Winter Poses Greatest Danger to Drivers

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

RoadSafe welcomes the overall downward trend shown in the detailed analysis of road casualties published by The Department of Transport today, however the appalling fact is that in 2004 over 3,200 people were killed on Britain's roads.

The figures show that 3,221 people were killed, some 8 percent less than in 2003. The number of people seriously injured fell to 31,130, also 8 percent lower than in 2003. Total casualties in 2004 were 280,840, 3 percent fewer than in 2003.

Commenting on these statistics, Adrian Walsh, RoadSafe's director said: "Many organisations are working hard to find ways of reducing casualties still further, but all too often drivers simply do not appreciate the real dangers."

"With the imminent arrival of winter the figures are a timely reminder that bad weather and longer nights pose a danger - they show that about fifty percent of all reported road traffic accidents at night occur in wet conditions; however in the UK it is wet on average only 10% of the nights" he added.

During the next month leading up to the end of British Summer Time on 30 October, RoadSafe will publish a series of features highlighting the latest developments in vehicle and road safety technology.

Drivers Face 650% Increase in Speed Camera Prosecutions

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Road safety group, The Association of British Drivers (ABD), has discovered a new system used by Speed Camera Partnerships that could enable them to process 650% more prosecutions automatically. The automated system, called StarTraq, would enable a Speed Camera Partnership to increase prosecutions from 800 per day (£48,000) to 6,000 (£360,000) per day.

Camera Partnerships have, until recently, been limited in the number of fines they could manually process per day. This has led to them setting higher trigger speeds for their cameras. The StarTraq system enables them to increase the number of drivers fined by 650%, according to information from the company. This increased processing capability has the potential to allow Partnerships to reduce camera trigger speeds as they will be able to process more fines.

StarTraq is already in use in South Africa, and the company quotes a reference from the City Council of Pretoria as saying "We are beating out annual budget with over R33 million in collections to date." In the UK, Derbyshire, Wiltshire and Swindon, North Wales, Kent and Medway and Bedfordshire Camera Partnerships are already using the system, with the likelihood of more Partnerships considering it.

Mark McArthur-Christie, the ABD's Road Safety Spokesman said "It's a tragedy when road safety has moved so far away from saving lives that it is reduced to maximising the number of tickets and fines a Partnership can process in a day."

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"

Severe Weather Forecast - Highways Agency Warns Drivers

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

With heavy rain and strong, gusty winds spreading into Wales and northern England during today, Wednesday 28 September, the Highways Agency reminds drivers to take extra care on the roads.

The Agency urges drivers, especially of high-sided vehicles, to take extra care during very windy conditions forecast by the Met Office. The Agency will be working with the police to ensure that disruption from any accidents and incidents is minimised and traffic kept moving.

The Met Office today forecast that parts of Wales and northern England, especially high level routes, would experience heavy rain with strong, gusty winds reaching 50-60mph through this afternoon and early evening.

In the affected areas heavy rain and spray could reduce visibility. Drivers should slow down and keep well back from the vehicle travelling in front because it takes longer to slow down and stop in wet weather. After driving through floods, test your brakes before you continue driving at higher speed.

Anyone driving high-sided vehicles or towing caravans should take extra care when strong winds are forecast.

Drivers are advised to check the latest information on weather and road conditions before they set off, and during their journey.

For weather conditions:
* The Met Office website - www.metoffice.com
* Local radio broadcasts

and for road conditions:
* HA website - www.highways.gov.uk
* Highways Agency Information Line 0845 7504030

During severe weather, the Agency and its contractors will work with police forces and local authorities to ensure the impact on road users is minimised.

Research Material:
The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport.

Information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available by phone from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030, and from the Highways Agency website: www.highways.gsi.gov.uk.

Ascari KZ1 is Back!

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Back by popular demand is the stunning Ascari KZ1, which was a real hit with visitors at Father's Day Supercar Sunday earlier this year. The Oxfordshire manufacturers have kindly agreed to loan the car for display in the museum for the next few months.


(L to R) Stephen Laing, Curator of the museum receives the car from Chris Burton, Sales Manager of Ascari Car

This is one of the most exclusive and coveted cars in the world; only 50 will be created, priced at £235,000 each. The KZ1 takes 340 hours to handcraft by 30 specialist engineers with expertise in Formula 1 and Touring Cars.

The carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and body shell weighs 1,330kg and is powered by a V8 engine tuned to deliver 500bhp, combined with power to weight ratio of 376bhp per tonne, enabling the KZ1 to achieve 60mph in just 3.7 seconds and an exhilarating top speed of 200mph.



The KZ1 goes on public display in the museum from today. The museum is open daily (except 24-26 December) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each weekend there are a variety of outdoor activities for all the family including go-kart racing, children's roadway and 4x4 off-road rides. Museum entrance fees are £8 adults; £7 concessions; £6 children (5-16 years); under fives FREE.

The Heritage Motor Centre is situated in the Midlands, close to Junction 12 of the M40 between Warwick and Banbury. For more information log on to www.heritage-motor.centre.co.uk

Motoreasy Launches Flexible Packages

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

has launched new flexible alternatives to its popular all-in-one car maintenance and protection product with an introductory 10% discount on its full product range. The offer is available until October 31st 2005.

The traditional motoreasy all-in-one membership allows motorists to roll an annual service, breakdown recovery, MOT, comprehensive warranty and much more, into one easy-to-budget-for-fixed payment.

The cost of this plan is determined by your car's engine size and its estimated annual mileage. Payment can either be made by direct debit over the course of the year, in three equal instalments, or in one payment.

The new flexible packages mean customers can add or delete options to suit their motoring needs. For example, if you already have breakdown recovery but like the idea of knowing the cost of keeping your car on the road for a year, you can buy a motoreasy membership without the recovery element.

Any aspect of motoreasy can now be purchased individually, or in any combination.

Approximately £8bn will be spent on servicing and repairs this year and 6 million motorists will call a breakdown company to come to their rescue at home and abroad. Yet, despite these figures, the vast majority of people tend to only think about fuel, tax and insurance and forget about maintenance and protection.

With prices starting at just £360 for annual cover, the introductory discount can bring the cost of running your car to well below a pound a day*.

works in partnership with Castrol, AXA Assistance and Warranty Direct.

*Prices based on a typical 1400cc engine car to complete no more than 6,000 miles per year. motoreasy all-in-one starting price £360 - 10% = £324


AA Web Site & Breakdown Cover
RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover


Get an Online Motor Warranty Quote instantly with Warranty Direct - Unbeatable cover at a price you can afford.

Discovering how much it will cost to protect your car against unforeseen mechanical failure couldn't be simpler.

Warranty Direct not only sells the warranty but handles the claim as well - for a better warranty buy from Warranty Direct!

Hull Docks - Google Earth

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

I've created a number of Google Earth KMZ files covering all of the Kingston upon Hull Docks, whether still remaining or redeveloped.


These files can be browsed and downloaded directly from http://www.jonfry.com/uploaded_files/google_earth or by clicking on the links in this post. I have also merged all of these files into a single file which can then be played to automatically fly between the docks.

Albert Dock
Albert_Dock_Hull.kmz

Alexandra Dock
Alexandra_Dock_Hull.kmz

Humber Dock
Humber_Dock_Hull.kmz

King George Dock
King_George_Dock_Hull.kmz

Princes Dock
Princes_Dock_Hull.kmz

Queen Elizabeth Dock
Queen_Elizabeth_Dock_Hull.kmz

Queens Dock
Queens_Dock_Hull.kmz

Railway Dock
Railway_Dock_Hull.kmz

St Andrews Dock
St_Andrews_Dock_Hull.kmz

Victoria Dock
Victoria_Dock_Hull.kmz

William Wright Dock
William_Wright_Dock_Hull.kmz

I have included all of the above files in one KMZ file which can be played once opened in Google Earth to fly between all of the Hull Docks. To download this single file click on the Hull Docks Tour link below.

Hull Dock Tour
Hull Docks Tour

You can also view some photographs of these docks and other areas of interest in Kingston upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire at Hull Online Local Image Gallery

Related Articles:
St Andrews Dock, Hull
West Hull, Willerby and East Yorkshire

Component Makers Back Automotive Trade Show 2006

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Leading automotive industry component makers are backing ATS 2006, following the success of this year's event. FAI, First Line, NGK, Quinton Hazell and SKF are among the firms that have already booked space at next year's show, due to open at the NEC from April 25-27.

With its successful Skills Centre enlarged next spring, ATS 2006 will have an emphasis on training and careers in the automotive industry. 'This will give a very effective backdrop against which component makers can show off their training programmes for their own staff and for installers,' said Richard Gibbs, chairman of the CV Show and ATS Committee. 'The entire industry faces a skills shortage on one hand, and needs to cope with the demands of increasingly complex component technology on the other, so there will be a great opportunity for firms to show how they can help with the wide-ranging advice that is increasingly in demand.'

For the third straight year, the Automotive Trade Show will run alongside the Commercial Vehicle Show, to give the biggest and most successful business-to-business show of its type in Europe. The combined events give component makers and aftermarket exhibitors real added value, with interest from buyers from across the entire vehicle spectrum.

Garage equipment firms are booking space briskly and, right across the exhibition, space bookings are ahead of last year. Apaseal, Bradbury, Cascos, Crypton, Maha, Rotary Lift, Snap-on, Straightset and UK Equipment are amongst the 'blue-chip' companies coming back for more in 2006. Celette and USI plan a return too, attracted by body repair service interest at the 2005 event.

Many exhibitors will use their stands as an interactive showcase for visitors, providing technical updates, advice and guidance on the latest technologies. This offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to contribute to their individual continuing professional development (CPD) programmes.

Nigel Beaven, Director of Marketing at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), commented 'The rapid pace of technology demands a requirement to keep up-to-date. By offering independent formal recognition of learning achievement, the IMI's CPD initiative is proving increasingly popular among our members and ATS will provide an excellent facilitator for this.'

"Easy Fuel" Concept Launched to Avoid Expensive Refueling Mistakes

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

• "Easy Fuel" concept launched to avoid expensive refueling mistakes


• Focus Touring pack now available to order


• Bill Ford acknowledges long service Transit Dealers

Ford engineers have developed an intelligent refuelling system to prevent petrol accidentally being put into the tank of a diesel-engineered car.

Over 150,000 people a year put the wrong fuel into their vehicle and the figure is rising rapidly as diesel sales increase. Misfuelling is not only inconvenient but potentially expensive too. Due to the fine tolerances of today's fuel systems, the wrong fuel can lead to major fuel pump and high-pressure injection-system damage, along with engine component failure. Damage may not be covered by insurance because many policies exclude misfuelling.

Fords "Easy Fuel" system consists of a sealed filler pipe insert and a fuel nozzle locator that guides the nozzle to the tank opening. The insert contains an automatic diameter detector that only allows the larger diesel fuel nozzles to be inserted into the filler pipe and locks out the thinner petrol nozzles.

Ford plans to introduce the "Easy Fuel" system into its product range within two years.

West Hull, Willerby and East Yorkshire

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

I've had Google Earth installed on my computer for quite a while now and use it often.

Google says about Google Earth: "Google Earth streams the world over wired and wireless networks enabling users to virtually go anywhere on the planet and see places in photographic detail. This is not like any map you have ever seen. This is a 3D model of the real world, based on real satellite images combined with maps, guides to restaurants, hotels, entertainment, businesses and more. You can zoom from space to street level instantly and then pan or jump from place to place, city to city, even country to country."



Above is an image from Google Earth of West Hull and the East Yorkshire villages including Willerby where I live.

You can download Google Earth for free from http://earth.google.com

Related Articles:

• Hull Docks - Google Earth
• St Andrews Dock, Hull

Related Links:

• Jonathan Fry's Google Earth KMZ Directory

Google Earth KMZ Files

• Jonathan_Fry's Webcams.kmz

BMW at the British International Motor Show

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Organisers of next year's British International Motor Show (BIMS) are delighted to confirm BMW's involvement at the show to be held at ExCeL London next 20-30 July. The announcement reinforces the developing international profile of the new-look show and its growing standing in the world automotive industry. BMW Group's presence, represented by its premium brands BMW and MINI, is a major boost for the event and signals the return of the German manufacturer after a five-year absence of its BMW brand from UK motor shows.

"We are thrilled to welcome BMW Group to The British International Motor Show," confirms Giles Brown, sales director of imie, organisers of the show. "This decision is a great boost for the new show and strengthens our belief that the location, format and interactive elements are just what key manufacturers are looking for. We are delighted that the BMW and MINI brands will be on show and it sends out a powerful message of endorsement for our plans."

Commenting on the decision, Jim O'Donnell, managing director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "We have been critical of rising costs at the NEC motor shows and felt that we could spend our marketing budget more wisely. However, I believe the new show, in the heart of our capital city, has addressed my concerns and I am delighted that we will be attending the 2006 show with BMW and MINI. MINI has been present at every British motor show since the car's launch in 2001 and I can guarantee that we will use every opportunity to present our brands in an interesting and innovative way. We hope the new show will prove to be a huge success."

The British International Motor Show
The British International Motor Show is open to the public from 20-30 July 2006 at ExCeL London. 18 July is press day, with 19 July reserved for trade visitors. Tickets go on sale in November 2005.

Keywords:
Automotive | BMW | British | Car | Cars | Design | Innovation | International | MINI | Motor | Motor Show | Show | Vehicles

MPH 05 Live Motoring Theatre

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

MPH '05 is heading for the open road and going national!

Organisers behind the hugely successful and totally unique motoring spectacle have announced they are to bring MPH '05 to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre for the very first time, as well as London's Earls Court this November.

Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, the unique all action, high octane show combines phenomenal acrobatic stunt driving with the most imaginative theatrical showcase of prestige and high-performance sports cars ever seen.


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

"MPH '05 is the must see show for self respecting petrol heads everywhere. It's the only chance to see many of the world's finest cars as God intended - in action - and frankly have a good laugh at the same time," said Jeremy Clarkson.

Bas Bungish, MPH '05 director added: "In just three years MPH has re-written the so-called motor show rule book and this November our winning formula of celebrity petrol heads, phenomenal stunt driving and the world's rarest, stylish and most expensive vehicles will be bigger, better and more exciting than ever."


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

Galleries offering unrestrained access to some of the world's finest cars including Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lotus, Marcos, Maserati, Mercedes, Noble, Porsche, Rolls-Royce amongst many more, all complement the live theatre experience.

As with all motorshows, visitors will get a first glimpse of the cars of tomorrow with TVR, Volvo, Citroen, Saab and the American supercar giants Saleen all promising to host UK public debuts of exciting new models, whilst the finest collection of super cars of yesteryear will feature in the Classic Gallery. Lovers of two wheeled performance machines aren't overlooked either, with Ducati, BMW and Honda already promising to display some stunning machines.

Key partners for the event are Shell Optimax, Sunday Times Driving, Virgin Radio, Sony Ericsson, and Bose.


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

Listing and Ticket Information

MPH '05 takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, from 10-13 November and at Earl's Court, London, from 17-20 November 2005.
Tickets are available from just £20 and full details including booking can be found at www.mphshow.co.uk


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

MPH '05 comprises five main elements:

1. The MPH Theatre - Hosted by motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson and celebrity guests, 75 minutes of spine-tingling excitement, a petrol-fuelled adrenaline rush where spectators witness spectacular stunts and screaming engines, and all laced with sublime catwalk processions of the finest supercars on the planet.


2. The MPH Gallery - A showcase of the biggest brands in high-end motoring. For those looking to buy a prestige or performance car, MPH Gallery provides the perfect platform to get all touchy-feely with the array of dream cars on show, allowing you to compare, evaluate and even buy from the impressive line up.


3. The Sony Ericsson MPH Studio - Here's where you can see a superb display of cars that have just about everything uprated for increased style and power.


