainment) and men's lifestyle and style (Emap East) markets. FHM and all its businesses - UK and International - is now a division in its own right within ECM and publishes editions in 27 countries, including the UK, France, Australia and the US.

Emap plc is one of the UK's leading media companies. Emap plc leads the marketplace with a strong portfolio of over 400 products including FHM, Kiss, Heat, Nursing Times, Health Service Journal, Spring Fair, MaxPower, Kerrang! and Smash Hits!. It owns and develops leading edge brands in radio, TV, consumer magazines and B2B (magazines, conferences and exhibitions) in the UK, France and around the world.

If you want more information about Emap log onto www.emap.com

Highways Agency Promotes Safe, Courteous Driving

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Drivers on the country's motorways and major 'A' roads are reminded this week to drive safely and courteously by keeping left when not overtaking.

From 7am on Monday 8 August, selected motorway message signs will display the message "Keep left unless overtaking" for one week. This is part of an overall campaign this summer that encourages better driving habits to reduce congestion and improve safety for us all.

Transport Minister Derek Twigg said:

"We want all drivers to think about how they are using motorway lanes. The 'Keep left unless overtaking' signs are designed to raise awareness among road users of their driving habits and the impact they can have on others.

Better use of motorway lanes will help to avoid causing great irritation to other drivers. It can also help to keep traffic moving freely, reducing congestion and improving safety for us all".

Forty variable message signs will be used in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The Agency is urging road users to ask themselves:

• Have I finished overtaking?


• Is the road ahead clear?


• Could I move to the left?


• Am I holding up traffic behind me by staying in this lane?

The Highway Code advises motorway drivers to keep in a left-hand lane unless they are overtaking slower-moving vehicles. Drivers are told to return to the left hand lane after completing the overtaking manoeuvre or if they are holding up traffic behind them.

Public response from earlier 'Keep left' Highways Agency trials in October 2004 and January 2005 showed that a large part of the driving public supported the signs. Over half of public response was positive, with many wanting further campaigns.

Results from the October 2004 trials have shown that on average an additional 200 vehicles per hour moved left at each of the six locations.

Other messages during motorway month are Make time for a break; Keep your distance; Watch your speed; Take extra care at roadworks; Don't phone while driving.

These messages are part of DfT THINK! Campaign messages, supported by advertising on TV, radio and in the national press.

Research Material:
The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo

For real-time traffic information, the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated telephone service is on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

Debbie The School Girl

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Guess who's been out around town with her mates tonight?


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

You got it!


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

Pissed as a bloody newt!


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

"Jonnnnn, I don't feel very well!!"


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

TUFF TITTY!!!

What's even better is I have the video to prove it. I managed to flick the camera over to video mode and I've captured Debbie in her worst moments. Just watch this space for the video update!

Commercial Vehicles Market in the UK is Expected to Demonstrate Further Expansion up to 2009

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Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c21768) has announced the addition of Commercial Vehicles Market Report 2005 to their offering.

The commercial vehicles market forms part of the UK's motor industry and is an important part of UK manufacturing as a whole. It is estimated that the apparent UK market for commercial vehicles was worth some GBP 4.41bn in 2004, up from GBP 3.93bn in 2003.

The commercial vehicles market has three distinct sectors: light commercial vehicles (LCVs), heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and buses and coaches. LCVs are the largest sector of the market and also the strongest growing in terms of new vehicle registrations. New vehicle registrations of HGVs have also shown some growth since 2000, but new registrations of buses and coaches have declined.

The sustained period of economic growth and stability experienced by the UK has aided the development and continued growth of the commercial vehicles market. However, government legislation, including the End of Life Vehicles Regulations, the introduction of a truck toll tax and a climate change levy are expected to impact on the sector up to 2010.

Demand for LCVs has been strong since 2000. Many types of organisation can use them, they are relatively inexpensive to buy and are easily disposed of when sold in the second-hand market. The HGV market is less dynamic, as these tend to have a fairly long life and there can be a considerable time lag before operators need to purchase replacements. The new buses and coaches sector is mature and the market has been fairly subdued since 2000. The export market has developed strongly since 2000, and is expected to develop further in the future.

