Jonathan Fry: October 2005

Life-saving Innovation Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

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It is now 25 years since the first production car to be fitted with an airbag, an S-Class Saloon, rolled off the production line at Mercedes‑Benz in Sindelfingen – the culmination of over 13 years of development work and the beginning of a new era in vehicle safety. According to accident research, the airbag has saved over 14,200 human lives in the USA to date; in Germany, meanwhile, the airbag has prevented over 2,500 fatal injuries to car occupants since 1990.

Mercedes-Benz offered the airbag long before any other car manufacturer and has so far equipped more than 12 million vehicles with this safety innovation. It has been fitted as standard in all passenger cars displaying the Mercedes star since October 1992. In recent years, Mercedes engineers have continued to develop airbag technology, for example by introducing side airbags and systems that adapt in line with the severity of the accident.

Airbags are also set to become an integral part of the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, equipped with new, anticipatory sensors which will enable them to deploy in advance of a possible accident so as to reduce the forces exerted on the car occupants both before and during any impact. For the same reasons, the airbags of the future will also take into account individual parameters such as the body size, sex and age of the occupants.

The airbag is very much a part of Mercedes history. Like the crumple zone, safety steering system, seatbelt tensioner, anti-lock braking system and other Mercedes inventions, it is a testament to the pioneering role played by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer in the field of passenger car safety.

The development of the airbag began in 1967 and required pioneering achievements in numerous fields. Although the idea for an air cushion of this kind had been around since the early fifties, engineers had been unable to come up with a solution to transform the vision into reality. However, the Mercedes team had made great progress with a discriminating sensor system and a gas generator capable of deploying the airbag in just 30 milliseconds. They also developed the tear-resistant airbag fabric, improved the airbag's inflation characteristics and finally made it possible to house the entire system in the impact-absorbing boss of a steering wheel.

After more than 250 vehicle crash tests, 2,500 sled tests and over seven million kilometres of trials in test cars, the airbag was finally ready for production in December 1980 when it celebrated its world premiere together with another innovation, the seatbelt tensioner, in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. As early as 1991, some 28 percent of all Mercedes passenger cars were equipped with a driver's airbag. And it has been fitted as standard in all cars displaying the Mercedes star since October 1992.

US statistics: airbags have saved over 14,200 human lives since 1987

Right from the start, Mercedes-Benz had designed the airbag to supplement the three-point seatbelt whose primary function was to provide additional protection in the event of a frontal impact. Accident research results confirm the wisdom of this approach: back in the seventies, around 30 percent of Mercedes car drivers wearing seatbelts involved in very severe frontal collisions suffered life-threatening injuries; however Mercedes experts can confirm that serious injury rates of this magnitude are firmly a thing of the past thanks to the excellent interaction between the airbag, seatbelt, belt tensioner and other protection measures.

If these Mercedes accident research results are projected to take into account all passenger cars, it emerges that the airbag has helped to save over 2,500 human lives in Germany alone since 1990.

The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has calculated that airbags protect one in every three car occupants against serious injury in an accident. Furthermore, around one in six drivers and front passengers involved in road accidents owe their lives to airbags. Since 1987, the airbag has saved the lives of over 14,200 car occupants in the USA.

Mercedes innovations: sidebags and windowbags for supplementary protection

The Mercedes engineers built on their big lead in the airbag development stakes and continued to further improve the system. The world premiere of the driver's airbag was followed by the launch of the front-passenger airbag in 1988 and, in 1995, the introduction of one of the first side airbags for passenger cars. The latter has been supplemented by the windowbag since 1998. This was also the year in which Mercedes-Benz introduced adaptive airbags that deploy in two stages, depending on the severity of the accident, thus providing even more effective occupant protection.

In addition, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system – unveiled by Mercedes-Benz in 2002 and still not available in this form from any other car manufacturer – further enhances the protective effect of the seatbelt and the airbag. Advance tensioning of the front seatbelts and repositioning of the seats ahead of a potential accident prepare the occupants for a possible collision, meaning that the seatbelts and airbags offer the highest possible level of protection when activated.

State-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz passenger cars like the new S-Class are equipped with a total of eight airbags: two adaptive front airbags, four sidebags and two windowbags. As well as being able to test itself, the airbag technology is maintenance-free and remains functional for the entire lifetime of the Mercedes‑Benz passenger car.