4. The MPH Style Piazza - Relax in our stylish champagne bar surrounded by an impeccable selection of boutiques featuring some of the most famous luxury, motoring and non-motoring brands on the planet.


5. The Classic MPH Gallery - From the rare to the iconic, new for 2005 the gallery offers a retrospective look at the most desirable cars ever produced including the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, the Aston Martin DB4 and Ford GT40.

Please note that cars featured in the MPH '05 event are subject to change.

Related Articles:
MPH 05 Ticket Prices Announced
MPH '05 - And Then There Were Three


Keywords:
Aston Martin | Audi | Automotive | Bentley | BMW | Bose | Car | Cars | Ferrari | Jaguar | Lamborghini | Lotus | Marcos | Maserati | Mercedes | Motor Show | National Exhibition Centre | Noble | Podcast | Porsche | Rolls-Royce | Shell Optimax | Sony Ericsson | Sunday Times Driving | Theatre | Virgin Radio

Forest Law (Law of the jungle)

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Amit's main interests are Automotive stuff (#1 polluting industry), Environment, Programming related stuff, Java, Geography, Economy & Random observations.

I'm more than pleased to link back to Amit's Blog. Pay his site a visit and don't forget to leave a comment or two!

Forest Law (Law of the jungle): Increasing Fuel economy of IC Engines

ABD Predicts Misuse of In Car Black Boxes as TRL Blames Bad Driving for Higher Road Deaths

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

The DfT announced yesterday that they are considering fitting black boxes in cars to determine the causes of accidents. They are also investigating ways to use these devices to externally control vehicle speeds by physically preventing them breaking speed limits or automatically issuing tickets if they do so.

"This announcement continues their flawed and dangerous "one-size-fits-all" approach to road safety," said the ABD's road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie. "The DfT talk about using black boxes to investigate the causes of accidents, but seem to have decided in advance that crashes can be cured by simply sticking to the speed limit. We are very concerned that the "accident investigation" angle could be a ruse to bring in automated speed controls."

Existing police data, frequently suppressed by the camera partnerships and the DfT, shows that 95% of accidents are unrelated to breaking speed limits, and that the remaining 5% involve extreme behaviour (drunk, drugged or unqualified drivers way in excess of the speed limit) and other vital factors.

"The facts don't support mass, automated enforcement of inappropriate speed limits," continued McArthur-Christie, "But the Government had committed itself to this strategy based on false premises and is ignoring the truth about road safety. External speed control doesn't prevent poor lane discipline, poor observation, driving too close, inattention, tiredness, reckless, poorly judged manoeuvres or excess speed for the conditions. These are the real killers, and the more the Government try to turn us into remote controlled passengers and try to drive our cars for us, the less concentration we will apply to the task of driving and the less opportunity we will have to develop vital safe driving skills."

Recently, the Transport Research Laboratory was tasked to investigate why current speed reduction policies have failed to cut road deaths (TRL643). They blamed falling driving standards.

The ABD was formed by well-qualified and experienced drivers to promote sensible road safety. It believes that external speed control implemented either by threats or black boxes, is responsible for falling driving standards and is therefore what is preventing road deaths from falling.

"A safe driver is one who can use his own judgement to determine what is a safe speed for the conditions," concludes Senior IAM observer and RoSPA-qualified driver and motorcyclist McArthur-Christie. "Government policy is doing nothing but undermine that in any number of ways. We cannot believe they will be foolish and cowardly enough to repeat the same mistakes with black boxes that they have with current camera technology."

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"

Keywords:
Accidents | Automotive | Black Box | British | Britain | Car | Cars | Drivers | Government | Police | Road Accidents | Roads | Road Safety | Safety | Speed | Speed Cameras | Speed Limits | Technology | Transport | Vehicles

On-Demand Hydrogen Company Established in the UK

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Innovative Alternative Fuel Company Secures Financing and Sets Up Shop in UK with Help of British Government
Startup "On-Demand Hydrogen'" OM Energy Ltd, Establishes in the UK with US and Overseas Sees Financing

A pioneering energy company, which has developed technology that extracts hydrogen from water, today announced that it has been established as a UK company. UK Trade & Investment's Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP), a department within the British government, assisted OM Energy Ltd in establishing itself as a British company to develop its innovative Electro Hydrogen Generator (EHG) in the UK.

"The successful creation of OM Energy Ltd. as a UK company represents UK Trade & Investment's steadfast commitment to help develop global entrepreneurship based on exceptional intellectual property," said Ian Pearson, UK Minister of State for Trade. "I believe the company will benefit greatly from establishing its base in the UK, from which it can grow and penetrate the global marketplace."

GEP has also helped OM Energy successfully secure initial private financing from a small syndicate of private technology and energy investors in the US and overseas. The financing will support the establishment of OM Energy in the UK and be used for the assembly of version four of the OM Energy prototype prior to the commercial phase.

The technology is a hydrogen-from-water generating process that helps solve many of the hydrogen creation and storage problems faced today and in the fast approaching "hydrogen economy." It is the hydrogen that could be mixed with petrol to make a more cost effective and environmentally friendly fuel. Water is made from two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom, and this process efficiently separates the H from the O. The technology, if commercially successful, could in future help fuel cars using tap water and could even help ships power themselves using seawater.

In addition to supporting the company's migration and introduction to financing sources, GEP assisted OM Energy with the evaluation of the technology and the transfer of the core patent to the protective environment of a UK company. GEP will also help build and enhance its management team through a network of "Dealmakers," who are serial entrepreneurs with technology and global business experience.

"OM Energy's cutting-edge technology promises to contribute significantly to the hydrogen technology development," said Eric Van Der Kleij, the Dealmaker responsible for the OM Energy relationship, and one of the UK's government's leading dealmakers. "We are very pleased that the company decided to develop its technology and establish its business in the UK."

Although OM Energy developed their patent and core technology in Russia, the company's management felt they needed a strategically viable location to globally protect and expand their intellectual property and business. GEP advised OM Energy on the benefits of establishing in the UK, and the company has cited GEP's strategic counsel and networking support as the key catalysts to identifying funding sources and migrating to the UK. The company has already filed the worldwide patents for the core EHG technology and is now poised to assemble version four of the EHG prototype in the UK.

About UK Trade & Investment and The Global Entrepreneurs Programme
UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for both UK companies engaged in overseas trade, and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. For more information visit the web site at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

UK Trade & Investment launched the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) in 2003 as a new approach to economic development. The GEP champions new business ideas by bringing together entrepreneurs and those who can best guide them towards success in the UK. Dealmakers act as a liaison between the government and entrepreneurs. For more information visit the GEP website at www.entrepreneurs.gov.uk

OM Energy follows the successful establishment of iCurie from South Korea and Vortis from California in the UK earlier this year.

About OM Energy Ltd.
Founded by a team of Russian scientists, OM Energy Ltd. is a pioneering hydrogen energy company and the developer of the Electro-Hydrogen Generator, a patented Electro-Kinetic electrolysis process that is targeted at broad applications in the fast-growing "Hydrogen Economy."

Keywords:
Alternative Fuel | Audio | Automotive | Britain | California | Economy | Electricity | Energy | Entrepreneurs | Environment | Fuel | Generator | Government | Hydrogen | Markets | Overseas Trade | Oxygen | Podcast | Russia | South Korea | Technology | Trade | UK | United Kingdom | Water

Put a Tiger in your Exhaust!

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Dirty exhaust gases could actually help cars become cleaner - thanks to a world-beating British invention.

The British engineers have developed a simple but revolutionary way of recovering energy that would normally be lost down the exhaust pipe. The exciting 'free power' breakthrough has three key green benefits - it makes engines more efficient, reduces emissions and creates enough electricity to run all of a car's power systems.

And, because the technology is fairly simple, it could be fitted on all car, van, bus and truck engines within a few of years.

It could reduce fuel consumption by up 10 per cent and help hit the Government's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But engineers working on the TIGERS project under the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders Foresight Vehicle research initiative, say this is only the beginning.

So, how does it work? Just below the manifold, where the exhaust system joins the engine, the engineers have installed an extra waste pipe. A valve, linked to the engine's management control system, allows some of the high energy gases to be drawn off to drive a special generator, using a device called a switched reluctance drive (SRD).

Because so much energy is tied up in the high temperature exhaust gas, that can reach 130mph, it can spin the generator at up to 80,000 rpm and creates an electrical power of up to 6kW - more than enough to drive a car's electrical systems.

Dr Richard Quinn, one of the engineers leading the TIGERS - Turbo-generator Integrated Gas Energy Recovery System - project says the system could be developed to produce anything from 12v to 600v.

So the 'free' electricity could drive all of a car's heating, lighting, air conditioning and in-car entertainment systems. Longer term, the cam belt, drive belts and alternator could be scrapped and TIGERS electric drive used instead. This would reduce friction losses.

In a hybrid electric car the TIGERS system could be even more efficient, feeding the 'free' power directly to boost the main drive motors, or back to the battery to give the car an even greater range.

On trucks the extra electricity could be used to power electrical systems to run refrigeration units for chilled food, turn the motors on cement mixers or power pumps on fuel tankers.

Researchers from Visteon UK in Coventry, Switched Reluctance Drives of Harrogate and The University of Sheffield Electrical Machines & Drives Research Group, form the TIGERS group.

Dr Quinn, of Visteon's European Powertrain operations, said: "TIGERS is a really exciting development. Up to a third of the power that a conventional engine produces is wasted as exhaust gases. By harnessing some of that power we can make the engine more efficient."

More than 400 UK companies and universities have been participating in the industry-backed Foresight Vehicle initiative, which is led by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Visit Foresight Vehicle on the web at www.foresightvehicle.org.uk

Keywords:
Automotive | Car | Cars | Electricity | Emissions | Engine | Energy | Exhaust | Environment | Free Power | Gas | Generator | Invention | Manufacturers | Motor | Motors | Power | Project | Recovery | Turbo | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicle | Vehicles

Hybrid Vehicles to Face Competition from Diesel Powertrains

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

• Greater Cost Efficiencies Essential to Fuel Uptake of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Research into hybrid and electric vehicles is reaching an all time high in Europe, with most companies in the automotive industry working towards developing their own versions of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that reduce environmental pollution and increase fuel efficiencies.

A growing concern in the industry is offsetting the research and development (R&D) expenses and the high unit costs of components that compel automakers to charge high retail prices. However, automakers expect economies of scale and rapid public acceptance to generate profits for the electric vehicle divisions.

"In order to ensure profitability of the low-priced compact class cars, automobile designers are implementing cost-cutting measures such as modular production that drastically reduces assembly costs," says Technical Insights Research Analyst (www.technicalinsights.frost.com) Rajesh Kannan.

Since development costs for HEVs are very high, vehicle manufacturers are also largely dependent on governments to set up funds in the form of tax reduction/exemptions, grants and incentives that promote the growth of HEVs.

"While the introduction of city congestion charges apply to HEVs only in part while the possibility of government grants for first hybrid vehicle owners are regarded as crucial incentives," notes Mr. Kannan.

However, once pitted against the improved diesel engines, vehicle manufacturers need to decrease the price of hybrid vehicles further for closing the cost gap between hybrid and diesel powertrains.

In Europe, high-efficiency diesel vehicles have demonstrated fuel economies and CO2 emission figures similar to that provided by gasoline HEVs. Diesel engines account for about 45.0 per cent of all newly registered cars in Europe.

"Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay a little extra for a more fuel-efficient, high technology vehicle is therefore extremely important to drive uptake of HEVs," reiterates Mr. Kannan.

In order to succeed in the European market, manufacturers need to convince prospective buyers about the advantages of HEVs in terms of fuel efficiency, reduced pollution, functionality and driving performance.

Following the footsteps of Toyota Motor Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. General Motors Corporation and DaimlerChrysler AG are developing a gasoline-electric power system in hybrid vehicles that saves fuel and cuts tailpipe emission.

Application of renewable energy for recharging batteries is another priority among manufacturers of HEVs. For example, the use of photovoltaic solar energy and accumulation for night time recharging is important to the future of HEVs, particularly in the case of plug-in hybrids.

Introduction and development of more efficient batteries such as Nickel-Hydrogen, Lithium-ion and Lithium-Carbon is also essential to sustain demand for electric and hybrid vehicles in the long run. The challenge lies in creating batteries that have greater peak and pulse-specific power and a high charge acceptance to maximize the utilisation of regenerative braking.

While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to remain confined to niche applications, development of batteries with high energy density, lower manufacturing costs, short recharging times and prolonged life cycles is likely to enable BEVs to make a greater impact in the mainstream market.

"At the same time, it is necessary for both automobile manufacturers as well as governments to ensure that EVs are not marginalized or cannibalized in the market," says Mr. Kannan. "Defining a niche for different types of EVs such as intra-city shuttle transport may be key to enhancing their commercial appeal and ensuring their long-term survival."

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Europe is part of the Transportation vertical subscription service, and examines the latest and upcoming trends in the said market. In addition to discussing the various technology drivers and restraints, the study covers research and development efforts at various universities, in leading companies and in other research institutions across the globe. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of competition and keep abreast with critical developments. Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.

If you are interested in an analysis which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview, summary, challenges, and latest coverage of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Europe - then send an e-mail to Magdalena Oberland - European Corporate Communications at magdalena.oberland@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, email and source of information. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you via e-mail.

Research Material:
Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

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.

Web Sites:
www.frost.com
www.technicalinsights.frost.com

Drug Drive Death Trip

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

More than one in seven drivers stopped during a police campaign over the summer tested positive for drugs - over double the percentage of those found to have been drinking.*

Today (15) the RAC Foundation is calling for new measures to tackle the menace and asking the Government to launch a controversial consultation into the possibility of setting a drug drive limit.

Unlike alcohol, there is no clear level at which a suspected drug driver can be charged. Instead police have to demonstrate that he or she is unfit to drive by a complicated series of roadside "sobriety" tests followed by evidence obtained by a police surgeon. This can cause problems as drugs such as cannabis can stay in the blood stream for up to four weeks and therefore the presence of cannabis does not always prove that driver is unfit to drive. Drivers involved in accidents are not always capable of undergoing impairment tests and without drug/drive legal limits it can be difficult to prove that the driver was "unfit".

Speaking at the Pan London Road Safety Event today (15) Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation will say:

"We realise that talking about a drug drive limit will be contentious, but it is prompted by a growing body of evidence that drugs and driving is a significant problem especially among young people."

"At the moment, the police have to undertake a lengthy and expensive series of tests to establish whether or not the individual they suspect of having taken drugs is unfit to drive. While these field impairment tests are better than anything we have had previously, setting legal limits on drugs and driving would clarify and simplify the process for police officers as well as sending a message to drivers. That limit may, of course, be zero."

King will also highlight to the conference research which shows the changing habits and attitudes towards drugs and driving:

• A TRL study (1998) showed that in the previous decade the number of drivers killed and found to have traces of illegal drugs had risen from 3%-18%


• A recent survey of clubbers in Scotland showed that as many as 85% had driven after using illegal drugs


• Drugs are cheaper and more easily available than ever and at least three million adults in the UK are regular users.Young drivers are twice as likely to have been driven by someone high on drugs rather than over the drink limit


• 25% of respondents to a MaxPower survey admitted to taking illegal drugs regularly and then driving


• Only 6% thought their driving suffered after taking drugs


• 18% thought drugs improved their driving

The Foundation supports DfT on-line, festival and student campaigns but also feels consideration should be given to a national television advertising awareness campaign - similar to those run in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Foundation commends the campaigns of the London Drug Policy Forum but believes that more national advertising could support such campaigns.

In 2003 the Scottish Executive ran a drug driving campaign, which included television advertising. Before the campaign, the Executive had found that:

• 12% of young drivers thought that they could not be prosecuted for drug driving


• 23% were unsure whether they could be or not

Post-campaign research showed:

• credibility of the enforcement message needed to be strengthened


• advertising needed to be supported by police enforcement

The RAC Foundation wants to see more traffic police, better police training and awareness of drug driving and a rapid development of roadside drugalysers.