The commercial vehicles market is expected to show continued growth in 2005 and then, supported by a strong economy, demonstrate further expansion up to 2009. Environmental and political pressures will increasingly affect the industry and influence the future design and development of commercial vehicles.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c21768

What Car? Reveals UK's Most Reliable Cars

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Car buyers about to order a new '55'-reg car should think twice about choosing a so-called prestige model, says What Car? today.

According to What Car?'s fifth annual reliability survey - in association with independent warranty provider Warranty Direct - a Land Rover, Saab, Audi or Alfa Romeo could give their owners more headaches than a Skoda, the most reliable European car maker in the survey. Mercedes-Benz is the only prestige European manufacturer among the top 10 brands.

However, for true trouble-free motoring, buyers should look beyond European makers to Japanese and Korean cars. Honda is now the UK's most reliable brand, narrowly beating Mazda to top spot - a position it had occupied for the last four years. In third place is Toyota, followed by Nissan, Lexus, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Daewoo (now Chevrolet).

Just 9.9% of Hondas in the survey needed repair in the last two years, while Land Rovers - the least reliable brand - had a claim rate of 45.4%.

There are also huge variations in typical repair costs for different makes. While few things are likely to go wrong with a Honda, average repair bills of £325 may make some owners wince. Toyota (£437), Mitsubishi (£603) and Subaru (£835) are other reliable Japanese brands that are expensive to fix. Costliest to repair are, perhaps not surprisingly, Porsches at £972. Cheapest to fix are Hyundai cars, at an average of £135 per garage trip, with Skodas (£168) not far behind.

Steve Fowler, Group Editor of What Car?, said: "One of Honda's famous advertising slogans in recent years has been 'Isn't it nice when things just work?'. The good news for Honda owners is that the company is living up to its claims. The same can't be said of some of the prestige makes in the latest What Car? survey."

What Car?'s research also pinpoints the top 10 most reliable cars and the bottom 10 least reliable models. Five of the top 10 most reliable cars were built in UK factories - the previous generations of the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Nissan Micra, Nissan Primera and Rover 25 all came off UK production lines. The Rover 25's appearance in the top 10 is slightly surprising, although perhaps partly explained by the number of fairly new - and hence more reliable - 25s covered by Warranty Direct policies since the collapse of MG Rover voided owners' warranties earlier this year.

How do the manufacturers compare?

1 Honda
2 Mazda
3 Toyota
4 Nissan
5 Lexus
6 Hyundai
7 Mitsubishi
8 Daewoo
9 Skoda
10 Mercedes-Benz
11 Subaru
12 Seat
13 Volvo
14 Porsche
15 Volkswagen
16 Peugeot
17 BMW
18 Fiat
19 Vauxhall
20 Ford
21 Chrysler
22 MG
23 Jaguar
24 Citroën
25 Renault
26 Alfa Romeo
27 Rover
28 Audi
29 Saab
30 Land Rover

Top 10 most reliable models (repair claims per 100 cars)

1 Honda Accord ('99-'03) 2
2 Honda Civic ('96-'01) 7
3 Rover 25 ('99-'05) 11
4 Volvo V40 ('96-'04) 12
5 Volvo S40 ('96-'04) 13
6 Nissan Micra ('98-'02) 13
7 Nissan Primera ('96-'99) 15
8 Mercedes CLK ('97-'02) 15
9 Audi A4 ('00-'05) 16
10 Ford Ka ('96-) 17

Top 10 least reliable models (repair claims per 100 cars)

1 Renault Espace ('97-'02) 69
2 Audi TT ('99-) 59
3 Saab 9000 ('91-'97) 58
4 BMW 7 Series ('94-'02) 57
5 Land Rover Freelander ('97-'00) 55
6 Saab 9-5 ('97-'01) 53
7 Renault Laguna ('00-) 50
8 Fiat Coupé ('95-'01) 49
9 Jaguar XK8 ('96-) 48
10 Fiat Punto ('94-'99) 48

Research Material:
The What Car? reliability survey compares actual warranty claims rates for more than 31,000 cars covered by Warranty Direct (0800 731 7001, www.warrantydirect.co.uk,) in the last two years.