Vision for the future: an airbag that is triggered before impact

Airbags will continue to play an important role in passenger car safety in years to come. Mercedes engineers are looking into the possibility of a protective system that automatically adapts itself to take into account the current accident situation and the car occupants. Sophisticated radar technology of the kind recently introduced in the new S-Class could help in this respect. If developed a stage further, this radar technology and other anticipatory sensors could provide the data needed to calculate the severity of an unavoidable accident before actual impact. Airbags could then become an integral part of the PRE-SAFE® system, deploying before impact in several slower stages and with a greater volume of air in order to protect the occupants for a longer period of time.

Another priority for the airbags of tomorrow is to provide even more personalised protection. By way of example, it should be possible to program the on-board computer with information such as the age, sex and biometric data (e.g. body size and weight) of the occupants in order to tailor the protection system to individual requirements.

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Subaru Launches Police Sales Assault

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Symmetrical all-wheel drive specialist, Subaru, has launched a serious assault on the police car market targeting both unmarked and high-visibility liveried use.

Already favoured by several forces, the iconic Impreza will be joined by the sporting executive Legacy and crossover Forester in a three-pronged attack.

This follows Subaru winning approval as an official supplier by the Police Information Technology Organisation.

In addition, the first decaled demonstration Forester has just hit the highways complete with all the equipment required for the official police-spec 'Utility 4x4' category.

Acknowledging the importance of this initiative, Subaru has appointed specialist motor services outsource, Landar Ltd, to establish a Police Sales Unit.

Headed by Programme Manager, Lance Jenkins, this will provide dedicated sales and operational support.

This unit has already received orders for a number of unmarked Imprezas and Legacys by various constabularies and Lance has now begun a charm offensive on fleet managers from more than 40 police forces throughout the UK.

He said: "The performance, agility and reliability of the Impreza is already well known by many forces but few appreciate how ideal the Forester is for rural use and as an all-terrain multi-function vehicle.

"The Legacy is also very attractive as a low-profile ‘stealth’ car where covert surveillance and eventual pursuit is required. It will be my job to get the Subaru on more shopping lists and to raise its profile among the constabularies."

Subaru's Police Sales unit will also offer interested forces extended vehicle loans for up to six months under a new 'try and buy' programme.

While the entire Subaru range is available for police demonstration, the new-look '06 Forester 2.5 XT is the first liveried vehicle to begin trials.

It features a 230 PS turbocharged engine which is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds yet has a 200 mm-plus ground clearance and full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, making it a formidable pursuit vehicle should villains decide to leave the highway.

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Active Safety is a Mystery to Most

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The results of an SMMT survey released today (31 October) showed that most people are not familiar with the latest safety technologies fitted to new cars.

The survey, which sampled 110 people in central London, showed that:

58 per cent of those asked could not name any active safety systems in a modern car.
Only 29 per cent named ABS, even though this is now standard on all new cars.
Just five per cent of drivers knew about ESP (electronic stability programme).
Six per cent of people were unable to name any active or passive safety feature.

Active safety systems are technologies that prevent accidents from happening; passive safety limits the effect of an accident on vehicle occupants or pedestrians.

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

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive said, 'Many of the latest technologies are becoming more common in new cars. What this survey shows is that most people are not aware of the many basic safety systems fitted to modern cars, let alone the investment in the latest active safety systems which are helping to drive down injuries and deaths on the roads.'

Other findings of the SMMT survey include:

Additional safety features mentioned by respondents were roll bars by eight per cent, and four per cent said reverse cameras or parking sensors.
92 per cent could name an example of a passive technology, with 47 per cent saying airbags and 36 per cent seatbelts.

To raise awareness, SMMT and RoadSafe are running a campaign to demonstrate the latest in safety technology as well as the dangers of driving at night.

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

Figures released by the Department for Transport last month show that road casualties have fallen significantly over the last 10 years. Improved car design has played a significant part in the reduction of casualties, as will better driver education, improved road design and better measures to prevent poor driving behaviour.

Source:
http://www.dft.gov.uk

Notes:

The survey of 110 people in central London, was undertaken by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
75 per cent of those questioned said they were drivers.
Since July 2004, all new volume production cars in the UK are now fitted with ABS – Anti-lock Braking System

SMMT and RoadSafe are holding a 'Driving in winter' event on the evening of Monday 31 October. Timed to coincide with the clocks turning back, the event will display the latest in vehicle and road safety technology including practical demonstrations.