More than 90% of motorists are in favour of the police having the powers to carry out roadside testing for drugs and 93% would support a Government funded education campaign.

King will tell the conference delegates:

"It is frightening to think that 14 per cent of 17-25 year old drivers admit to drug driving**, ten per cent of these also consumed alcohol and 90 per cent carried passengers."

"Typical comments from drivers interviewed in our research include things like: "After a smoke you are more relaxed and your reactions are quicker." Others commented that it made driving less daunting. We must change these deluded perceptions."

"Although in law drug driving is just as serious an offence as drink driving, the law does not distinguish between legal and illegal drugs. Nor is there a stated limit, as there is with alcohol. Maybe now is the time to tackle a great taboo and start talking about whether or not we should be continuing with that situation."

Research Material:
The Pan London Road Safety Event is held today (15) at One Great George Street, London at 9.30am. Speakers include representatives from DfT, TfL, the Insurance Industry and the David MacKintosh from the London Drug Policy Forum who will co-present with Edmund King.

*In June 2005, a number of police forces in England and Wales, along with police forces in 12 other European Countries, took part in the TISPOL (Traffic Information Systems Police) European Alcohol and Drug Driving Enforcement campaign.

As a result of the campaign, 10,389 drivers were checked across England and Wales for drink driving, of those 636 drivers tested positive. This figure represented 6.1 per cent of the total number of drivers stopped. In a previous campaign of December 2004, 5.5.% drivers tested positive for drink driving. This campaign also saw 124 drivers checked for drug driving, 16 of those tested positive.

**BRAKE road safety charity research, August 2005.

For research and past releases www.racfoundation.org

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 Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Keywords:
Automotive | Automobiles | Campaign | Car | Cars | Drugs | Government | Motorists | Police | RAC | Road Safety | Safety | Traffic | Vehicles | UK | United Kingdom

Keeping a Grip on Safety

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

More than two million motorists in the UK are putting their lives at risk by never checking their tyre pressure or tread according to the RAC Foundation today (16) at the launch of a two day tyre safety event at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

The NOP Automotive* carried out for the Foundation also showed:

• 7% of motorists only check their tyre pressure and tread once a year


• 15% of women never check their tyres


• 13% only make checks when going on a long journey


• 4% make checks every journey


• 21% every week


• 49% once a month

Now North West drivers are being invited to bring along their vehicles to have tyres and other safety components checked, free of charge, by trained technicians at the Trafford Centre today and tomorrow (Friday 16 and Saturday 17) between 10am &10pm (Fri) and 10am & 8pm (Sat), at an event organised by the Tyre Industry Council which will also include help and advice on many aspects of safe motoring.

Research has also showed that six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres and worn tyres contribute to ten per cent of accidents in the wet.

This problem is exacerbated - as in spot checks it was found that one in three air pressure gauges in petrol stations were not working or had been vandalised. Petrol retailers should provide free, accurate and well-maintained tyre pressure gauges, according to the RAC Foundation after receiving complaints that gauges often are not working.

The NOP survey also found that:

• Half of all women drivers do not know their recommended tyre pressure


• 85% of male drivers claim to know their tyre pressure


• Young drivers (17 -24) were least likely to know their recommended tyre pressures.


• A quarter of high mileage drivers do not know their pressure

A recent safety campaign carried out by the Tyre Industry Council revealed that ninety per cent of the cars they tested had under or over inflated tyres despite correct pressures being vital to safe handling, optimum steering, braking and grip.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said:

"Tyre safety is not an optional extra. Tyres are the only contact that the car has with the road and therefore it is essential that they are not worn or under or over inflated. If you are unsure about your tyres or other safety equipment, this is the perfect time to get them checked and put things right in advance of the Winter."

"If more drivers in the North West followed the simple advice given out at this event then many unnecessary injuries and deaths could be prevented."

The RAC Foundation Tyre Pressure Fact File:

• 20 per cent under-inflation can increase tyre wear by 25 per cent


• 20 per cent under-inflation can reduce tyre life by 30 per cent


• 20 per cent under inflation can reduce fuel economy by three per cent


• 10% of cars are running on illegal tyres (under 1.6mm tread)


• 90% of tyres are incorrectly inflated


• Tyre manufacturers estimate that three quarters of accidents caused by "blowouts" are down to incorrect pressures


• Under-inflated tyres cause a reduction in the overall control of the vehicle and increased braking distances


• Over-inflated tyres cause poor vehicle handling, reduced stability in braking, cornering and reduced grip


• Drivers should check their tyres at least once a month

Research Material:
*NOP Automotive survey of 517 motorists 17 -19 June 2005

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.

RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Keywords:
Automotive | Automobiles | Car | Cars | Fuel Economy | Motorists | RAC | Road Safety | Safety | Tyre | Tyres | Tyre Pressures | Vehicles | UK | United Kingdom

Debbie's Web Site

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Well, it's taken me 11 months to get the weird freak near a computer but I think I've finally cracked it. Debbie now has a web site and blog of her own and she's actually posting on it.



The only problem seems to be that I'm the content of most of her planned posts which is hardly right. I mean, my web server, my disk space, my bandwidth, my computer, my coffee and my chocky!! You think she would pick on somebody else, wouldn't you?

Anyway, if you want to visit Debbie's Web Site and Blog just go to http://www.jonfry.co.uk/debbie and to keep her happy please leave a comment or two.

Keywords:
Blog | Blogs | Debbie | Debra | East Yorkshire | Female | Funny | Hull | Kingston upon Hull | Personal Website | Personal Websites | Photographs | Photos | Photo Blog | UK | United Kingdom | Weblog | Weblogs | Web Site | Website | Woman | Yorkshire

Tax to Blame for High Oil Prices, not OPEC

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Chancellor Gordon Brown is misleading the public with his claim that the high price of oil is down to OPEC.

The staggering facts are that even if OPEC gave us the oil for nothing, UK pump prices would still be over 70p - higher than many EU countries such as Spain and Greece.

ABD Chairman Brian Gregory said: "It's very misleading for Gordon Brown to blame OPEC, high taxation levels are the sole reason why UK prices are excessive. Around 75p per litre would be an acceptable level for most UK drivers. As this would entail OPEC providing fuel for nothing, quite clearly the only way to make fuel prices acceptable is to cut the tax."

High levels of taxation are even partly to blame for the recent surge in crude oil prices. Basic economics mean that high taxes have depressed the real price of oil throughout the 1990s. Prices were so low it was scarcely possible for OPEC to cover existing extraction costs, let alone invest in new capacity for which there was no apparent demand. This also held back the development of the alternative energy sources the greens love so much.

Its hardly surprising, then, that oil producers have been left in no position to respond to the sudden, unexpected demand created by the booming Chinese economy. Prices have surged out of control because it hasn't been worthwhile to invest in energy for 15 years - now the chickens have come home to roost.

Notes:
At 97p per litre 61.5p is taxation, the true fuel cost is 35.5p (see http://www.abd.org.uk/fuel_tax_calculator.htm). Allowing for forecourt, distribution and refinery costs, the price would still be over 70p a litre with a zero crude oil price.

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"

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

Keywords:
Association | Automotive | Blockades | Britain | British | Car | Cars | China | Crude Oil | Diesel | Disruption | Distribution | Drivers | Duty | Economy | England | Environment | EU | Europe | Forecourt | Fuel | Gas | Government | Motor | Motors | OPEC | Petrol | Politics | Price | Prices | Protest | Protests | Refinery | Road | Roads | Tax | Taxation | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicle | Vehicles

EU States Chided Over Car-Crash Calling Service

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Internet News Article | Reuters.co.uk:

"Steps by the European Union to introduce automatic phone calls to emergency services after a car crash have hit a bump as few member states have so far signed up to the scheme.

In February, the European Commission and the auto industry agreed that all new cars in the EU would be equipped with automatic emergency call (eCall) technology by 2009.

Of the bloc's 25 member states, only Finland and Sweden have agreed to install the equipment needed for emergency centres to receive the calls. Germany is set to sign up soon.

European Commissioner for Information Society and Media Viviane Reding told the Frankfurt car show on Wednesday that eCall could save 2,500 lives a year by calling emergency services more quickly after a crash.

After an accident, eCall generates an emergency mobile phone call either manually by the vehicle's occupants or by automatically triggering sensors inside the car.

Voice and data are sent to the nearest emergency services centre, which can locate the accident automatically.

'This is the life saver, because it works whether the accident victims are conscious or not,' Reding said.

The Commission estimated it would cost 150 euros a car to install the equipment and 50,000 euros to upgrade each emergency call centre."

© Reuters 2005

St Andrews Dock, Hull

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Debbie and I had half an hour spare this afternoon so we parked the car at The Junction and went for a walk along the path at the side of the River Humber towards Albert Dock. Although St Andrew's Dock hasn't been used in anger since the mid 1970's there was still plenty to see. It was a shame we didn't have the camera with us but I did have my mobile.



The entrance to St Andrew's Dock from the dock gates.



Lord Line building and Marrs.



The lock gates.



The Lost Fishermans' Memorial.



Humber Chambers I think. I must go back and check on the name unless somebody can comment this post with it and save me the job!



1932 above a window at the Insurance Buildings



"Insurance Buildings". Does anybody know what company owned these offices and what relationship 1932 has above 2 of the windows with 1888 above one of the others?



St Andrews Dock and Albert Dock are on our hit list for a return visit, with the camera this time. The photos will be posted on the Local History Gallery as soon as I have them.

Related Articles:

• Hull Docks - Google Earth

Google Earth KMZ File

• Albert_Dock_Hull.kmz
• St_Andrews_Dock_Hull.kmz

Delphi Debuts Driver Protection Module

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

• New module can help reduce driver's risk of serious injury in frontal crash by up to 27 percent


• OEMs now have new way to improve crashworthiness ratings and meet increased regulations

Delphi Corp. unveiled a new technology today at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt that can offer drivers up to 27 percent more protection from serious injury during a frontal collision event.

The Delphi Driver Protection Module (DDPM) offers OEMs an industry-first: It integrates the steering column, knee bolster and pedals in a way that allows all three technologies to work in controlled coordination to adapt to driver size, restraint usage, and crash severity.

"Consumers want more safety, and OEMs want new ways to differentiate their products while dealing with increased government regulations and independent agency ratings," said Dan Crishon, business line executive, steering columns and intermediate shafts. "We're excited about this technology because it provides a way to help everyone reach these goals."

Rick Nash, chief engineer, steering columns, said the Delphi Driver Protection Module may help OEMs take a significant step forward in offering more protection for the driver's lower extremities. "There's a lot of public and media attention paid to airbags and Electronic Stability Control systems, and they are important. But an element of automotive safety that may not be 'top of mind' with consumers is the protection of lower extremities, including the feet, knees, and legs, which affect quality of life after a crash. Our Delphi Driver Protection Module helps address these areas in a way that other suppliers aren't right now."

Beyond providing drivers with more protection, the module may also contribute toward raising a vehicle's overall crashworthiness rating. "OEMs are looking to perform well on crash tests, like those conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Consumer Reports, and other organizations. We feel the Delphi Driver Protection Module gives them an important tool to better a vehicle's scores on these tests," said Nash.

The DDPM may also help OEMs meet tougher government safety regulations, Crishon said.

"In the U.S. there are increasingly stringent government regulations on head and chest protection," he said. "New requirements for 5th percentile drivers (small female) already are in place and increased requirements for 95th percentile drivers (very large male) are a distinct possibility. Additionally, impact velocity for belted crash tests has been increased to 30 mph and may be raised to 35 mph between 2007 and 2010. Our system will help provide support to OEMs in meeting these requirements."

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS

Each component of the module responds together to contribute to overall driver protection:

Steering column. When integrated into the DDPM, the steering column strokes horizontally to help reduce head and chest load, provide a better match for occupant trajectory, increase capacity for energy absorption, allow for less aggressive driver airbag inflation, and improve occupant kinematics by reducing upward displacement of the steering column on impact. Based on mathematical calculations and simulations, a DDPM-equipped vehicle can provide up to 10 percent more energy absorption to the driver. In addition, the protection increases up to 27 percent more injury reduction if the DDPM is supplemented with Delphi's active energy absorbing technology, which protects a wider range of drivers.

Knee bolster. When integrated into the DDPM, the knee bolster helps reduce knee, femur, hip, and lower extremity loads, absorbs energy through translation rather than deformation, and reduces sensitivity to location of knee contact.

Pedals. Delphi's DDPM pedals offer a nontraditional source of energy absorption. During a frontal collision, the pedal unit is pushed away from the driver's feet to help reduce lower extremity loads and to absorb energy by displacing it away from the driver in a controlled manner.

The modular design of the DDPM helps reduce vehicle installation time by up to 90 percent and offers more efficient packaging by eliminating the knee bolster hump around the steering column. Adaptable design facilitates configurations to brand characteristics and simplifies crash tuning design changes that enables crashworthiness enhancements.

Delphi has been a leader in column energy absorption since developing the first energy-absorbing column with mesh jacket in 1966. That was followed by innovative ball and sleeve, bending brackets and tuned metal strap designs. In 2004, Delphi entered production of its active energy absorbing steering column featuring a pyrotechnic actuator.

Source:
Delphi Corporation

Web site:
http://www.delphi.com

Keywords:
Automotive | Car | Cars | Delphi | Driver | Electrical | Electronic | Frankfurt | Frankfurt Motor Show | Motor | Motors | Motor Show | Protection | Road | Roads | Safety | Systems | Technology | Vehicle | Vehicles

Delphi's Halogen-Free Automotive Cable Making European Debut at Frankfurt Show

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Utilization of GE's Flexible Noryl* Resin Will Allow for 'Class C' Wire Alternative with Additional Performance Gains

Delphi Corporation's role as a technical leader in the design and manufacture of advanced electrical/electronic distribution systems has been strengthened with an innovative automotive cable coming to market through a cooperative effort with General Electric.

Delphi is formally introducing its new halogen-free, recyclable cable to the European continent, a new wire family with insulation made with GE's Flexible Noryl* Resin that can help automakers meet pressing environmental and performance challenges.

Having already made its global debut at GE's Washington D.C. "ecomagination" introduction, Delphi's new cable, with its insulation composed of GE's PPO* resin, is now being presented to customers in Europe, where it's positioned well to respond to a growing trend among the region's automotive manufacturers. It is being showcased at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

"We are seeing a strong tendency with customers in the region to grow their volume of Class C cable in applications under the hood of the vehicle," said Dieter Barowski, director of engineering in Europe for Delphi's Packard Electric division, referring to cable tested and rated to 125 degrees C. Delphi is in the final stages of successfully completing the development of its halogen-free cable tested and validated at Class C levels.

"Our new cable will reach the market as a very cost-competitive alternative to what's currently available, and it will also bring with it several other performance benefits," said Gerhard Mertes, European business line manager of Electrical/Electronic Distribution Systems. He also noted that Delphi expects the presence of Class C-rated cable to more than double in the next few years, as automakers move toward wiring harness solutions that are better equipped to withstand the harsh conditions and meet the unique challenges within the engine compartment with greater longevity and reliability.

Delphi's PPO-based halogen-free cable will also offer automakers improvements in durability, with twice the pinch resistance and four times the abrasion resistance than conventional halogen-free alternatives. It also has a lower specific gravity, Barowski, pointed out, and offers the added feature of being a more environmentally friendly cable insulation.

"We are excited about the many benefits our cable will give customers, depending on their specific needs and unique challenges," Barowski said. "In meeting their requirements, we can bring them added improvements, physical properties based on toughness, tremendous flammability resistance, environmentally minded attributes, or size and weight reductions."