What Car?
What Car? has been the car buyer's champion for over 30 years. The What Car? stable now includes What Car?, the What Car? New Car Guide, the What Car? Price Guide and Whatcar.com. Independent research shows that almost a quarter of all car buyers read What Car? before making a decision.

Web Sites:
What Car? Web Site
Warranty Direct
The Automobile Association (AA)
The Royal Automobile Club (RAC)

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!

DVLA 'loses' a third of Britain's cars

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The DVLA today revealed the shocking news that almost a third of car registration documents are incorrect. They have launched a campaign to get drivers to correct their documents, giving the reason that they want drivers to receive product recalls for vehicle defects.

The ABD have long been warning of an increase in the number of drivers falsely registering their vehicles due to the threats posed by speed cameras to their licences, parking enforcement greed and congestion charging.

ABD chairman Brian Gregory said: "This is a thinly veiled attempt by the government to recapture some of the lost revenue from camera, parking and congestion charge fines. I doubt it will fool many. If the government are serious about getting drivers back on board and complying they must look seriously at ending their war on the motorist. Instead they are proposing more charges in the form of road pricing.

ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries said: "With the current climate of serious security threats it is truly frightening that the government have allowed things to get to the stage where they cannot identify the owners of 32% of cars on our roads. They have spent a fortune on cameras and number plate recognition systems which is totally wasted, only those who legally register their cars have anything to fear whilst terrorists and other criminals can move about the country undetected by such measures. According to a report in Auto Express police officers even turn off number plate recognition systems (ANPR ) because of the number of false or useless positive 'hits' the system flags up resulting in innocent motorists being pulled over.
(http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/.....gadget.html)

Research Material:
For more information about the ABD visit their Website at http://www.abd.org.uk

The Association of British Drivers is run on a voluntary basis to lobby for the beleaguered British motorist: "Reclaiming the roads for the people who pay for them" "Demanding proper roads (and railways) in exchange for paying one seventh of all taxes" "Debunking the nonsense you hear about the environmental impact of the car" "Promoting effective road safety instead of the criminalisation of safe driving"

Think Before You Drive! Unrestrained Baby on Board!

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Thousands of parents are putting their children's lives at risk as one in ten children traveling in the back of cars do not use seat belts or child restraints, according to the RAC Foundation during Think before you drive! Month. In addition, the lives of the majority of children in child safety seats may also be at risk as RAC Foundation spot check surveys and numerous other studies show that two thirds of child safety seats are fitted incorrectly.

Think Before You Drive Month is a campaign promoted by the RAC Foundation in conjunction with the FIA Foundation and Bridgestone to help motorists understand the four easy steps they can take to improve safety on the roads. The campaign is giving advice to parents and drivers via free leaflets to ensure child safety seats and restraints are fitted correctly.

The most recent annual figures show that 42 children aged under 11 were killed while travelling in cars, 708 were seriously injured and 9,766 slightly injured. The correct use of child restraints could prevent many of these deaths and reduce the severity of injuries.
The RAC Foundation child seat fact file shows that:

• Children aged under four are ten times more likely to be killed in a car accident if unrestrained.


• 90% of injuries could be avoided if child restraints are used correctly.


• An accident at only 5mph can kill an unrestrained child.


• In a 30mph crash, an unrestrained child can be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times their body weight.


• Unrestrained children are much more likely to be ejected through the car window in the event of an accident.


• Drivers should never place a rearward facing child seat where a front airbag is active.

The Think Before You Drive Campaign is also reminding parents that they should use child car seats or boosters for their children until they are at least 11 years old or 150cm tall (roughly five feet). This reduces the risk of injury to children in the event of an accident.

Research from the Department for Transport shows:

• 63% of parents stopped using child car seats for their children when they were aged 6 or younger.


• One in ten parents had stopped using child car seats for their children by the time they were three years old.


• Only 41% of parents of children aged 7-9 and just 26% of those with children aged 10-11 said their child always travels in a child car seat.

Commenting, Edmund King, executive director of RAC Foundation, said:
"The findings of our spot check surveys are alarming. Thousands of parents are unwittingly putting their children's lives at risk by incorrectly fitting child seats or worse still not using restraints at all. Every driver with children in the car should take a few moments to check they are properly restrained before setting off. This could be the difference between life and death in a collision.