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Volvo Cuts Danger of Blind Spots with BLIS

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Volvo is first to offer car drivers a high-tech solution to help avoid the risk of accidents caused by blind spots with its new safety system - BLIS (Blind Spot Information System).

Volvo's latest safety innovation uses an intelligent digital camera system incorporated into both door mirrors that constantly monitors the area alongside the car for cars or motorbikes, then alerts the driver via an orange light housed in the car's A-pillar by the door mirror. BLIS also works after dark, when it will react to the headlamps of any surrounding vehicles.

As Britain's roads get ever busier, Volvo believes the additional visual information BLIS relays to the driver before changing lanes or overtaking in busy urban environments or on multi-lane highways, will prove particularly useful.

The BLIS system does not relieve the driver of his or her obligation and responsibility to do the usual visual checks before attempting any manoeuvring, but does afford frequent motorway users or city drivers an added level of protection against vehicles hovering in the periphery of the driver's field of vision.

While a dash mounted button can be used to temporarily switch the safety aid off, if required, BLIS is capable of making the distinction between mobile and immobile objects such as parked cars, road barriers, lampposts and other static objects, ensuring all alerts are limited to potentially hazardous moving obstacles.

"Preventing accidents and reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in traffic are both high on the agenda of an increasing number of countries. We see everything from so-called zero-limits in Sweden and the Netherlands to national goals of between 30 and 50 percent fewer accidents over the coming 10 year period. As a leading company in the field of car safety, Volvo must naturally play an active part in working toward these goals," says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director Volvo Cars Safety.

Volvo first demonstrated a BLIS system on its Safety Concept Car in 2001, and BLIS is one of many safety innovations shown on that car that have become a reality on today's Volvo range. BLIS is already available as an option on the XC90 and is expected to be introduced to the rest of the Volvo range next year.

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Advanced Telematics to Aid Safety and Security

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'Volvo On Call' is an optional communications package available across the Volvo range that includes valuable personal safety and security features to Volvo customers in need of assistance, 24 hours a day, almost anywhere in the UK. Whether involved in an accident, vehicle breakdown or theft, Volvo On Call uses the latest telematics technology to ensure help is always close at hand and immediately dispatched.

Working off an integrated GSM telephone with a built-in GPS unit for satellite navigation, the Volvo On Call system, with a built-in backup antenna, has been fully crash tested in the Volvo Safety Centre and designed to withstand immense crash force, yet still be fully functional. With the extra backup battery, Volvo On Call can still be used even if the car's standard power supply is disabled.

Safety

One of the key features that Volvo On Call offers as standard is added personal safety (and convenience). Using its own SIM card buried deep in the vehicle, Volvo On Call is one of the only systems of its kind linked directly to BT 999, so that if it detects an airbag being triggered in an accident it will automatically notify Emergency Services of the incident - and the vehicle's exact location. This function can also be operated manually, if required, by pushing a red dash-mounted 'SOS' button which puts you straight through to the Emergency Services.

Volvo On Call also helps if the vehicle develops a fault or assistance if needed. A second button marked 'On Call' on the integrated phone in the car's dashboard contacts the Volvo On Call customer service centre, operated by Mondial the worldwide assistance providers, where staff are on hand 24 hours a day to request road side assistance and guide them to the car's precise location. Volvo will also be able to offer further concierge services and convenience features via this facility.

Security

Reaffirming Volvo's recent achievement at the British Insurance Car Security Awards (BISCA), where for the second year running it won 'Best Manufacturer', Volvo On Call also offers optional security features, such as being able to remotely unlock the car, or track it if the car is stolen.

Using advanced telematics, the Volvo On Call customer service centre can communicate directly with the car to provide information such as the vehicle's speed, amount of fuel left in the tank, location, and whether it is being driven or moving on a transporter. The system can also unlock or lock the car remotely at an agreed time (once certain personal security information is provided correctly) if your keys are lost or misplaced.

If the car's alarm is triggered, the Volvo On Call service centre will try to contact the owner or driver, and if certain security questions are not answered satisfactorily, the police will be called.

Similarly, if the car is stolen, once the owner notifies the Volvo On Call customer service centre, the car will automatically be tracked, and all the information available will be passed on to the police.

Real-life example

For one grateful Volvo dealership in Doncaster, Volvo On Call, has already proven itself a worthy asset.

When thieves stole the keys to a Volvo S60 D5 SE and drove the vehicle away from Riverside Motors in Doncaster, little did they realise that the S60 was equipped with Volvo On Call and that their every movement was trackable.