All European expectations can be met by the division's new advanced halogen-free cable, Barowski said, as customers and countries often have their own unique "add-ons" and validation requirements; chemical compatibility tests that are automaker specific, for example. "We are well into validating this cable for all the various performance and durability requirements, and have great confidence that customers will find it ready to meet their specific needs."

In May, Delphi and GE formally introduced the technology in the USA, one viewed by both companies as the first major automotive wire insulation breakthrough in more than 30 years.

Due to begin production in 2006 as a 2007 North American model year application, Delphi is responding to a specific customer request for a halogen-free, recyclable cable. While meeting those requirements, the cable brings weight and size reductions, owed in large part to its suitability to ultra-thinwall insulation coatings.

With insulation thickness cut in half without compromising durability, Delphi is able to provide weight savings averaging 25 percent on a finished cable product. Delphi Packard will have a validated application for the customer as small as 26 gage (0.13 mm2), which leads to a reduction in overall wire diameter average of 28 percent.

"This means much smaller bundle size reductions, and the ability to place more wire per pack. This could allow for more space for customer features, a critical advantage as today's vehicle designs continue to reflect consumers' preferences for more sophisticated, feature-heavy offerings," said Ed Monroe, Delphi's global program manager for halogen-free cable. "Space constraints are forcing automakers to find unique ways to package vehicle content; bundle- size reductions allow OEMs to meet those challenges and offer opportunities to grow electrical/electronic features through this space-saving potential."

Research Material:
*Noryl, PPO and ecomagination are trademarks of General Electric Company.

Source:
Delphi Corporation

Web site:
http://www.delphi.com

Keywords:
Automotive | Cable | Car | Cars | Delphi | Distribution | Electrical | Electronic | Environment | Frankfurt | Frankfurt Motor Show | Halogen | Halogen Free | Motor | Motors | Motor Show | Performance | Recycle | Recyclable | Road | Roads | Systems | Technology | Vehicle | Vehicles | Wire

Government Takes Motorists for a Ride on Petrol Tax

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

In the run-up to another wave of protests over fuel prices, the ABD today pointed out a simple measure the Government can take to reduce pump prices and avoid the disruption of further blockades: cease the outrageous practice of charging a tax on a tax.

The retail price charged to motorists for fuel is arrived at by taking the cost of the fuel itself, adding fuel duty - and then adding VAT to both the fuel cost and duty amount. This means that one tax, VAT, is charged on another tax, fuel duty.

ABD fuel tax spokesman Tony Vickers pointed out: "8.24p in every litre is VAT paid on fuel tax - a tax on a tax. The government could reduce pump prices by 8.24p per litre simply by ending this practice."

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"

Keywords:
Association | Automotive | Blockades | Britain | British | Car | Cars | Diesel | Disruption | Drivers | Duty | Economy | England | Fuel | Gas | Government | Motor | Motors | Petrol | Price | Prices | Protest | Protests | Road | Roads | Tax | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicle | Vehicles

Valeo Presents New Smart Valve Actuation Technology - the Camless Engine Becomes a Reality

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Valeo today presented its latest technology for reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 20% using an engine cylinder head design that adopts Smart Valve Actuation (SVA) in place of the conventional mechanical operation of engine valves by the cam belt, camshaft and hydraulic cam followers.

"SVA is the first of many innovative systems that Valeo intends to actively develop and market in order to meet increasing demand for reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions following the recent acquisition of Johnson Controls' Engine Electronics Division. Engine management and power electronics are now core technologies for the Group which will drive strong future growth," said Valeo Chairman & CEO Thierry Morin.

A brand new technology

In a camless engine, each engine valve is operated individually by an actuator that is placed on the upper surface of the cylinder head, directly above the valve guides. Each actuator is linked to an engine-mounted Valve Control Unit (VCU) that ensures the optimal positioning of all valves and performs the power drive function.

Significant benefits for consumers

By controlling residual gases, minimizing pumping losses and deactivating cylinders and valves, this environmentally friendly technology reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 20%. Consumers will also benefit from enhanced performance and driving comfort, due to an increase in low-end engine torque.

The SVA development program is currently being undertaken with support from several leading car manufacturers and is scheduled for volume production in 2009.

Valeo web site http://www.valeo.com

MOT Milestone Sees First 1,000 Car Technicians Sign Up to New National Skills Tests

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

This month's 45th anniversary of the MOT* coincides with another milestone in the drive to improve vehicle servicing and repair standards. The UK's first national voluntary assessment system for technicians, Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), has seen 1,000 technicians register since launching in June.

Developed over three years, Automotive Technician Accreditation serves as a national benchmark of competence for technicians, of which there are an estimated 160,000 in the UK, who are working on increasingly complex vehicles. Cars of the '60s are a world apart from today, with a modern family saloon containing more computing power than the space programme of that era.

To achieve ATA status, technicians must pass a series of practical tasks and an on-line knowledge test at an ATA approved assessment centre, of which there are over 30 in the UK. There are three levels of accreditation (Master Technician being the highest):

• Service Maintenance Technician


• Diagnostic Technician


• Master Technician

ATA-registered technicians are issued with a unique photo identity card and are listed on a web-based register. They must be re-assessed after five years to maintain their credentials.

Governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry, the automotive sector's professional association, Automotive Technician Accreditation is backed by major partners including: BMW; DaimlerChrysler; Ford; Hertz; Mondial Assistance; Nationwide Autocentres; Peugeot; Toyota; Volkswagen; Volvo and Unipart. ATA also has the support of the Government, Trading Standards and Which?

Even with 37 years' experience, one of the motor industry's foremost automotive diagnostic experts, Frank Massey FIMI, of Preston-based Automotive Diagnostic Solutions, became the first independent technician to achieve ATA Master Technician status.

Commented Frank:
"It has long been my dream to see skilled craftsmen in the automotive industry recognised and rewarded for their pride and knowledge. The challenges of modern electronics in vehicles demand continuing professional development. ATA ensures such efforts will be recognised by the general public and industry alike and will inspire gifted youngsters much needed by our sector."

Commenting on Automotive Technician Accreditation, Sarah Sillars, IMI chief executive, said:
"ATA clearly identifies proven current competence, which is as important to consumers as it is to businesses seeking qualified technicians. The level of support within the motor industry would suggest that at least 50% of businesses involved in vehicle servicing and repair nation-wide will be actively supporting ATA within the next five years."

Full details of Automotive Technician Accreditation are on-line at www.automotivetechnician.org.uk or by telephone on 01992 511521.

IMI's Top 10 tips on having your car serviced

1. Check that technicians are fully qualified and/or accredited by an organisation such as the IMI or Trading Standards.


2. Ensure that the garage is familiar with your car's make and model.


3. Do inform the service staff of any problems and/or any recent work carried out - be honest.


4. Check what is included in the service, and what isn't. If you don't have it, ask to see a copy of the service schedule for your vehicle.


5. Check the breakdown of costs, including all parts, consumables, labour and VAT - you should know exactly what you are paying for.


6. Insist that no additional work is undertaken without your authorisation. If recommended by the garage, this should be quoted against, not estimated.


7. Ask for any replaced parts to be retained for your inspection.


8. Ensure that you receive a detailed itemised report with a verbal explanation of the work undertaken and/or recommended. Ask about the garage's quality control checks and make sure your service book is stamped.


9. Ensure that the name of the technician that works on your car is detailed on your invoice. Ask to speak to him or her specifically, if you have any concerns or require necessary explanations.


10. Ensure that you receive a guarantee. Make sure you know what it covers and check the period of validity.

Research Material:
* The Ministry of Transport Test was introduced on 12 September 1960.

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the retail motor industry and is the leading awarding body of vocational qualifications in the automotive sector. With 25,000 members and 46,000 registered students at 300 approved assessment centres, the IMI is focused on improving professional standards through the recognition, qualification and development of individuals.

Its portfolio includes apprenticeships, N/SVQs, technical certificates, vehicle sales awards and certificate and diploma in automotive retail management (ARMS). The IMI governs the industry's Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) initiative.

FIMI - Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry.

Related Articles:
Motor Indistry Unveils First Ever National Accreditation For Car Technicians

Keywords:
Accreditation | Apprenticeships | Assessment | Automotive | Car | Cars | Consumer | Diagnostics | Education | Government | Industry | Institute | Motor | Motors | National | Qualifications | Skills | Technician | Test | Trading Standards | Training | Transport | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicles

Green Flag Ready to Rescue Britain's Worst Celebrity Drivers

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

A leading motoring assistance expert has been called in to support a new live television show for Five. Green Flag Motoring Assistance will provide breakdown recovery services for Britain's Worst Celebrity Driver, a reality TV programme that follows six celebrities as they make their way from Lands End to John O'Groats in a variety of vehicles.

Celebrities up for the challenge include actor Brian Blessed, Joel Ross from Radio One duo JK and Joel, ex-Hear'Say star Suzanne Shaw and Blue Peter veteran John Noakes. The celebrities, nominated by their friends and relatives for their dreadful driving abilities, will face daily pit-stop challenges, to test their skills as they negotiate their way from one place to the next. The vehicles for the challenge range from a humble Reliant Robin to a 1936 SS Jaguar.

Green Flag spokesman Nigel Charlesworth said: "With a wide variety of vehicles and a group of celebrities who willingly admit their driving skills are far from perfect, anything could happen, so we are pleased that Green Flag will be ready to support them throughout the challenge should any of them suffer a breakdown or minor bump."

The new prime-time series, hosted by motoring expert Quentin Willson and Jenni Falconer, begins on Sunday September 11 at 8pm and will be broadcast four evenings a week until September 25. In a live show broadcast from a different city each night, viewers will vote for the worst driver and the one with the least votes will leave the show at that night's location with a cash prize for their chosen charity.

The show is being produced for Five by independent television production company, Mentorn. Head of factual entertainment at Mentorn, Rob Carey said, "This is the first reality show to take the contestants out of a controlled environment and onto the roads of Britain where they will interact with the British public."

Green Flag Motoring Assistance has provides roadside rescue and recovery to almost 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a national network of independent recovery agents with 6,000 qualified technicians in the UK. For more information on Green Flag visit www.greenflag.com.

Research Material:

• Green Flag's incident management centre in Leeds handles around 1m calls each year.


• Green Flag has a 40 minute average call out time based on research undertaken between April 04 and march 05.


• More than 90 per cent of Green Flag customers get assistance within the hour.


• More than 80% of vehicles are repaired at the roadside

AA Web Site & Breakdown Cover
RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Diesel Car Price Inflation Undermines Cost Benefit for Owners

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

With fuel price rises once again hitting the headlines, growing numbers of consumers and fleet car buyers are looking at diesel power as a way of reducing the running costs of their next vehicle. However, according to EurotaxGlass's, the list price of diesel-powered cars has increased at almost double the rate of petrol equivalents over the past five years, further increasing the period over which a diesel car must be run before it proves more economical.

The monthly Glass's New Car Market Trends report indicates that the list price of the typical petrol vehicle has risen by £351 since September 2000, compared to £677 for the average diesel.

In the popular lower-medium sector (Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Toyota Corolla, etc), the price premium for a diesel-powered model over a petrol version with identical specification has now reached an average £1,100. After three years and 30,000 miles a petrol lower-medium car would still be cheaper to own, even when taking into account the higher residual value of the diesel. Not until the average annual mileage exceeds 20,000 would the economic benefits of the diesel begin to pay off for this type of car.

"For upper-medium cars such as the Vauxhall Vectra and Ford Mondeo the picture is slightly better as there is a very small saving in pence-per-mile running costs," adds Alan Cole, Editorial Consultant for the Glass's Market Intelligence Service. "However, even at 20,000 miles per year the difference is only 1.4 pence per mile in favour of the diesel. Our analysis shows that the smaller the car, the smaller the financial benefit of diesel."

Headline figures
The Glass's New Car Market Trends report indicates that list prices across the UK's new car market as a whole rose by 1.4 per cent, year-on-year, to the end of August 2005, equivalent to a rise worth £180 on the average* car.

List price inflation has been highest in the upper-medium sector (Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, etc), with prices rising by 2.8 per cent over the past 12 months, equivalent to an additional £454 on the average car. Prices also rose at an above average rate in the lower-medium segment (Vauxhall Astra, Toyota Corolla, etc), up 2.6 per cent, year-on-year.

In the compact executive class (Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, etc), list prices rose at the below average rate of just 0.1 per cent. In the large executive class (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, etc) list prices fell marginally, by 0.1 per cent, year-on-year. List prices of new superminis (Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, etc) also fell over the period, down 0.3 per cent, or £27.

The biggest list price changes
The biggest single list price increase during August was for the BMW X5 4.8is, which had a rise of £550 rise to £57,690. The greatest list price drop was for the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 130 LX (Euro IV model), which saw saloon, hatchback and estate variants all subject to list price reductions of £595.

To request a free electronic copy of the latest Glass's New Car Market Trends report, email: marketing@eurotaxglass.co.uk, quoting reference 'New Car 9'.

Research Material:
Glass's New Car Market Trends methodology
* The list price of the 'average' new car referred to in the monthly Glass's New Car Market Trends report is based on analysis of over 1,000 models across key UK vehicle segments. To ensure the results are representative of true market trends, the data is weighted by sales volumes.

About EurotaxGlass's
William Glass first published Glass's Guide to Car Values in 1933 and July 2003 marked 70 years of the motor trade's 'Bible'. In 2000 Glass's merged with Eurotax, forming EurotaxGlass's - Europe's leading supplier of automotive business intelligence across 28 countries. The merger has created a group with unrivalled resources and knowledge.

Today, EurotaxGlass's offers products and solutions that are essential at every stage of the vehicle lifecycle - from valuation, technical and fleet management data, through to estimating, bodyshop and dealer management systems and web-based services. Recent developments include valuation data for consumers - offered via the Glass's Motoring Guide website (www.glass.co.uk) - and the pan-European Market Intelligence Service that provides bespoke data and analysis for the industry at large.

Visit EurotaxGlass's online at www.eurotaxglass.co.uk (trade), www.glass.co.uk (consumer)

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!

Keywords:
Automotive | Car | Cars | Consumer | Diesel | Economy | Economics | Fuel | Gas | Inflation | Market | Markets | Market Trends | Oil | Petrol | Prices | Price Rise | Price Rises | Transport | Trends | Vehicles

Less Tax on Fuel, Protest Against High Fuel Prices in the UK

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Less Tax on Fuel, Protest Against High Fuel Prices in the UK

The premier place for all motorists to discuss the unfair tax on fuel, LTOF is committed to representing you the motorist in the campaign for lower fuel duty and obtaining a level playing field for the UK transport indutsry.

Less Tax On Fuel, Protest Against High Fuel Prices in the UK.

'Extra days' of Fuel Tax Protests

"Planned protests against the government's tax on fuel are to be extended, campaigners have said."

BBC NEWS | UK | 'Extra days' of fuel tax protests

Keywords:
Campaign | Campaigners | Diesel | Disruption | Economy | Fuel | Fuel Prices | Gas | Government | High Fuel Prices | Protest | Protests | Protestors | Roads | Tax | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicles

World's First Real-time Measuring System for Combustion Chamber Gas Temperatures

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

• Improved Fuel Economy and Reduced Emissions Are The Goal

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, in collaboration with Stanford University and Physical Science Inc (PSI), has developed the world's first technology to measure in-cylinder gas temperatures and a way to analyse the combustion in 'real-time' during engine operation.


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

This advanced technology uses a semi-conductor laser to calculate the temperature from measurements of gas concentration in the combustion chamber. This technology can be applied to any type of automotive engine, thanks to the development of a very small temperature probe that can be installed in a spark plug, enabling non-intrusive, real-time measurements.

Previous methods to measure the combustion gas required modifications to the engine. It was difficult to acquire useful data from methods such as attaching sensors inside the cylinder wall or estimating the temperature from camera images of the flame obtained in a specially modified optical-access engine.