"Ever parent should think before they drive particularly if they have a baby on board."

The Think Before You Drive campaign advocates the following safety tips:

• Always use a child safety seat or booster for children under 11 or under 5 feet tall.


• Always take time to ensure your child's car seat harness is properly adjusted and fastened, even on the shortest of trips.


• Avoid buckle crunch. If the seat belt buckle lies across the frame of the child restraint it will be under pressure and may spring open on impact. Ensure that only seatbelt webbing is in contact with the frame of the child seat.


• Make sure that your child seat or booster is properly secured by the adult seat belt every time you use it. When fitting a child seat always follow the manufacturers instructions. Always keep a copy of the fitting instructions in the car.


• Always use a seat, which meets the latest safety standards and is appropriate for your child's height and weight. Ensure the seat fits your car by getting a trained shop assistant to demonstrate how to fit it.


• Beware of using a second hand child seat. Make sure it meets current safety standards, has not already been in an accident and that you have the correct fitting instructions.


• A seat belt should never be put around an adult and a child. If a crash occurs, the adult would be thrown forward with a force many times their weight and would crush the child against the seat belt.


• It is not safe to hold an unrestrained child on one's lap. Even in a crash under 30mph a child is likely to be torn from the adult's arms by the strength of the crash and ejected from the car.

The Department for Transport is currently consulting on a European Directive which means that in future all children will have to use a restraint appropriate for their size and will no longer be able to use an adult seat belt alone in the front or rear seats. At present the existing seat belt wearing regulations require seat belts and child restraints to be worn where they are fitted in all cars and goods vehicles. While children under three may only travel in the front when carried in an appropriate restraint, children over three are not required to use a child restraint unless one is available in the vehicle.

The fine for not wearing a seat belt is a fixed penalty of £30, or a maximum fine of £500 in court or £200 in respect of a child in a rear seat (although the Road Safety Bill will increase this to £500).

David Ward, FIA Foundation director general, said:

"Babies and children have been killed in crashes at very low speeds because they were unrestrained or their child seat was incorrectly fitted. No parent wants to be the next to lose a child through their own mistake. The message of this campaign is to think, use a child seat, and avoid a tragedy you'll regret for the rest of your life'.

Research Material:
Free road safety advice booklets sponsored by Bridgestone will be available at Moto motorway service areas, from Lex Vehicle Leasing, local authority road safety officers, the RAC Foundation and available on-line at www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.com.

Think Before You Drive Month is a campaign promoted by the RAC Foundation in the UK in conjunction with the FIA Foundation and Bridgestone to help motorists understand the four easy steps they can take to improve safety on the roads. Think Before You Drive! is a global road safety campaign .

The FIA Foundation 'Think Global' road safety petition can be viewed and signed online at www.fiafoundation.com.

Charity wrist bands supporting the campaign can also be purchased on-line.

The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its seven 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.

Bosch Car Service awards first national quality certificate

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Dorking Service Centre in South Street, Dorking, was today recognised as one of the most outstanding members of the Bosch Car Service (BCS) network in the UK.

To celebrate this achievement, Dorking Service Centre was presented with Bosch's first ever BCS Quality Certificate by Wolfgang Chur, member of the board, Robert Bosch GmbH, who came over especially from Germany to take part in the VIP award ceremony.


(L-R) Dorking Service Centre's technical director, Roger Parffit, and managing director, Sid Swaine, accept the first national Bosch Car Service Quality Certificate from Wolfgang Chur, member of the board, Robert Bosch GmbH and Robert Meier, managing director of Bosch UK.

The Bosch Car Service programme, now with over 200 members across the UK, was launched in 2003 to help independent garages to enhance and extend their service offering to customers by investing in the very latest Bosch diagnostic equipment and technical support.

The award is based on the findings of Bosch's annual independent quality audit. The 121 'check-point' audit reviews all areas of the business from its over all premises and workshop facilities and technical capability through to its customer service and marketing provisions.

According to Howard Price, Bosch's technical service manager, the certificate was introduced to recognise and reward those members, like Dorking Service Centre, who have excelled in all areas of the business: "As a well-known and trusted household name, Bosch sets the highest quality standards for garages involved in its car servicing network. Dorking Service Centre has shown exceptional commitment to the programme and is an outstanding example of the quality service motorists can expect from the Bosch Car Service network. We are delighted to be presenting the team at Dorking with the first quality award in the UK."