In this example, once Volvo On Call operators had been alerted to the theft, they were able to activate the on board tracking device and lead Police to the car's precise location. The unscathed vehicle was successfully traced and recovered within 20 minutes of being reported missing.

"While we were obviously rattled by the theft, we were all impressed by how quickly and efficiently the car was tracked and located. As soon as we discovered the vehicle had been stolen and that it was equipped with Volvo On Call, we immediately contacted the service centre. 20 minutes later and we got the news that the vehicle had been recovered. Obviously we were delighted," said Steven Starkey, Manager of the Volvo dealership in Doncaster.

Steven added, "The benefits of On Call really hit home with us as we were able to see the success of the system first hand. We really feel strongly that for any customer seeking optimum safety and security, Volvo On Call offers the best possible solution."

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Dark Danger

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The number of people killed on Great Britain's roads has seen a dramatic rise between October and November for the second year running.

(Photo - Stuart Yeates)

The continuing increase in fatalities between the two months, revealed in the recently published Government bible of road safety statistics, Road Casualties Great Britain 2004*, has prompted the RAC Foundation to appeal to Government, local authorities and drivers to play their part in slashing the death toll.

German Government statistics** also indicate that the number of accidents per km driven more than doubles during the hours of darkness - showing that this is not just a phenomenon in the UK.

Following the end of British Summer Time on October 30, millions of people will travel home from work in the dark for the first time in seven months and many of them will be ill prepared.

While huge investment in research and development by lighting manufacturers means that lights on modern vehicles are more effective and efficient than ever, they are useless if drivers don't use them, check them and maintain them. In 2004, over one million cars and 12,500 motor cycles, failed the annual MoT test because of lighting defects.***

Common complaints include:

Unlit vehicles - especially pedal cycles, usually in urban and sub-urban areas
Vehicles with side or headlamps not working, making it more difficult to see, or judge the width of the vehicle, especially on unlit rural roads
Vehicles with badly adjusted headlamps that dazzle oncoming drivers, or whose poor lighting means that drivers need to use main beam headlamps
Vehicles with rear fog lamps lit in good visibility and which dazzle following drivers

The RAC Foundation believes that a few simple steps by all who use, or are responsible, for the roads could make the UK roads much safer during the coming months. Committed to raising the profile of this topic, it is making lighting the issue of the month on its website www.racfoundation.org. Drivers can help the Foundation build a better understanding of motorists' opinions and behaviour by taking part in an on-line poll on the subject while getting more advice.

As well as drivers, however, the Foundation is urging local authorities to ensure that all street lighting is of a good standard and that roads and pavements are well maintained with no potholes or raised paving stones to endanger pedestrians and two-wheeled traffic during the long hours of darkness.

Central Government should also consider further research into the road user safety potential of daylight running lights, and, if safety benefits are proven, initiate discussions with vehicle manufacturers about incorporating the technology onto all vehicles.

Manufacturers, UK Government and the European commission should continue to explore the development and use of "smart" vehicle lighting that can adapt brightness according to road and weather conditions, automatically dip for oncoming traffic and interact with indicators.

Cyclists can also play their part by fitting, checking and using lights and wearing clothing that will increase their conspicuity in the dark and wet - while pedestrians should be sure that they can see and be seen by traffic, especially when crossing roads.

This is also a good time for parents to ensure that their children have high visibility clothing or markers on bags and that they are well drilled about potential dangers while walking.

Edmund King, Executive Director of RAC Foundation said, "It is impossible to overestimate the importance of good lighting during the hours of darkness. The many advances in road and vehicle safety are of no value, unless drivers can see where they are going and other road users can see the vehicle properly."

The RAC Foundation has a four-point plan to see and be seen this winter.

Check that lights are working properly. A check of all lights takes no more than two minutes.
Replace any faulty lights
Standard [halogen] headlamp bulbs lose their brightness over time and should be replaced at three yearly [700 hours usage] intervals with good quality branded replacements. [Auto Express publishes headlamp tests and recommendations each year]
If buying a new car, consider specifying xenon [bi-polar] headlamps. The increased cost will be more than offset by improvements in driver vision and durability, typically three or four times the life of standard halogen lights.

Web Site:
RAC Web Site

Research Material:
*Road Casualties GB 2003 showed figures of 256 fatalities in October and 300 in November. In 2004 there were 256 fatalities in October and 316 in November.