The new technology is expected to contribute towards developing future generation engines with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

This industry-academy collaboration began in November 2002 when Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., gave a speech at Stanford
University. PSI subsequently joined the project to assist in the development of the new technology. Nissan's specific role was in the optical design of the temperature probe and overall project management, while Stanford University researchers were in charge of creating the basic concepts and methodology. PSI took charge of laser device development.

Professor Ronald K. Hanson, Mechanical Engineering Dept. of Stanford University said: "I am extremely pleased with our success at linking cutting-edge science with advanced engineering technology through this collaboration with Nissan. I believe that this technology will contribute to the development of future environmentally friendly engines and to the overall progress of measurement technologies."

Detailed results of this study will be published by the Institute of Physics and by the Optical Society of America in 2006, and also by the Society of Automotive Engineers International.

Keywords:
Automotive | Car | Cars | Combustion | Cylinders | Development | Efficiency | Emissions | Engine | Engines | Exhaust | Fuel | Fuel Efficiency | Gas | Institute of Physics | Mechanical Engineering | Motor | Motors | Nissan | Optical Society of America | Research | Society of Automotive Engineers International | Stanford University | Technology | Temperature | Vehicles

Kill Spills: Brimming Over with Danger

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Trucks or vans spilling diesel onto the road should be pulled over and forced to stop driving until their vehicles are fixed according to the RAC Foundation, supporting the KillSpills lobby on Downing Street this Saturday(10.9.05).

Hundreds of motorcycle accidents each year could be prevented if drivers stopped over-filling their diesel tanks. The RAC Foundation is urging motorists and bikers to report vehicles spilling diesel to the police as the police can prevent the vehicle from moving or ensure that it is retuned to the depot.

Official Government figures show that a motorcyclist is twice as likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident as a result of oil and diesel on the road compared with ice or snow.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation claimed:

"More care by the drivers of diesel cars and particularly heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles would be an easy way to help reduce motorcycle accidents.

" Brimming, the practice of filling the tank to the very top, and then not ensuring that it is securely fastened with a proper filler cap almost inevitably results in a diesel spill. That can result in skidding, and possible death, for any following rider. All too often one can see overfilled vehicles spilling diesel at roundabouts and on corners. These vehicles should be reported to the police as they are leaving the roads in a treacherous state for bikers."

The problem is much more prevalent among goods vehicles and buses as private cars tend to better maintained and have more effective systems to prevent brimming.

When diesel spews onto the road it becomes invisible to the human eye, but can be more slippery than black ice. While winter weather conditions can cause dangerous driving conditions these are usually forecast and anticipated - alerting the rider to take appropriate avoidance or caution - but this is an impossibility with diesel which can be shed, unseen, at any time of the year.

A national campaign, KillSpills, was launched in October 2003 by a number of bikers belonging to two sports biking forums. Steve Edwards from KillSpills said:

"The aim of the KillSpills campaign is, education, working with the Government, diesel users, truck manufacturers and the oil companies to make users aware of the dangers of spilling diesel on the public highway. Diesel users need to realise that they owe other road users a duty of care, and that spilling diesel should be considered as anti social as driving a defective vehicle or speeding. The weakest link in the diesel spill chain is the diesel user; hence education is of paramount importance."

The RAC Foundation supports the KillSpills campaign, which calls for:

• UK motor manufacturers to improve the design of all diesel vehicles to prevent the fuel from spewing out from the tank.


• Informing all UK diesel drivers to never over re-fill their vehicle tank and to re-fit their filler cap correctly. If this is not done, the fuel can spill onto the road.


• All UK businesses to educate fleet drivers about the dangers that diesel spills can cause.


• The Government to undertake a national publicity campaigning warning of how hazardous diesel spillage can be on the road.

The KillSpills team has the following advice to motorcyclists on how to prevent a diesel crash:

How to Spot Diesel:

• Look out for diesel spills on roundabouts, junctions and other tight corners that will cause uncapped fuel tanks to slosh over. Any wet patch on a dry road is suspect and long, dark lines should be avoided. Diesel is deadly, even on a dry road, and it does not evaporate.


• In the wet, look for rainbow colour patches on the road and stay alert for diesel's distinctive smell, It's as lethal as black ice in the wet, but takes far longer to disappear. Remember that you can usually smell diesel before you can see it.


• Keep your eyes open and be aware of diesel black spots when you are out riding, such as roundabouts, junctions, bus stops, your favourite corner and roads near petrol stations. Diesel can have you and your bike sliding down the tarmac in seconds, so always look ahead and avoid any suspicious looking patches on the road.

How to Deal with Diesel:

• Firstly, always try to steer around the diesel. If you hit it, keep the bike as upright as possible, maintain a constant throttle and do NOT apply your brakes. If you are cornering, stand the bike up and run a little wider to the other side of the slick.


• Do everything on the bike smoothly, as you would on ice, and you can ride out the other side safely. Remember that there are likely to be more spillages further up the road, so keep a look out.


• If you inform your local council of any spillages, they should get it dealt with.

The KillSpills Campaign is currently running a petition, which will be handed in to Government on Saturday September 10th. More information on the campaign, petition and other safety information can be found at www.killspills.org.uk. The petition can also be signed on-line.

Research Material:
The KillSpills campaign was created by a joint team from www.CBR-forum.org.uk and www.MCNNinjas.co.uk.

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 Web Site & Breaddown Cover

Keywords:
Accident Prevention | Accidents | Automotive | Car | Cars | Diesel | Fatal Accidents | Fuel | Motorcycles | RAC | Road Deaths | Road Safety | Roads | UK | United Kingdom | Vehicles

iosis by Ford - Defining a New Design Direction

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

• Unique proportions and design themes define Ford of Europe's new design language


• iosis uses 'kinetic design' to capture visually the energy of the moving vehicle


• Double pivoting and pillarless door opening system for optimum interior access


• Sculptured steering wheel and gear lever encapsulate the functionality and inspired use of materials inside iosis


• Dramatic, precision, high technology lighting

Ford has unveiled the striking iosis concept car – a vehicle that defines an exciting new design direction for Ford of Europe. Building on the style of the Ford SAV Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, iosis demonstrates Ford's new 'kinetic design' philosophy. The car will debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

"iosis is more than just a show car, it is sending a message about how Ford of Europe's future design will be defined,” says Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director. "It sends a bold message because our future products will be bold."

Energy in Motion

With 'kinetic design', the Ford of Europe design team has embraced the marque’s core values in an expressive, new design language. iosis expresses this language in its ultimate form. Kinetic design visualises Ford's acclaimed driving quality – it expresses energy in motion.



The foundation for this new design language is modern vehicle architectures derived from Ford's 'shared technologies' strategy. Designers now have the freedom to develop very different models and designs from these shared component sets. 'iosis' demonstrates how the same component set used for the SAV Concept shown at Geneva can be applied to an entirely different type of vehicle.

In the case of iosis this language is applied in its most muscular form as expressed by the full surfaces spanning taut, dynamic feature lines. Strong shoulders supported by sharply defined undercut lines further support this muscular stance.

To emphasise the athletic proportions of the body the principal surfaces are precisely sculptured, which is most evident from above when a clearly defined three plane plan view can be identified. At the front this elimination of imprecise rounded forms has the effect of visually shortening the front overhang. Contributing further to these athletic, sculptural forms are the well defined wheelarch lips that have become a familiar Ford design signature since they appeared originally on the Ford Focus.

Overlaid on these well defined sculptural forms are clearly recognisable graphic elements. Prominent among these is the distinctive daylight opening area with its characteristic upward tick at the rear. On iosis the new face of Ford is represented by the familiar Ford graphic of an inverted trapezoid air intake, in this case placed below a bold, chromed grille.

Strongly drawn lamp graphics at front and rear are further identifiable elements with the headlamps also echoing the upward tick seen in the DLO. The precise detailing of the rear lamps and the chamfered lower corners of the rear glass combine to form another clearly identifiable graphic that defines the rear of the car.



This complex surfacing and careful attention to graphic forms contributes to the tense, muscular stance of iosis. This is enhanced by precise detailing that is evident in the jewel-like featuring in the lamps and the wide, strong rocker panels. Exciting, new wheel designs with design cues drawn from the graphic elements seen elsewhere on the car are a final, vital element of the overall 'kinetic design' story. On 'iosis' this feature is expressed in a typically strong way with 20-inch wheels, milled from solid aluminium billets, featuring a contrasting polished and anodised finish that accentuates their three dimensional design.

The strong sculptural forms, clearly recognisable graphic elements and fine detailing that are defined so strongly on iosis will be applied in varying ways on all future Ford of Europe models. This 'kinetic design' provides the clearly identifiable form language that will enable Ford to drive towards design leadership.

Dramatic Inside

The interior design of iosis follows the dramatic themes of the exterior, while retaining an inviting ambience. The unique angled pivoting door arrangement gives complete, uninterrupted access to the interior, and ensures there is an instant visual link between the interior and exterior.

All the sections from the instrument panel through to the centre stack and through to the console reflect the dramatic forms of the exterior. The instrument panel itself is a slim and complex form that sweeps around the front occupants of the vehicle.



These forms are complemented by a selection of trim materials and colours that interprets the dynamic sporty exterior in a particularly modern way. By combining futuristic materials such as rubber and aluminium with luxurious materials, like leather, an ambience has been created that matches a technical character with sophistication.

An ultra modern steering wheel fashioned from solid aluminium with contrasting orange glove leather grips and a graphite metallic leather airbag pad is matched by the Focus World Rally Car inspired sequential gear shifter.

Together they embody all the themes running through the interior: contemporary craftsmanship, high quality materials and a touch of surprise-and-delight technology, with the starter button mounted beneath a flip lid on top of the shifter.

The driver's cockpit is dominated by a prominent instrument binnacle housing a cluster of analogue instruments. Their chronograph precision is balanced by a high definition LCD display, reconfigurable for the navigation system or views from three rearward facing cameras.



Eye-catching seats with skeletal frames featuring a ribcage and vertebrae structure are fashioned from aluminium and formed rubber. Separating the front seats is a 'flying bridge' centre console. The air vents featured on the facia and the centre console have a twist control that unfurls the vanes in a way that mimics those of a jet fighter’s afterburners. This imagery of a jet’s thrust is highlighted in the doors by aluminium inserts which flow and taper away from the vents.

Neoprene is used extensively in the interior finishing in three colours: dark charcoal, "oxygen" - a metallic grey - and a strong shade of technical orange. There is also a unique leather finish that has a subtle, graphite metallic look. For the floor, conventional carpeting has been replaced with a more rugged, structured weave with technical silver highlights.

Innovation

iosis features a number of design innovations. The dramatic angled pivoting door arrangement features doors constructed from carbon fibre for lightness. The doors are powered by rams that swing them upwards and outwards via a system of sophisticated hinges that ensure additional support isn’t required when the doors are open.



There are no conventional door mirrors on iosis. Mounted in the rear valance is a camera to complement those on each door . The exterior cameras are pieces of precisely machined aluminium, swept back to further underline the car’s visual appearance.

The front lamps have an inner circular turning led for low beam with a vertical day time running light, separating it from the turn signal on the outer edge. Beneath these lighting elements are ten main beam leds, emerging when lit from tubes like a series of lasers. This look is echoed in the rear light cluster with tail lights organised in a circle with a flattened top, flanked to the outside by the indicators and inboard by the stop lights.

Inside iosis, the centre stack houses docking points for a pair of memory sticks. It is possible that rather than using a conventional key or even keyless entry, a memory stick could be used that as well as acting as a security device, would also contain the driver’s personal preferences for driving position, audio settings, screen configuration, etc.

Another surprising feature of the interior is the extensive use of electroluminescent foil to illuminate the doors and ceiling. In addition to being very package-friendly, it emits a gentle, even light and can be cut into any shape.



"Ford of Europe is acknowledged as being a leader in driving dynamics, and amongst the best for craftsmanship as well as being affordable and reliable. These are all attributes our customers associate with Ford. Now we are targeting compelling, emotional design," said Smith. "iosis sends a message that Ford is serious about design leadership."

iosis will make its world debut on the Ford stand at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens to the public on September 15 th 2005.

Keywords:
Automotive | Build | Car | Cars | Concept | Design | Development | Engine | Engineering | Europe | Ford | Frankfurt Motor Show | Frankfurt | Geneva | Geneva Motor Show | IAA | Innovation | iosis | Luxury | Motor Show | Product | Sports Car | Technology | Vehicles

Welsh Built Premium Engine for New Jaguar Coupe

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Ford Bridgend engine plant is supplying the latest specification V8 engine for the new Jaguar XK Coupe being unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next week.


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

The aluminium power unit was designed and developed by engineers based at Jaguar's product development HQ in Whitley, Coventry. Ford Bridgend plant manager Bob Murphy said: "We work very closely with Jaguar design and engineering to ensure our engines meet their requirements and, most importantly, live up to the expectations and demands of Jaguar owners.


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

"The plant has built up a strong relationship with Jaguar over the last decade and delivered a world beating V8 engine which has helped the brand move ahead of its rivals."

"The new 4.2-litre range in the latest XK series, PAG's existing 4.4-litre V8 and in-line six cylinder (I6) coming next year, plus Ford's successful Zetec SE series of four-cylinder engines, all put this plant on schedule to reach its target of a million power units annually by 2010."


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

The all-new XK marks an exciting new era in Jaguar's sports car lineage. The dramatically beautiful 2+2 sports car acknowledges the marque's rich history but like all great Jaguar sports cars, the focus of the all-new XK is on the future.


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

It is the most technically advanced Jaguar ever built with an advanced lightweight aluminium structure and is assembled in Castle Bromwich, West Midlands. The V8 develops 300bhp and is fitted with a Jaguar Sequential Shift six-speed automatic transmission incorporating steering wheel mounted paddles for manual gear changes.


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

The 0-60mph time is 5.9 seconds, the quarter mile is covered in 14.4 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Prices will be released shortly before it goes on sale in early 2006 and a convertible will follow with further details released later this year.

Research Material:
PAG stands for Premium Automotive Group and comprises Ford's luxury brands: Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Aston Martin .

Keywords:
Aston Martin | Automotive | Build | Car | Cars | Design | Development | Engine | Engineering | Ford | Jaguar | Land Rover | Luxury | Product | Sports Car | Technology | Vehicles | Volvo | Wales | Welsh

First Ford Flexi-Fuel in Britain

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

As petrol prices edge towards £1 a litre, the first Ford Focus Flexi-Fuel Vehicle in Britain is being tested by fleets taking delivery of the car next year.


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

The Ford Focus Flexi-Fuel Vehicle (FFV) arrived in Somerset with harvest underway. Somerset-grown wheat will be used to produce the bioethanol powering 40 Ford Focus FFVs coming to the county around March 2006.

They will belong to Somerset County Council, Wessex Grain, Avon and Somerset Police and Wessex Grain and Wessex Water – all members of the Somerset Biofuel Project.

Ford – the first major manufacturer to market a bioethanol-powered car in Britain – is sole vehicle provider to the project. It is supplying the bioethanol version of the all-new Focus, on sale this year, to the Somerset partners. They will be able to refuel at five new refueling points convenient to where the four fleets are based.

Ford is hoping the Somerset pilot will stimulate wider interest in the FFV and bioethanol. Already other rural economies have expressed an interest in setting up a bioethanol infrastructure – using local crops such as sugar beet to produce the ethanol.

Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director said: "As number one in the car and commercial vehicle markets, Ford is expected to lead in the alternative fuel market also. Our customers should not be making any compromise for green motoring. With the Flexi-Fuel Ford Focus we are offering the performance and handling of the UK's favourite car with the option of filling up with bioethanol as the fuel becomes more available. We believe this will happen as more and more vehicle fleets – and eventually private buyers – come to see the benefits of this renewable fuel."