Since opening its doors in February 2004, Sid Swaine and his team at Dorking Service Centre have established a winning formula that combines state-of-the-art vehicle diagnostic and car servicing facilities with the highest levels of customer service. To date, 2,662 happy customers have called on Dorking Service Centre to service more than 4,000 vehicles!

Commenting on the award, Sid Swaine, managing director at Dorking Service Centre said: "We feel very proud to have been selected as the first garage to receive Bosch's prestigious award after just 17 months of operation, which underlines the hard work everyone here at Dorking Service Centre has put into the business."

"The expertise of our technical team in particular, headed by Roger Parffit, is second to none. We are able to work on all makes and models - from the latest high-tech prestige vehicles to the 10-year old family run-about," added Sid.

Kevin Field, operations director at Dorking Service Centre, concludes: "As part of the Bosch Car Service network we know that we will receive the necessary on-going support and importantly technical expertise to build on our success story and continue to offer our customers the very highest levels of servicing for their cars."

Summer Driving Tyre Tips from the TIC

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• Looking after tyres is important to stay safe on the road especially when planning the annual family holiday

Almost a quarter of all cars and vans on the roads in the UK have at least one illegal or badly worn tyre in need of replacement says the Tyre Industry Council - Britain's foremost tyre safety organisation. This information has been gained by the TIC from roadside tyre checks in the past 12 months in the UK undertaken by the police and supported by the Council.

Defective or badly worn tyres are a contributory factor in many vehicle collisions, particularly in the wet, and as the summer holiday period gets into its stride the Tyre Industry Council is advising motorists to check their tyres for condition before travelling to ensure a trouble free drive to their holiday destination.

In particular, when preparing for the holidays motorists should remember that their vehicles may be carrying a heavier than usual load, often in warm conditions and travelling much longer distances than usual.

The Tyre Industry Council is recommending motorists undertake a simple five minute tyre check to ensure that their tyres are safe before they start their journey:

1. Check and adjust if necessary the tyre pressure in each tyre, including the spare as recommended in the manufacturer's handbook


2. Clean dirt from around valves and fit dust caps all round


3. Remove stones and other foreign objects from the tread


4. Check that tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread across three quarters of the width of the tyre. The TIC recommends that motorists consider changing tyres when the tread falls below 3mm


5. Check for uneven tyre wear which might mean steering misalignment or out of balance wheels


6. Check tyres for cuts and bulges which could render the tyre defective and potentially dangerous


7. The TIC recommends that if tyres need changing they should be replaced in twos - preferably on the rear - or all four

Motorists uncomfortable checking their own tyres can take advantage of a free tyre check offered by most reputable tyre retailers who will also provide tyre safety advice and information.

Research Material:
The Tyre Industry Council, established over 15 years ago, is a not for profit, non-commercial body funded by tyre manufacturers and the majority of UK tyre retailers with the principle objective of raising the awareness of the dangers of worn tyres and improving the understanding of the importance of tyre safety. The Council has an active website www.tyresafety.co.uk that contains tyre safety information together with general tyre information.

Automotive Bluetooth Market Set to Accelerate

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New SBD report plots positive future for in-car wireless systems

Progress in providing in-car Bluetooth connectivity for mobile telephones has been slower than early industry predictions, but leading technical consultancy SBD expects availability to extend to many more models in the next two to five years.

In its newly published report The impact and opportunities for Bluetooth and other wireless technologies in the car, SBD shows how the high cost of Bluetooth systems and issues of compatibility with different telephone handsets has contributed to low consumer uptake since the technology was introduced to the automotive market by BMW in 2002. Today just 16 of Europe's principle car makers offer Bluetooth hands-free kits within their model ranges.

However, with market penetration of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones set to rise above 50 per cent by 2007, the adoption of the technology on higher-volume models becomes a stronger economic prospect. The cost of Bluetooth chips should fall and consumer awareness of the benefits of the technology should rise.

SBD believes these factors will lead to the first vehicles with Bluetooth fitted as standard within their audio systems being launched within the next two years.