** BASt (Federal Highway Research Institute, Germany )

*** Transport Statistics GB 2004

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Darling Introduces Mobility Tax by the Back Door

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In a speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research today, Alistair Darling admitted the Department for Transport is already well-ahead with plans for the introduction of road user charging using private companies.

The seminar hosted by the IPPR was sponsored by Norwich Union, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and T-Systems, an international IT provider and part of Deutsche Telecom.

Plans for satellite road user charging inevitably raise Big Brother concerns, centred as the scheme is around satellite-controlled black boxes fitted to vehicles. These black boxes will know the vehicle's location, how fast it is travelling and on which roads. All this data will be recorded and used by private companies to charge drivers a tax for their mileage, based on where and when they travel, potentially with a commission for the work done.

ABD Spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie commented "It seems that Mr Darling is determined to press ahead with his Big Brother mobility tax no matter what. He realises what a potential vote-loser this is, and is now using private firms to front, develop and manage the scheme for him."

The ABD's Chairman Brian Gregory comments "This scheme has phenomenal implications for people's civil liberties. Private companies and the government will know exactly where they are every hour of the day and charge them for it. Of course, the in-car black boxes also open the door to instant speeding tickets and penalties for almost any other offence that can be dreamed up."

The ABD believes that the introduction of this mobility tax is mistaken, but not simply because of the implications for civil liberties. Demand for travel is inelastic - people need to travel for work, to commute, to see friends and families. This tax is based on the whole premise that people are able to change their travelling behaviour. Although there is potential for some commuters to switch to cycling and powered two wheelers for some trips, public transport is, in the government's own words unreliable, expensive and does not go where people want. The majority of travellers will simply have no choice but to pay up.

McArthur-Christie concludes "We are extremely concerned about any tax that involves satellite and computer technology spying on citizens. When unelected and unaccountable private companies are involved, our concern grows still further. We urge Mr Darling to reconsider."

Web Site:
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"

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Don't Crack in the Cold RAC Warns Motorists

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Credit cards, CDs, pen knives and even a fish slice are just some of the items 56% of Britain's motorists have admitted to using to clear ice from their windscreens, according to an RAC Auto Windscreens' winter vision survey.

These alternative ice scrapers may seem to do the job, but in fact they can create tiny scratches on the windscreen which could prove hazardous. Scratches on a windscreen can potentially obscure the driver's vision when they are hit by the glare of headlights from on-coming traffic, RAC Auto Windscreens, the vehicle glazing expert, is warning motorists.

Similarly, nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed admitted to breaking the law and driving with porthole vision. By law the windows and mirrors of a vehicle must be clear and de-misted thoroughly before you set off on your journey. Drivers who ignore the law are risking a £1000 fine for driving with restricted vision.

RAC Auto Windscreens Technical and Safety Manager, Chris Bonsall said: "As well as breaking the law you are endangering the life of yourself and other motorists if you drive with restricted vision. Why put yourself and others at risk for the sake of getting up a few minutes earlier in the morning and investing a few pounds on an ice scraper and can of de-icer. If you don't, it could be a hefty fine or worse still, a 14 year prison sentence if you cause a death while driving with restricted vision."

Follow RAC Auto Windscreens' five-point advice plan to ensure your windscreen does not fall foul of the frost or law this winter:

Get any chips in your windscreen repaired now. In extreme cold a chip can turn to a crack. All RAC Auto Windscreens' fitting centres offer free windscreen checks.
Always carry a purpose-made ice scraper and a can of de-icer in your car. Frost doesn't just occur at night.
Never, ever use hot or boiling liquid to clear your windscreen. The extreme of hot on cold can cause the windscreen to crack.
It takes at least five minutes to fully de-ice your car, so allow extra time in your morning routine.
Ensure you top up with anti-freeze and screen wash daily. Never be tempted to use washing-up liquid in place of anti-freeze, particularly in cold weather.

Winter vision survey

56% of respondents have used something other than a purpose-made ice scraper
32% of respondents admit to pouring hot water onto a frozen windscreen
87% of women compared to 75% of men claim to clear all their vehicle's windows
18% of motorists admit to just clearing their front and rear windscreens
24% of motorists admit to driving with porthole vision

Web Site:
RAC Web Site, Roadside Assistance and Other Services

Research Material:

RAC Auto Windscreens provides a wholly owned and operated complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) through the largest fitting centre network in the UK.
It is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield.