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

In Sweden, where 80 per cent of Focus models sold are FFVs, bioethanol costs more than 40 per cent less than petrol. The Somerset project draws on the Swedes' experience of establishing regional bioethanol distribution networks and the introduction of flex fuel cars.

In Somerset, Wessex Grain is planning a new bioethanol production plant next to an existing grain storage site in Henstridge. The facility will be able to convert 340,000 tonnes of wheat into 131,000,000 litres of ethanol a year at full capacity from 2007. In the meantime bioethanol powering the Focus FFVs arriving next year will be supplied by Wessex Grain from crops grown locally and processed elsewhere.

The 1.8-litre Focus FFV offers an overall 70 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the same petrol-only model. This is achieved by factoring in the CO 2 absorbed by the crop when grown prior to harvest for bioethanol production. The car can run on either E85 bioethanol (blend of 85 per cent ethanol/15 per cent petrol) or petrol in the same fuel tank in any mix.

Priced at £14,095, the Ford Focus FFV delivers 125PS and fulfils Euro 4 emission standards.

Related Articles:
Ford Leads With Bio-Ethanol Powered Cars For Europe

Keywords:
Automotive | Bioethanol | Biofuel | Car | Carbon Dioxide | Cars | CO2 | Distribution | Economies | Economy | Emissions | Environment | Ethanol | Europe | Focus | Ford | Fuel | Gas | Infrastructure | Manufacturer | Networks | Oil | Petrol | Prices | Project | Technology | Vehicles | Wheat

Volkswagen to Make Hybrid Cars with China

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Reuters News Article:

"Volkswagen will start making hybrid cars by 2008 with its main Chinese partner and may kick off large-scale production of the energy-efficient vehicles by 2010, the Chinese company said on Thursday.

Europe's biggest car maker is teaming up with Shanghai Automotive in a project that could spur China's hunt for alternative energy sources and curb pollution as demand for cars soars in the world's seventh largest economy.

Their venture intends to make 500 hybrid Touran cars to be used as people carriers during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Shanghai Automotive, China's largest car manufacturer, said in a statement.

'We expect that large-scale production will start before the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai,' Shanghai Auto said, without providing an investment figure.

Hybrids burn less fuel by adding one or more electric motors to a standard petrol or diesel engine. The batteries help power the vehicle and recharge by capturing energy during braking.

Shanghai Auto is also working with General Motors Corp. on similar technology, the company added.

The Volkswagen venture will develop hybrid technology for the Chinese market, a Volkswagen spokesman in Germany said, but the European firm would work alone to develop its own hybrid engine technology for the United States and Europe.

Volkswagen shares were down 0.6 percent at 44.71 euros by 1048 GMT, while the German blue-chip DAX index was off 0.1 percent.

On Wednesday, German luxury carmaker BMW joined DaimlerChrysler and GM in an alliance to develop new hybrid vehicle technology.

Last September, Toyota Motor Corp. said it would start building its Prius hybrid sedans in China with FAW Group in a step it hopes would promote the vehicles as the global standard for fuel-efficient cars.

Toyota's Prius, first launched in Japan in 1997, has emerged as the most popular hybrid.

The Japanese firm plans to build 180,000 Prius cars this year and is targeting combined annual output of 62,000 Lexus luxury sport utility vehicles and Highlander hybrid cars, both launched earlier this year.

Toyota had initially set a goal of selling 300,000 hybrid vehicles annually by this year or next, and has said it aims to boost that to 1 million as soon as possible.

China is the world's largest consumer of oil after the United States, importing more than a third of its oil needs. Beijing is concerned that an energy shortage could harm economic growth.

Beijing has said it wants to raise the average fuel efficiency on vehicles by 15 percent by 2010 from 2003's levels.

To do so, it has said it would support research into alternative powertrain -- such as hybrids and cleaner diesel engines -- while also exploring fuel-cell vehicles.

(Additional reporting by Jan Schwartz in Frankfurt)"

Source:
Reuters

Related Articles:

• Global Alliance for Hybrid Drive Development


• Honda Reveals Next Generation Civic Engines


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


• Ford Leads With Bio-Ethanol Powered Cars For Europe


• Bosch Develops Compact Sensor to Monitor Car Battery Performance

Keywords:
Automotive | Beijing | Car | Cars | China | Diesel | Economy | Efficiency | Electricity | Energy | Engine | Fuel | Gas | Hybrid | Manufacturing | Motors | Oil | Petrol | Pollution | Shanghai | Technology | Toyota | Vehicles | Volkswagen | VW

Share Ideas on Road Pricing

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Should congestion charging be introduced in all UK town and city centres, or should cars be charged for each mile they travel? These are the controversial questions looking for ideas and answers from motorists in this year's Share Ideas Day on September 12.

In a bid to encourage debate and generate new solutions, the RAC Foundation, along with car part specialists Euro Car Parts, is seeking some fresh thinking on the subject by supporting the nationwide Share Ideas Day planned for September 12 and encouraging the public to come up with new ideas on the subject of road pricing.

Some of the issues that people may wish to address are:

• Could charging more for those who use the most congested roads be a fairer system than fuel duty and vehicle excise duty?


• How could motorists guarantee that if charging was introduced that there would be equivalent reductions in other taxes?


• Who would be the winners and losers? Some rural motorists might pay less but urban motorists more?


• Would such a system penalise the poor or socially excluded who depend on their cars?


• What would be the wider effects of road pricing on the North/South divide?


• What would be the effects of road pricing on location of jobs or homes?


• Would people try to move closer to work?


• Will people try to take jobs outside of priced areas?


• Will companies relocate away from the highest priced roads?


• Will companies merely pass on the extra costs and therefore fuel inflation rather than reduce congestion?


• Are motorists worried about being monitored by "Big Brother" Global Satellite systems?


• Can people trust the Government to deliver a fair system?


• Are there easier ways to reduce congestion than congestion charging?

The RAC Foundation will present the best ideas to the Department for Transport.

The campaign is providing practical advice along with a series of on-line Idea banks at www.share-ideas-day.com - for everyone to access and make use to make the world a better place.

Commenting on the campaign Edmund King of the RAC Foundation said: "The congestion charging issue needs fresh thinking and the involvement of Britain's motorists - Share Ideas Day is the perfect vehicle to stimulate debate."

"His views were echoed by Mark Wardell of Euro Car Parts who said: "There must be lots of positive ideas out there which can help the cause of making our road less congested and have the support and co-operation of the driving public."

Also featured in Share Ideas Day are Idea Banks for specific topics including how can we make democracy work better and what can be done to make our use of packaging more environmentally friendly.

Share Ideas Day aims to;

• provide a focal point to encourage people to come up with new ideas and share them to make the world a better place


• celebrate the role of creativity and joined-up thinking in everyday life and how we can achieve far more by sharing, than by acting alone.


• create a series of Idea Banks for Action Areas across a range of issues


• symbolise September 12 as a landmark for creating a better future.

Research Material:
Ideas for Share Ideas Day or further details can be obtained from Share Ideas Information Office on 0845 450 3210 or visit the web site www.share-ideas-day.com

Share Ideas Day is a non-for-profit initiative organised by the Wakefield Media and Creativity Centre and creativity consultancy creativity@work.

The RAC Foundation for Motoring promotes environmental, economic, mobility and safety issues relating to use of motor vehicles. It was formed in 1999, following the demutualisation and demerger and sale of RAC Motoring Services, to research and campaign on a wide variety of issues of general interest to responsible motorists.

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.

Euro Car Parts is the largest independent car parts specialist in the UK and has a product range of more than 60,000 lines with over 30 branches across the UK. Euro Car Parts allows both trade and retail customers to economise without compromising on quality by employing the best buyers and industry experts who are passionate about their products.

RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover
AA Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Keywords:
Automotive | Britain | Car | Cars | Charges | Congestion | Driving | Economics | Environment | Mobility | Motoring | Motors | Pricing | RAC | Roads | Safety | Transport | Travel | Vehicles | UK | United Kingdom

Global Alliance for Hybrid Drive Development

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Cooperation Between BMW, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors

The BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG and General Motors Corporation today signed a "memorandum of understanding" governing the formation of an alliance of equals for the joint development of hybrid drive systems. The three global automakers are cooperating in order to pool their expertise for the accelerated and efficient development of hybrid drive systems.

Objective: Development of a two-mode hybrid drive system

The objective is to jointly develop a two-mode hybrid drive system that reduces fuel consumption while not compromising vehicle capability. While the base two-mode hybrid design will be common, each company will individually integrate the hybrid system into the design and manufacturing of vehicles in accordance with their brand specific requirements.

"The participation of the BMW Group has allowed us to gain another expert partner for the development of this advanced two-mode hybrid system," says Tom Stephens, Group Vice President at GM Powertrain. "This cooperation paves the way for extensive hybrid collaboration among the three companies. We also continue to discuss additional partners for this alliance."

"By pooling the development expertise of the three automakers -- BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors -- we are making it possible for all companies to bring to market appealing vehicles with convincing performance, comfort and environmental features for the benefit of our customers," says Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler Board of Management member responsible for Research and Technology as well as for Development at the Mercedes Car Group.

"The creation of a shared technology platform for hybrid drives will allow us to more quickly integrate the best technologies on the market and will therefore exploit and strengthen the innovative potential of all participating companies," explains Prof. Burkhard Goschel, Board of Management member for Development and Procurement at BMW AG. "Because the technologies will be adapted to the individual vehicle models, the participating brands will retain their distinctive characters."

Joint development centre

In Troy, Michigan, the new "GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Centre" will develop the overall modular system and the individual components: electric motors, high-performance electronics, wiring, safety systems, energy management, and hybrid system control units. In addition, the Hybrid Development Centre will be responsible for system integration and project management.

A key factor in ensuring optimum development is the focus on a high bandwidth architecture system that can be adapted to the needs of the various vehicle concepts and brands. The extensive sharing of components and production facilities, and the collaborative relationship with suppliers, will enable the alliance partners to achieve significant economies of scale and associated cost advantages, which will also benefit customers, thanks to an outstanding cost-to-performance ratio.

The two-mode concept

Two-mode hybrid technology further enhances the performance, fuel efficiency and range of conventional hybrid drive vehicles. In city driving and in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicles can be powered either by two electric motors or by the combustion engine, or the two drive systems can be used simultaneously. Regardless of which type of operation is chosen, the drive system's fuel saving potential is exploited to maximum effect.

When traveling at high speeds, for example on rural roads and highways, the two-mode system switches to a different driving mode. The two-mode system provides a number of benefits even when driving at such constant speeds. Because the hybrid drive's full power is available when climbing steep inclines, passing other cars or hauling a trailer, fuel consumption can be reduced and performance increased even when operating in the second driving mode.

GM and DaimlerChrysler signed binding, definitive agreements on August 22, 2005. BMW Group today signed a "memorandum of understanding" with the intent to enter into a definitive agreement with GM and DaimlerChrysler later this year.

Source:
General Motors Corporation

Web site:
http://www.gm.com

Related Posts:

• Honda Reveals Next Generation Civic Engines


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


• Ford Leads With Bio-Ethanol Powered Cars For Europe


• Bosch Develops Compact Sensor to Monitor Car Battery Performance

Keywords:
Automotive | BMW | Cars | Concepts | DaimlerChrysler | Development | Driving | General Motors | Hybrid | Manufacturing | Technology

Mark's on Fire!

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

What do a fire extinguisher, a brown Rover and a can of deicer have in common? Read on, you won't be dissapointed!

So you're planning a late summer week away with the long suffering wife and kids. Your lovely wife Lorraine plans everything in great detail, spends hours cleaning the caravan, packing the bags, shopping for food, checking the insurance and other related stuff which is hard work. The kids are excited, they are nearly ready to go back to school and winter is drawing close. They've told all their friends they are going away and the looks on their dear little faces says it all.

Mark hitches the caravan to his brown Rover (I have been asked to mention that Lorraine does not wish to be held responsible for her husband's choice of cars or music) and loads the boot with the cases and bags Lorraine has spent days preparing. Lorraine and the kids are happy in the knowledge that Mark has executed his responsibilities to the letter and in the professional way one would expect from somebody who continually tells everybody he is sexy. The caravan has been serviced, the tyres, brakes, lights and towing hitch tested and everything inside secured. Dave even suggested Mark phoned Willingham's to see how much they will charge to tow the car and caravan home.



Off they go. Man, woman, kids, brown Rover, caravan and Elvis cassette collection in perfect harmony. The kids are in the back ducking out of sight incase they are spotted, Lorraine is in the front trying to find the radio fuse to permanently mute Elvis and Mark is murdering Blue Suede Shoes at the top of his voice. It's going to be a fantastic holiday!

WAIT! Some bloke in a proper car has pulled along side Mark and is gesturing at him with a distressed, no alarmed look on his face. Mark thinking the bloke is having a lot off because he is only going 50MPH (Nothing to do with the fact he is towing a caravan, he's driving a brown Rover) tells the bloke to F**K Off and returns the gensture with his middle finger. The concerned man who only has Mark's long suffering wife and kids welfare at heart continues to gesture, pointing at the rear of Mark's caravan. Mark thinks about it for a while and wonders if there's something wrong with the caravan. Long after most normal people would have worked it out and stopped Mark decides to pull over in a convienient parking area.

Mark and Lorraine get out to investigate, the kids safely hiding in the back of the brown Rover incase they are spotted by their friends. Smoke appears to be pouring in ever increasing amounts from the nearside rear wheel of the caravan. It appears the nearside rear drum brake on the caravan, completely lacking any routine maintenance or preparation for this long trip has siezed and overheated risking a major fire and destruction of the caravan but it's Ok really as the brown Rover and Elvis cassette collection are safe!



Mark tries to remove the caravan wheel nuts but they are far too hot to handle (unlike Mark). He looks and looks for some water to pour on them but realises he let his poor wife and kids undergo a long journey on a hot day without even a bottle of water to prevent dehydration. He searches for a fire extinguiser. "I know what one looks like" Mark said realising the last one he saw was at work. In a desperate bid to quench the smoke and cool the wheel nuts he finds a can of deicer in his boot. Deicer, highly flammable, pressurised liquid in an aerosol, the last thing you put near anything hot but Mark's desperate, very desperate and ignores the large inch square flammable liquid warning on the rear of the aerosol. Squirt, squirt, (Not Mark, just what he is doing with the aerosol) he attempts to cool his nuts with the white coloured liquid.

Eventually Mark releases his seized nuts but there's a problem. In his desperation to save his brown Rover Mark pulled over in so much of a hurry he parked too close to the kerb so now he can't get the wheel off. After a shuffle about Mark does what he should have done weeks ago, serviced the caravan brakes!


I was down at Salisbury Garage today to have a look at a Renault Laguna (If you own one, unlucky!). A cable had corroded inside the engine compartment relay box and become detached from the relay's terminal causing the heap of shit (Generic term for a Renault) not to start. I asked hard working garage owner Dave if he had any petroleum jelly to protect the terminals from water ingress and to limit further corrosion. "I don't have any Jon" Dave replied. "I've got some Vaseline" Mark shouts from the other side of the workshop, "I'll get it for you". Mark takes off at speed like something demented with his limp wrists wagging at his side.



Later, I found Mark getting into position ready for the Vaseline to be applied. I did of course point out that this was the wrong Renault and that the Vaseline would be applied to the electrical terminals and not his rear exhaust pipe. Mr H was seen leaving the building by a rear entance, not sure though if it was Mark's rear entrance!!



Disclaimer:
No long suffering wife, child, trainee mechanic, garage owner or brown Rover was harmed in the making of this blog post. I cannot be held responsible for any future divorce proceedings or the issuing of P45's!

Related Articles:
Mark Thinks he is God's Gift to Women!
Shock Horror, Mark isn't Working Again!