As a consequence, more car makers are likely to abandon embedded car telephone equipment in favour of wider application of Bluetooth systems.

SBD's critical analysis of the technology concludes that to achieve initial success, basic standards of in-vehicle Bluetooth operation and ease of use will need to be established. Consistent operation for all telephones will be key in building consumer confidence, rather than enabling enhanced features that can only be accessed by a limited number of users. This issue will have an impact on the introduction of additional profiles for Bluetooth users, as at any time there will be handsets on the market that will not be able to support them.

Report author and SBD Head of Telematics David McClure said: "Increased availability of compatible handsets is important for vehicle manufacturers in developing their Bluetooth strategy, but they will also need some reassurance that Bluetooth is more user friendly before making it available to all their customers."

Looking further to the future, SBD also anticipates Bluetooth could next be developed for wireless streaming of music from digital players and potentially for connection to portable navigation systems, although this could conflict with manufacturers' interests in equipping vehicles with embedded sat-nav equipment.

The report also looks at how Wi-Fi could in future link car users with internet access "hot spots" or with their own home network and also the prospects for alternative wireless technologies to be adopted for automotive applications. In the short and medium term, however, it concludes Bluetooth will be the principle technology, adopted primarily for communications functions.

Research Material:
SBD Ltd. is an independent company providing specialist consultancy services in the design and development of automotive components and systems. The company founded in 1995 has extensive knowledge of the strategic development of vehicle systems.

Working closely with manufacturers and suppliers, SBD provides consultancy support at various levels, including: Technical Research, Strategic Planning, Program Management and Product Development.

SBD also provides the industry with detailed market and technical reports on various technologies, market trends and competitor analysis. The company has helped to develop many successful systems seen in the market today and is continuing to help manufacturers implement the next generation of systems with an emphasis on Vehicle Security and Vehicle Telematics.

SBD Ltd Web Site

Think Before You Drive! Belt Up in the Back.

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Forty percent of rear seat passengers and ten percent of front seat occupants are still playing Russian roulette with their lives and others by not wearing seatbelts, according to the RAC Foundation as part of "Think Before You Drive Month".

Nine people die on the UK's roads every day - the equivalent of seventeen passenger planes crashing with no survivors each year. This death toll could be reduced if more motorists carry out the basic safety checks as advocated in Think Before You Drive! Month.

Think Before You Drive! Month is a campaign promoted by the RAC Foundation in conjunction with the FIA Foundation and Bridgestone to help motorists understand the four easy steps they can take to improve safety on the roads.

While twenty first century cars and their components are safer than ever, providing high levels of control, safety and crash protection - thousands of drivers and their passengers are still injured, or die, each year because drivers fail to use safety systems, or to carry out simple routine checks.

As part of the Think Before You Drive Campaign, the RAC Foundation is calling on drivers and passengers to ensure they carry out basic routine checks in order to save lives and in particular that they always fasten their seat belts.

• Always wear your seatbelt.


• DfT figures show one in 10 drivers and front seat passengers do not belt up.


• 81% consider it extremely unacceptable not wearing a seat belt in the front.


• Always belt up in the back.


• Four in 10 rear seat adults do not wear seatbelts.


• 64% consider it extremely unacceptable not wearing a seat belt in the back.

The Foundation has slammed the excuses used by drivers and passengers for not wearing seat belts as "stupid and irresponsible". The Foundation has compiled a dossier of reactions given by drivers who admitted sometimes going without seat belts. Most said that they would wear a belt for a long journey but frequently either forgot or "couldn't be bothered" when they were travelling short distances.

Among the justifications given by unsecured drivers and passengers were:

• I'm only going around the corner


• I'm a good driver and don't need one


• They are uncomfortable because I am pregnant/overweight/ underweight/ too tall/too short.


• They crease your clothes


• Cars are so safe these days that they are unnecessary


• You don't need them in the back, do you?


• My car is old and it's not a legal requirement


• It's uncool


• I'm working and in and out of the car. It's too much hassle


• I'm afraid I will get trapped in the car if it's on fire in a crash


• My safety's my concern, no one else's. I should have the right to choose.

In the UK the Department of Transport estimates that around 10 front seat passengers are killed annually by unbelted rear seat passengers hitting them in a crash - yet some motorists seem more concerned about not creasing their clothes then not cutting their faces.

In the past two decades the increased wearing of seat belts has saved:

• 50,000 lives


• 509,000 serious casualties


• 1,590,000 minor casualties.

Edmund King, executive director, RAC Foundation, said : "Compliance appears to be a problem among some drivers and passengers who give pathetic excuses. Seat belts have saved countless lives. We are worried that some car occupants are still putting their lives at risk.

"Rear passengers who refuse to belt up not only risk killing themselves but also those in the front of the car. The seat belt has been one of the greatest contributions to road safety, now we need to convince and educate the sceptical and lazy of that.

"We hope that the Think Before You Drive! Campaign linked to better education combined with vigilant enforcement should help get the message across. None of the excuses given by motorists are valid. Your chances of getting out of a burning car are much greater if you wear a seat belt as you are more likely to be conscious rather than dead."

David Ward, director general of the FIA Foundation, said: "Seat belts are proven to be the simplest and most effective means for preventing death and serious injury in road crashes. There really is no excuse for not wearing your seat belt."

RAC Foundation seat belt fact file shows:

• In a crash at 30 mph, a back seat passenger without a seat belt is thrown forward with the force of three and a half tonnes.


• An unbelted back seat passenger travelling in a car at 30 mph when it crashes will continue travelling into the front seat at almost 30mph.


• Unbelted back seat passengers are three times as likely to suffer death or serious injury as belted passengers.


• Unbelted back seat passengers are likely to suffer chest injuries, broken ribs, broken hips, broken thighs, facial wounds, fractured skull or abdominal injuries, such as a ruptured spleen.


• Seat belt wearing in the front saves over 2,200 lives every year.

Research Material:
Free road safety advice booklets sponsored by Bridgestone will be available at Moto motorway service areas, from Lex Vehicle Leasing, local authority road safety officers, the RAC Foundation and available on-line at www.thinkbeforeyoudrive.com.

Think Before You Drive Month is a campaign promoted by the RAC Foundation in the UK in conjunction with the FIA Foundation and Bridgestone to help motorists understand the four easy steps they can take to improve safety on the roads. Think Before You Drive! is a global road safety campaign .

The FIA Foundation 'Think Global' road safety petition can be viewed and signed online at www.fiafoundation.com.

Charity wrist bands supporting the campaign can also be purchased on-line.

New CarweB Service from SMMT

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• Vehicle Registration Recognition system returns 150 pieces of information on a car all from a number plate or partial VIN


• Service for retailers, garages, repair shops, insurance companies, local government - all from £25 per month

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is today launching CarweB - a new on-line service for vehicle retailers, motor manufacturers, insurance companies and local government bodies. SMMT CarweB Vehicle Registration Recognition (VRR) is a new, extensive and up-to-date database of UK vehicle records. After five years of development, it is now available for commercial use.

CarweB VRR (www.carwebuk.com) gives users a direct on-line link between a car's vehicle identity number (VIN, sometimes called a chassis number) or registration plate, and over 150 items of data relating to that vehicle. For a £25/month subscription to VRR Enquire, a retail repair shop or garage will be able to access specific vehicle data such as date of registration, complete VIN, number of owners, engine number, details of scrapping, theft etc and vehicle specification. This includes size, top speed, fuel economy, CO2 emissions, acceleration and country of manufacture - all at the click of a button.

Other IT systems can easily integrate to CarweB via the VRR system. Through the new VRR B2B package, a third party system can submit either registration number or VIN and receive any of the information for available fields.

SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said of the new service, 'SMMT is in a unique position to improve the vehicle information currently available within the motor industry. CarweB VRR will give retailers, repairers, vehicle makers, insurers, and others associated with our industry, the information they need to keep accurate records, clean their existing database, make the best repairs and help cut vehicle crime. For the first time, all this information is on one easily used database. We look forward to delivering it to the industry.'

SMMT CarweB system allows full integration into dealer management systems and the use of SMS text messaging of data - especially useful for used car buyers or motor traders at vehicle auctions.