Keywords:
Disaster | Despair | Divorce | Unbelievable | Unemployed | Useless

Car Crime Awareness Month

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Have you ever received a speeding ticket or parking fine from somewhere you've never been? If so you could be the victim of car-cloning. Cloning is the latest among many scams that can befall owners and buyers of motor vehicles. With more buyers using the internet to locate their vehicle of choice, we've never been more vulnerable.

Cloned cars are vehicles which have been stolen and given a new identity. Criminal gangs will typically steal a car of a given make and colour, and give it the registration number and other identifying marks of an existing, identical car. Police believe there are now thousands of cloned cars on Britain's roads. And with the sudden, massive growth in internet trading, more cars are sold on a national, rather than local, level. This makes it far harder for police to trace a "clone" that has been sold.

With this and other vehicle crime on the increase, the UK's first National Car Crime Awareness Month is underway this September.

National Car Crime Awareness Month was launched by Auto Trader, and is supported by the Police, Trading Standards and motor manufacturer, Renault. Its aim is to raise awareness of car crime when buying, selling or owning a vehicle.

Cloning is not the only problem. In a recent survey nearly a quarter of motorists who had experienced car crime had been the victim of theft when showing their vehicle to a potential buyer, one in six motorists had been given a forged bankers draft from abroad and eight per cent had been targeted by fraudulent canvassers who offered to sell the vehicle for a fee, then disappeared with the money. One in six motorists bought a 'cut and shunt' - two cars welded together.

Today, car crime makes up nearly 20 per cent of all recorded crimes in England and Wales, with more than 1.8 million crimes in 2004-2005. Auto Trader has launched a website to support National Car Crime Awareness Month, www.carcrimeawareness.co.uk which features real life case studies, facts and figures, hints and tips and advice on buying, selling owning cars safely and securely.

Case Study 1:

Val Robinson of Gloucester and her husband decided to buy a Nissan Nevara Pick Up to take with them to a new life in Cyprus. Having paid out GBP10,500 in cash, Val tried to buy road tax for her new vehicle. It was then that DVLA discovered she had bought a "clone". Police also found that the genuine vehicle had been stolen from a dealership. Val lost the car and her money, and she and her husband have had to postpone their move to Cyprus for two years.

Case Study 2:

Shirley Warrington of Stockport, Cheshire, bought her son Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 SRI. The car developed an oil leak so after 8 months Shirley decided to sell it on. But the garage she tried to sell it to ran an 'HPI' check, which revealed that the Corsa had previously been 'written off' twice and had a security alert on it. She had fallen victim to a "cut and shunt". The car had only scrap value.

Source:
The Drum Consultancy

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!

Keywords:
Automotive | Car | Crime | Insurance | Security | Vehicles

Delphi Adds CO2 Air Conditioning System to Its Alternative Refrigerant Portfolio

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Delphi Corp. has developed new CO2 air conditioning technology as part of continuing research into alternative refrigerants to help reduce their environmental impact and help meet pending European legislation. This technology will be highlighted at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany on September 13.

Delphi is developing a variety of alternative refrigerant air conditioning systems to offer the best option for the environment and their customers. To determine the most viable future alternative, performance, safety and cost must be considered in addition to environmental impact.

"We have linked our global technical and business teams to coordinate our developments in response to this environmental challenge. As part of this strategy, our team in Europe has taken the lead in the development of CO2 systems," said Dr. Stefan Glober, director of engineering, Europe & South America, Delphi Thermal & Interior.

In Europe, CO2 technology is viewed as the alternative of choice of many car manufacturers. The Delphi CO2 air conditioning system has been demonstrated on several test vehicles.

"Initial customer feedback on our CO2 system has been positive and we are in active discussions on production program applications of the technology," said Steven Kiefer, managing director, Europe & South America, Delphi Thermal & Interior.

Delphi is developing systems, which minimize the cost impact while providing enhanced functions. To this end, Delphi has also developed an innovative concept of a reversible air conditioning system using air to coolant heat pump technology. This was first shown at the 2005 Saalfelden Winter Meetings in Austria. This concept allows for better integration into the vehicle and a higher performance to cost ratio over other functional concepts. When used with CO2, it eliminates the risk of high pressure refrigerant entering the passenger cabin, therefore eliminating in-cabin refrigerant leakage concerns and associated refrigerant noise in the heat pump mode.

In a comparative study by a major car manufacturer, Delphi's latest generation of CO2 compressor was deemed very competitive in terms of performance, stability and controllability.

"Looking at alternative refrigerants alone is not enough," Glober said. "We are also looking at how we engineer our air conditioning systems to better accommodate a change in refrigerant, providing complete system support to our customers."

Other alternatives are being pursued in parallel to CO2, including Delphi's strong support for the Society of Automotive Engineers Improved Mobile Air Conditioning Cooperative research program in the United States.

Source:
Delphi Corporation

Web Site:
http://www.delphi.com

Fuelling Inflation

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

The Chancellor should introduce a variable tax on fuel in order to soften the blow of record oil prices on consumers and businesses, according to the RAC Foundation.

The poorest and most dependent rural families are now spending over a quarter of their weekly income running a car because of increases at the pumps - yet petrol is still being taxed as a luxury rather than the necessity it is to them.

The Foundation believes that urgent action is needed as the sharp rise in fuel prices has pushed the level of inflation to its highest level in more than eight years. The price of crude oil is reaching new heights and is approaching the record levels seen in 1977 triggered by the Iranian Revolution. This situation may be further exacerbated by last week's storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

Some analysts are predicting the cost of oil may hit $100 per barrel and while there is little that Government can do to influence world oil prices, they do have the power to affect pump prices by varying the amount taken in taxation from every litre. For example, if the pump price was 80.9 pence (average price last year) per litre:

• 16.3 pence represents the cost of the product


• 5.3 pence goes to the oil company/retailer to cover costs of supply, filling station operation and profit


• 59.3 pence goes to the Government in duty and tax

Fuel excise duty is charged at the fixed rate of 47.1 pence per litre on unleaded and diesel, and on top of this - VAT is charged at 17.5 per cent. So, at last year's prices, the duty and tax element made up three quarters of the pump price.

Government collects £22.1 billion a year from fuel duty plus £5.6 billion from VAT on fuel so in effect, sets the price that motorists pay at the pump. In total, over £42 billion per year is collected in road user taxes - with only a small proportion spent on maintaining or improving the road network.

Three-quarters of households in the UK now own a car. The lowest levels of ownership are in the North East, London and Scotland (62, 65 and 65 per cent respectively); while the highest levels are in the South East, South West and East (all over 80 per cent) and almost a third of households (29 per cent) in the lowest income group own a car. The least well off households now, however, proportionally spend more on running their essential vehicles than better off families.

Over the last four years the RAC Foundation has repeatedly called on the Government to give consideration to a differential fuel duty system which provides at least a partial cushion to road users from the price instability in world markets and has now written to John Healey MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, suggesting that the idea is given urgent attention.

When world prices go up and down - the duty would be varied to achieve a consistent price. Individuals and businesses would be able to budget for fuel prices from year to year while the Government also benefits from a VAT windfall when the oil prices are increased.

A variable tax on fuel was introduced in 2000 in France by the socialist government of Lionel Jospin, but was abolished a year later by the newly elected centre-right administration.

The Foundation is also advocating the introduction of further fiscal and educational incentives to assist motorists to switch to alternative fuel sources and is encouraging the development and take-up of low carbon vehicles through its membership of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said:

"In light of the record world oil prices and instability in the markets the Chancellor should help to stabilise fuel prices by introducing a variable tax. Current hikes are fuelling inflation and hitting those low-income and rural car dependent motorists hardest. The Chancellor could and should introduce a mechanism whereby fuel duty is reduced if world prices hit a certain level and increased if they fall below another level. The Treasury would still benefit from increased VAT returns if prices go up."

"Such a system would bring relief to many millions of motorists and hauliers whilst helping to reduce hardship and increased inflation. It would help people to plan their spending on essential travel"

The Foundation also feels that the motorist can do their bit to save fuel. New cars are becoming more fuel-efficient and therefore if purchasing a new or used vehicle the motorist should pay attention to fuel efficiency. The recent fuel labelling system for new cars will help the consumer. The Foundation has also found that the more relaxed the driver the more they tend to save on fuel bills. The Foundation's relaxation driving tips include:

1. Plan your journey carefully to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost. Allow plenty of time for the trip. Never driver for more than two hours without taking a break.


2. Before setting off adjust the mirrors, seating and heating / ventilation for maximum comfort. Maintain a constant flow of fresh air into the car.


3. Vehicle breakdowns can be stressful. Carry out routine checks regularly and ensure your car is regularly serviced and well maintained. Check your tyre pressure regularly; under inflated tyres wear out more quickly and can increase fuel consumption by up to three per cent.


4. Drive defensively - avoiding harsh acceleration and heavy braking where possible. Pulling away too fast uses up to 60 per cent more fuel.


5. Be tolerant of other road users and errors they may make. Listen to relaxing music, or practice breathing exercises to keep calm.


6. Use the gearbox efficiently - changing gear at a more modest engine speed can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.


7. Drive off immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.


8. Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel, while catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective. Take a walk in the fresh air to the local shops instead.


9. Stick to speed limits and make your fuel go further - driving at 70mph uses up to 30 per cent more fuel than at 50mph.


10. If you are stuck in a jam, switch off - turning off the engine after two minutes will save fuels and cut all emissions.

Visit www.racfoundation.org for research, releases and campaigns.
RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Keywords:
Cars | Fuel | Government | Markets | Tax | Vehicles

ABD Calls for a Sliding-Scale Fuel Tax to Combat Rising Oil Prices

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

As the price of a litre of motor fuel edges ever closer to £1.00 the need for the government to react is becoming urgent. Sky high fuel prices are a threat to the economy, slowing growth, aiding inflation and diverting financial resources away from other areas. In order to maintain the health of Britain's economy and to ensure that the country's 30 million drivers continue to benefit from affordable personal mobility, the Chancellor should look again at the way fuel duties are applied.

Tony Vickers, ABD's fuel tax spokesman said "The U.K can do little to influence global oil prices but the Chancellor still has considerable control over domestic duties. Plans for road charging as an alternative to fuel duty are an expensive, long term fantasy. Action is needed now to stabilise fuel prices."

At present, the Treasury are the main beneficiaries of the oil price crisis. The huge profits made by the oil companies will yield a tax bonanza. By now the government are sitting on a nice little windfall. The ABD calls for a new sliding-scale fuel duty based on a percentage which falls as oil prices rise and increases when they drop in order to stabilise the cost of motor fuel at around 70 - 75p a litre. Although fuel revenues may fall in the short term, the overall benefits of a stable fuel price and a strong economy would compensate the government with generally more sustainable and healthy tax revenues.

Vickers continued, "In the long term the ABD would like to see fuel duties fall in real terms, they still account for more than 70% of the price of every litre we buy. Although we recognise that an immediate, drastic drop in fuel duties is an economic impossibility, it would be possible to add a deflationary bias to a sliding-scale fuel duty that would compensate drivers over time for the massive and unjust revenue increases heaped on motor fuel in the late nineties."

For more information about the ABD visit our 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

Keywords:
Cars | Economics | Fuel | Government | Markets | Tax | Vehicles

Girls in Gear at Beaulieu International Autojumble - 10th & 11th September 2005

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

At this year's Beaulieu International Autojumble, taking place on the 10th and 11th September, female mechanics are being invited to take part in a unique challenge. Throughout the weekend of the Autojumble lady mechanics can take a simple and fun aptitude test, overseen by the AA, to test their basic knowledge of tools and how to use them in a car environment.


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

The five lucky winners will be given the opportunity to form a team to go to Europe's most prestigious classic car show, Retromobile, in Paris in February 2006. There, on the Beaulieu stand, they will be the stars of the show as they build a car in front of 130,000 visitors and Europe's press and TV.

The traditionally cosmopolitan flavour of the International Autojumble will be much in evidence again this year with exhibitors, as well as visitors, coming from all points of the globe for the biggest outdoor motoring sale in Europe. With over 2,000 stands, groaning with all kinds classic motoring ephemera, there is something for everyone and lots of bargains to be had.


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

In the Automart there are up to 200 complete cars for sale including a VW Camper Van and a Bedford Dormobile, a Silver Shadow ll, Triumph Stag, and Porsche 996. If American cars take your fancy you can choose from a Chevrolet Coupée a Dodge Tourer or a La France Roadster but if it's a motorcycle you're looking for how about a Royal Enfield or a Norton Manx replica.

The Bonhams sale of cars, motorcycles and automobilia, held on Saturday, attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Among the lots on offer this year are a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost and a 1912 Overland Type 69 open tourer. Also going under the hammer is an important motorcycle collection assembled by Isle of Man TT-winner, the late Eric Houseley, plus a fine collection of mascots from the foundry workshop of Willmotts Ltd, Birmingham.


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

The Autojumble is open from 10am on Saturday and 9am on Sunday. Ticket prices are 1-day adult £11.50 (Sat), £10.50 (Sun), less if booked in advance, and includes admission to the whole Beaulieu attraction.

Further information from:
www.beaulieu.co.uk

Keywords:
Automobiles | Autojumble | Cars | History | Motorcycles | Vehicles

Don`t Cry Wolf With Vehicle Activated Signs, Says ABD

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Road safety group the Association of British Drivers has today voiced its support for more Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS), re-iterating a similar call earlier this year by Richard Brunstrom, head of road policing at the Association of Chief Police Officers. [1]

VASs are the new, self-illuminating road signs that flash a roadside safety message to drivers as they approach a specific hazard. VASs have been shown to be powerful tools in alerting drivers to problems, but with increasing numbers of local authorities using them almost indiscriminately, the ABD is worried that drivers will begin to ignore them.

Mark McArthur-Christie, Road Safety Spokesman, explained: "We`re now starting to see VASs used as a catch-all solution for problems. Many counties are introducing blanket lower speed limits, and as soon as the limit goes in, it is immediately reinforced with a series of VASs. We`re
concerned that a valuable currency is being debased."

Brian Gregory, the ABD`s Chairman, said "VASs have a key role to play, but it's vital that we use them appropriately. They must only be placed where there is a specific problem to which drivers need to be alerted. If they are placed everywhere, drivers will ignore them all - it's the old story of the little boy who cried wolf."

Notes:
[1] Sunday Mirror, 13th March 2005. See http://www.abd.org.uk/pr/433.htm

Examples of good use of VAS:

• A447 Stapleton, Leicestershire: A VAS that flashes up a speed camera warning sign, located just prior to the entrance to a garden centre and petrol station situated on a left hand bend. (Photo on http://www.abd.org.uk/local/leicestershire.htm)


• A446 Wishaw, Warwickshire: Bend warning sign (Photo on http://www.abd.org.uk/jjleeming.htm).

Examples of bad use of VAS:

• Oxfordshire and Suffolk: Countless VASs that simply remind people of an inappropriately low speed limit where no specific hazard exists.


• A360 Wiltshire: Numerous warning signs for obvious bends, signs triggered by too low a speed.


• Wood End, Warwickshire: 30mph VAS on a minor road on the outskirts of a village at a location where 40mph would be safe, and placed several hundred yards from a more hazardous spot where 30mph is necessary.

Examples where VAS would be more effective than an existing speed camera:

• A1 Stubbock Hill, Lincolnshire: Speed camera situated on busy dual carriageway just before a farm entrance. The speed camera actually distracts drivers from the real hazard. Safety would be improved by replacing the camera with a tractor activated warning sign. (Photo on http://www.abd.org.uk/lincolnshire.htm)

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"

Volvo's Latest Safety Concepts Aim to Help Road Safety

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Volvo's latest safety innovations are designed to improve road safety, and include two concepts to help to prevent drink driving and speed related accidents.

• Integrated breathalyser and seatbelt system to help prevent drink driving.


• Programmable ignition key to restrict maximum speed for new drivers.