Bosch Celebrates 10 years of ESP

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Prince Michael of Kent joins celebration of active safety system

Ten years ago Bosch became the first supplier to begin series production of its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) technology - a system that prevents a car from skidding in critical driving conditions by braking individual wheels to counter under and/or oversteer and maintain vehicle stability.


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

What started as an option for high-end passenger cars is now available as a safety feature on most new cars and vans. The seeds of ESP development can be traced back to 1983 when engineers at Bosch sought to optimise the recently introduced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) - the technology that allows drivers to steer around obstacles under emergency, straight-line braking - to ensure better vehicle stability. Today, ESP incorporates advances in ABS along with traction control (TCS).

To mark this milestone, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, patron of RoadSafe, attended a reception at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in London to celebrate with leading representatives from the road safety and motor industries.

In a speech at the event, Prince Michael congratulated Bosch on the development and pointed out the important safety benefits that can be derived from the fitment of ESP to all vehicles. He was also heartened that the installation rate on new cars being registered in the UK had increased from 20% to 29% in only 12 months.

Bosch's ESP development received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2003.

Research Material:
The Bosch Group is the world's largest provider of automotive technology to all leading vehicle and component manufacturers.

In 2004, the company generated automotive sales of €25.3 billion and employs 149,200 people in this sector. The key business areas include: fuel injection technology (diesel & petrol); systems for active and passive vehicle safety (brakes, ABS, traction control, ESP, control units for restraint systems); electrical motors, rotating electrics and products for car multimedia.

Nissan Becomes The First Japanese Automaker To Export US Built Vehicles to China

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Trekking across the Mississippi Delta by rail, the cadre of China-bound Quests roll past the tall magnolias one last time as they head west, before being shipped across the Pacific to a faraway distant land. As they are loaded aboard transport ships, each Quest takes a bit of Mississippi pride on their long journey.


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

From Canton, Miss., to Canton, China, Nissan North America (NNA) officially began to export U.S. manufactured vehicles to China as part of its NISSAN Value-Up business plan, making Nissan the first Japanese automaker to export U.S.-manufactured vehicles to China.

"When we originally built the Canton facility, we were not only looking at meeting the needs of the U.S. market, but also the global market," said Dan Gaudette, senior vice president, North American Manufacturing and Quality Assurance. "With our Canton and Smyrna plants combined, our capacity allows us to meet the needs for the U.S. as well as other key global markets."

Nissan's global presence is key to its NISSAN Value-Up business plan. The plan commitments include selling 4.2 million units in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, a 24% increase over sales in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005.

"International trade of globally competitive products by world-class companies is key to Mississippi and America's economic future," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. "We are very proud of Nissan and the 6,000 highly skilled Mississippians who make such exciting and innovative vehicles."

Before Quest exports began to China, Nissan has shipped U.S.-built vehicles to:

-- The Middle East - Altima, Armada and Infiniti QX56 (Pathfinder begins in February)

-- Mexico - Altima, Xterra, Maxima, Pathfinder, Quest, Armada and

Titan

-- Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico - Altima, Xterra, Maxima,

Pathfinder, Quest, Armada, Frontier, Titan and QX56

-- Taiwan - Quest

To ensure customer satisfaction, Nissan has designed each vehicle to meet the specific needs of each market.

"Every market has its unique requirements, and we work closely with Design and Engineering to manufacture vehicles that will be attractive to their targeted customers," said Gaudette. "The Altima bound for the Middle East, for instance, has a revised engine, transmission and a larger cooling system, given the warmer climate of that region."

The Nissan Quest's engine is modified to meet Chinese emission standards, receives a specially tuned suspension to meet rougher terrain, and has standard rear fog lamps.

The Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 receive new green tinted glass to meet the Middle Eastern government regulations, and the Armada has a new final drive-ratio for 2WD equipped vehicles due to the different topography.

And the first Quest to arrive in China will have a very special accessory: a special commemorative gift basket consisting of gifts donated by the State of Mississippi and NNA-Canton employees.

"We've recently made automotive history by becoming one of only six automotive companies in the U.S. to sell over one million vehicles within a 12-month period. Now, we're making history again with these exports to China. We're extremely excited at meeting this new challenge," said Jed Connelly, senior vice president, sales and marketing, NNA.

Research Material:
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infiniti.com.