To test if a driver is safe and legal to drive, and not under the influence of alcohol, Volvo has designed an integrated breathalyser that is attached to the seatbelt which must be used before the car's engine will start. The breathalyser shows a green light if the driver is OK to drive and, once the seatbelt is fastened, the car can be started as normal. However, if the driver is over the limit, a red light illuminates on the breathalyser and it will not be possible to drive the car.


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

"According to the EU Commission, about 10,000 people a year die in alcohol-related road accidents in Europe. In addition, many car accidents also result in serious personal injuries because drivers or passengers fail to wear their seatbelts, which is why we are working on the development of a 'breathalyzer lock' to try to prevent these unnecessary accidents," says Ingrid Skogsmo, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The other new Volvo safety concept is a special ignition key which can be programmed to limit the car's speed to a predetermined maximum and is aimed at younger or less experienced drivers who, statistics show, are more likely to have speed related accidents.

According to EU statistics, the risk of 18 to 25 year olds being involved in an accident is more than twice that of people aged between 26 and 50, and the accidents often result from a lethal combination of high speed and inadequate experience.

"Using our special 'speed key', the car can easily be programmed so it cannot exceed a safe limit. For instance, this would give parents an added measure of security if lending their car to children with new driving licences, or it would make it easier to enforce the 'youth licence' issued in some European countries to new drivers who are not allowed to exceed 90 km/h for a pre-determined period," says Ingrid Skogsmo.

Volvo is continuing development of these safety concepts, and gauging public and industry reactions to them, before confirming any plans to put them into production.

FREE Access to the 1901 UK Census

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Search the 1901 England Census for Free

Britons Spending Heavily on Automobile Security Accessories

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c23618) has announced the addition of Vehicle Security Devices Market in the UK (2005 -2009) to their offering.

With a large number of Britons spending heavily on security accessories for their automobiles, the market for vehicle security devices has experienced a boom. It is because of this that the car thefts have receded significantly in the United Kingdom since 1997. Further, the rationalization and consolidation on international vehicle security devices across the world, especially among the Western countries, has contributed to the growth of this market rapidly. In light of increasing sales value, this market research report "Vehicle Security Devices Market in UK (2005 - 2009)" addresses the changing pattern of consumer behavior, analyzes demand for advanced security devices, car locks and immobilisers in UK.

Valued at GBP 311million (GBP) in 2004, the market for motor security devices in UK is estimated to witness significant growth, reaching approximately GBP 409million (GBP) by 2009. In addition, an official consent by U.K. Department for Transport recently, over the application of RFID-tagged license plates for private and commercial vehicles, got some overwhelming responses from local and international investor groups. Based on this changing scenario, analysts envision new business opportunities for the small and medium sized UK motor security device markets by 2009.

This report examines the market for security equipment and commercial vehicle markets in UK and includes statistical information on the sale of car locks, mechanical devices, vehicle tracking systems, electronic immobilisers, and other security applications used by the Britons in recent years. The report also contains the profiles of some of the leading competitors in each of these segments as well as the latest technological developments, market shares, mergers, and acquisitions in the market.

Companies mentioned:

• Autolok Security Products Ltd.


• CE Marshall Ltd.


• Directed Electronics Inc.


• Electro Systems Ltd.


• HUF UK Ltd.


• Retainagroup Ltd.


• Toad Group PLC.


• Tracker Network (UK) Ltd.


• Trackstar Ltd.


• Weston Body Hardware Ltd.


• NavTrak


• Laserline Direct Ltd.


• Alpha Dot Security Ltd.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c23618

Alarms | Automobile | Cars | Immobilisers | Markets | Research | Security | Technology | Transport | Vehicles

Fuel-Borne Catalyst to Improve Diesel Exhaust Controls

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Clean Diesel Signs Distribution Agreement with Fleetguard Inc. for Fuel-Borne Catalyst to Improve Diesel Exhaust Controls

Clean Diesel Technologies Inc., a developer of chemical and technological solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions, announced that it has signed a blending and distribution agreement with Fleetguard Inc., a business unit of Cummins Inc. (CMI), for the sale of Platinum Plus(R) Fuel-Borne Catalyst (FBC) in North America and international markets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fleetguard will purchase Platinum Plus FBC concentrate from Clean Diesel for blending into finished products for sale under the Fleet-tech(TM) brand to distributors and end users in the on-highway, off-road, marine and power generation sectors. Clean Diesel will continue to focus on product development, FBC-emissions verification with after-treatment devices, and global promotions.

The Platinum Plus FBC provides significant emission reductions from diesel engines and is formulated to improve the performance of after-treatment devices such as diesel-oxidation catalysts (DOC), partial filters or diesel-particulate traps. Offered in both the Platinum Plus DFX and higher strength Platinum Plus DFX-DPF formulations, Fleetguard will carry both products through its nationwide sales and distributor partners. According to James Valentine, president of Clean Diesel, "These products have been demonstrated to improve the performance of after-treatment devices by reducing soot loading to the devices, lowering soot-oxidation temperature and keeping devices catalytically active."

Clean Diesel and Fleetguard are cooperating on engine and field testing of a new on-board delivery system developed by Fleetguard and incorporating a reservoir of FBC into the engine's fuel filter. This system will release the FBC into the fuel as it is pumped through the fuel filter on its way to the engine. This FBC-dosing system requires no action by the vehicle operator other than having the filter replaced during scheduled maintenance.

Commenting on the agreement, David Brisk of Fleetguard said: "Our target markets will initially be those fleets using after-treatment devices where the benefits of a fuel-borne catalyst are well established. These include fleets using particulate filters or diesel-oxidation catalysts which can become fouled with soot under low temperatures or stop-and-go driving cycles. The Platinum Plus FBC reduces engine-out soot loadings and allows soot to oxidize at lower temperatures, thus reducing or eliminating plugging of exhaust treatment devices."

Initially targeted at the retrofit market, Clean Diesel is also conducting programs using Platinum Plus FBC in advanced engines with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and soot filters to achieve the 2007 emissions standards. Use of the FBC is expected to allow lower platinum loadings on after-treatment devices, reduce fuel-economy penalties of new low emissions engines, and improve low temperature regeneration of soot filters in difficult medium-duty urban drive conditions.

About Fleetguard Inc:
Fleetguard Inc. is a wholly owned business unit of Cummins Inc. and the world's leading designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty air, fuel, hydraulic and lube filtration, chemicals and exhaust system technology products for diesel and gas-powered equipment. Fleetguard cares about maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment. Going beyond compliance, Fleetguard proactively seeks improvements to products and processes and offers environmentally friendlier product choices for all major engine systems. Fleetguard's homepage on the Internet can be found at www.fleetguard.com. In North America, customers can call Fleetguard(R) Customer Assistance at 1-800-22FILTER (1-800-223-4583) for more information.

About Clean Diesel Technologies Inc:
Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. and its U.K. representative office, Clean Diesel International LLC, is a developer of chemical and technological solutions to reduce harmful engine emissions. Clean Diesel Technologies has patented products that reduce emissions from combustion engines while simultaneously improving fuel economy and power. Products include Platinum Plus(R) fuel-borne catalysts (FBC), the Platinum Plus Purifier System and the ARIS(R) 2000 urea-injection systems for selective catalytic reduction of NOx. Platinum Plus and ARIS are registered trademarks of Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. For more information, visit CDT at www.cdti.com or contact the company directly.

Keywords:
Automotive | Diesel | Emissions | Markets | Technology | Vehicles

China Has Become the World's Car Audio Manufacturing Centre

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Research and Market has announced the addition of China Car Audio Industry, 2005 to their offering.

This report is a research report specialized in China's car audio market, dealing with facts including China's car audio market pattern, companies competition and cooperation relations in the industry chain, market scale, growth rate, profits, future trends in the industry chain, car audio consumption survey, advertisement investment and market strategies, car audio business mode and distribution channels, car audio imports & exports and products strategies and market trends of car audio, providing a comprehensive research reference for enterprises to penetrate China's car audio industry.

China has become the world's car audio manufacturing centre.

80 percent of the world-class car audio companies have established factories in China and 60 percent of the world's car audio products are made in China. By 2010, the production and sales volume in China's automobile market will reach 10 million and will become the second largest auto production and consumption country following the US, exceeding Germany and Japan, which will further consolidate China's position as the car audio manufacturing center.

OEM dominates, and giants monopolize the market.

After-sale market of car audio in China is relatively small and OEM occupies 90 percent of the market share with a high concentration degree. After several years' development, car audio OEM market has gradually concentrated in several car audio giants like Siemens VDO, Philips, Jiangsu Toppower, Hangsheng Electronics, which occupy over 75 percent of the OEM market.

Retail market leaves huge space for growth.

At present, the retail market scale of car audio in China is relatively small. Less than 10 percent of passenger car owners changed their car audio facilities. However, the after sale market accounts for 70 percent of the total market in overseas developed countries. And the world's large car audio makers are also mainly targeting at after sale markets. It is no difficulty to predict that the proportion of after sale market in China will gradually increase, which will bring enormous business opportunities.

Brand pattern of "triple play" has been formed in China, competition sharpened.

Car audio market in China has formed a "triple play" brand pattern - Japanese and Korean brands, European and American brands, and domestic brands. Because of the scrabble for the market share and high profits among the brands, competition has become increasingly fierce. Moreover, some companies such as Sanyo, SVA, Philips, Skyworth and Desay, who had mainly concentrated on consumer electronics, have turned to car audio industry. Evidences show that a growing number of home electronics makers are nibbling the car audio market cake.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c23474

Keywords:
Audio | Automotive | Car | China | Manufacturing | Markets | Research | Sound | Technology

Leading International Automotive Experts to Meet in Sunderland

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

The eighth International Automotive Conference (IAC) to be held at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on October 5 and 6, will address the major issues facing the global automotive industry in today's difficult markets. Senior representatives from top automotive companies including Renault, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Cooper Standard Automotive and Pilkington are leading the speaker line up.

Organised by Ultima Media in partnership with the Sunderland City Council, the IAC 2005 agenda addresses current topics such as global logistics, mass customisation, car design, world-class manufacturing and new materials and technologies.

IAC's new format for 2005 gives delegates the opportunity to interact with top figures in the automotive world. Keynote addresses will be followed by panel discussions, which will no doubt lead to lively debates. Added attractions are visits to the Nissan and TRW plants giving delegates the opportunity to experience world class automotive and supplier manufacturing first hand.

A fascinating group of speakers and panellists will be at IAC 2005 to discuss this year's theme, 'The new automotive world - global challenges, local solutions'. They include:

• David Cameron, General Manager, Purchasing; Nissan Europe


• Pierre-Alain De Smedt, Head of Purchasing, Production, Logistics and Development; Renault


• Trevor Mann, Deputy Managing Director; Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK


• Alvin Mingle, Manager, Purchasing: Global Sourcing Development, Europe; Ford


• Ray Runza, General Manager, Logistics; Honda Logistics Centre UK


• David Henderson, Head of Purchasing; Cooper Standard


• Dennis O'Brien, Global Supply Manager; Pilkington Automotive


• Ben Rimmington, Director, Automotive Unit; Department of Trade and Industry


• Rodney Salmon, Head of Sales and Marketing; Linpac


• Claudio Bianchini, Director; National Research Centre of Italy


• Dr Andreas Leason, Deputy Director; Fraunhofer Institute for Material Beam Technology

IAC 2005 will be launched with a cocktail reception on October 5, and includes a gala dinner at the beautiful Lumley Castle on October 6. The event is supported by Gestamp UK Ltd, DFDS Tor Line, Tyne & Wear Development Company and TRW (gold sponsors) as well as Linpac and Rollet (silver sponsors).

For more information, please visit www.iacsunderland.com

Keywords:
IAC | Sunderland | Automotive | Technology | Conference

Hella Introduces New Technologies at IAA

>> Listen to this Article or Add to Podcast

Hella will showcase a broad spectrum of new electronic, sensor and automotive lighting technologies at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Germany (Sept. 15-25).

Hella's exhibit, located at Booth 8.0/D05, will feature a new LED headlamp with dynamic LED cornering lights; an electronic parking-assistant system; a concealed rain-and-light sensor; inductive-switching interior lamps, and rear- lighting technologies such as an LED light curtain and 3D light guides.

Optical and lighting innovations being introduced by Hella at the IAA include a prototype LED headlamp with a dynamic cornering light without mechanical components. The lamp's LEDs are electronically triggered and scatter light with the aid of specially designed Cartoval plastic lenses.

The new dynamic cornering light is housed in the headlamp as a separate module in the lower part of the front bumper. Four Cartoval plastic lenses arranged next to one another are aligned in different directions. Different switch-on algorithms can be realized using electronic controls. For example, each of the four elements can be switched on or dimmed depending on speed and steering angle.

For the prototype, Hella is using both standard LEDs and LED assemblies developed in cooperation with Stanley for use in automotive applications. The LED arrays direct light onto the road with the aid of different optical systems. Five solid plastic-lens modules arranged next to one another in the upper part of the headlamp produce the low beam. Two additional modules positioned vertically on the outside of the headlamp form the high beam. There also are two standard LEDs behind small rectangular plastic optic elements between the two high-beam modules. These, together with dimmed high- beam modules, produce a daytime running light.

The new LED headlamps being developed by Hella and Stanley are expected to provide light output equal to Xenon headlamps and will be available by 2008.

Hella's "light curtain," being shown for the first time as a position light in a headlamp display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is based on advanced LED technology. Light from several concealed LEDs is guided to a plastic plate and the reflection is evenly distributed. Light-scattering elements on the plate direct the light and produce the effect of a homogenously illuminated surface.

The direction indicator with seven standard LEDs is arranged behind the light curtain to produce an individual appearance when switched on together with the position light. A variety of brand-specific and individual customer- specific designs can be achieved through different LED arrangements.

The company also will display a unique front-end module developed by HBPO -- a Hella joint venture with Behr and Plastic Omnium. Described as a "front end for the future," the HBPO module weighs less, has fewer components and helps solve stringent new pedestrian-protection standards.

HBPO's new front-end module incorporates SFuse (Several Function Stiffener) to help protect pedestrians from being run over. A plastic component on the lower part of the front end makes the body turn, so that it glides away and over the hood instead of falling under the vehicle. SFuse, as a second load path, also absorbs approximately 30 percent of the impact energy.

"This philosophy integrates even more functions while using fewer components and reducing weight," says Martin Schueler, CEO of the HBPO joint venture. "It also shows ways to intelligently solve more stringent pedestrian-protection requirements."

The new front-end technology also can include air routing for braking and engine cooling. Compared with other simple metal components currently in use, SFuse can reduce the weight of these components by 25 percent and cut assembly time by 40 percent. SFuse easily meets the increased requirements for lower- leg impact to satisfy Phase 2 of the European Directive 2004/102/EC for pedestrian protection, taking effect in 2010.

For the European aftermarket, Hella also will unveil a bend-lighting system -- DynaView Evo2 -- that is the first aftermarket cornering-lamp system in the world that switches on in combination with a vehicle's low-beam headlamps. The system combines the safety functions of a cornering light and fog light in a compact, round auxiliary headlamp.

Lighting, electronics, complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems, vehicle-wiring systems and signal processing for the automobile industry, as well as automotive aftermarket components, are the core fields of competency for automotive supplier Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. Sales for the Hella Group are approximately $3.9 billion, placing Hella among Germany's top 100 industrial companies.

With its corporate headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany, the company employs nearly 24,000 people at 65 manufacturing facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies in 18 countries. More than 2,000 engineers and technicians work in research and development. Hella supplies all of the world's leading automobile and systems manufacturers as well as the automotive components aftermarket.

Additional information is available at http://www.hella.com.

Source:
Hella KGaA Hueck & Company



Keywords:
Automotive | Hella | LED | Engine | IAA | Technology