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Ford's Dagenham Engine Plant Celebrates 40 Years of Production

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Trevor Leeks, front left, Dagenham engine plant area manager, and Terry Burns, plant union convenor, congratulate Ford Dagenham employees on the successful launch of the plant's newest engine

Ford of Britain's Dagenham engine plant celebrated 40 years of production for Ford Transit with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre diesel unit for the vehicle – itself 40 years old this year.

Diesel engine builders joined managers and trade union representatives at the 'job one' ceremony marking the first of the new power units off the line. Production will rise to 200,000 engines a year by June 2006.

The engine is the product of the fourth phase of cooperation on diesel engines between Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën. The agreement was signed in 1998, since when the manufacturers have jointly built over 4,000,000 engines and seen diesel penetration soar to 55 per cent of car sales in some European markets.

Dagenham plant benefited from £82 million of investment to design and manufacture the clean and efficient commercial vehicle engine. The new business takes Ford Dagenham's output over a million engines a year.

It adds a sixth product to Dagenham's proven diesel line-up, which spans 1.8 to 2.7-litre engines. The site has already seen investment worth more than £550 million since 2003, when Dagenham was declared the company's global centre for diesel engine design and production.

Trevor Leeks, engine line area manager, said: "The successful launch of this landmark Dagenham product is a credit to this plant's ability to win more business in the face of stiff competition and also to the 2,350 people who work in diesel assembly producing high tech engines."

Plant union convenor Terry Burns said: "This is more positive news for Dagenham. It's not only good for those who work in plant, it is good for the whole community."

Development work on the 2.2-litre light van engine took place in Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre, which is adjacent to engine plant. The two facilities worked together to bring the engine from the design drawing board to job one in 24 months.

Dagenham has produced engines for the iconic Ford Transit since 1965. Then the plant supplied V4 petrol engines to the new commercial vehicle which went on to dominate van sales for its entire 40-year lifetime.

The Ford Transit range will include the new Dagenham-built engine from 2006. Environmental considerations were uppermost in the minds of the Dagenham engineering team. This new engine produces half the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions compared with its predecessors. Carbon dioxide emissions are down by 20 per cent and particulates by 40 per cent.

As part of Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën's cooperation, further production capacity announced last year will bring 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesel engines to Dagenham from 2007.

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The Automotive Industry Records Substantial Long-Term Vehicle Quality Improvements

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Lexus Ranks Highest in Vehicle Dependability for the 11th Consecutive Year;
General Motors and Ford Motor Company Earn Record Number of Model Awards

The automotive industry records an impressive 12 percent improvement in long-term vehicle quality, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of 3-year-old (2002 model-year) vehicles, provides useful information to both consumers and the automotive industry on long-term vehicle quality. For consumers, the VDS offers insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models as they approach the end of a typical warranty period. Manufacturers use this information to track the quality performance of their models over time to implement product improvement plans.

At the industry level, manufacturers have made a considerable leap in quality, with improvements across all categories. The industry average improves 32 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to 2004. In addition, nearly all nameplates and 84 percent of vehicle models included in the 2005 VDS also record year-over-year improvements. The categories showing the most significant improvements in 2005 include ride, handling and braking; engine; and interior.

"While the Initial Quality Study [IQS], which measures problems experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, can be an indicator of how models will perform over time, our studies consistently show that long-term durability is a tremendously important factor to consumers," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "As the number of problems owners experience with their vehicles increases, repurchase intent and the number of recommendations owners will make to others decreases. The study also finds that long-term durability can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s retained value."

According to actual retail transaction data from the Power Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates, 3-year-old vehicles of brands that perform above the industry average in VDS typically retain $1,000 more of their value than those of brands performing below the industry average.

Lexus, which ranks highest in vehicle dependability for the 11th consecutive year, improves 14 percent (23 PP100) compared to 2004.

Porsche makes the largest percentage improvement in its VDS score, while Hyundai experiences the largest reduction in problems reported by owners. Porsche, which ranks second among nameplates, improves 38 percent compared to 2004—a 91 PP100 improvement. Although still hovering below the industry average, Hyundai records a dramatic 115 PP100 improvement (31%).

"Hyundai experienced similar levels of improvement in the 2002 IQS, when these vehicles were new, which shows a successful effort by Hyundai in translating short-term quality improvements into higher long-term quality," said Parker. "Even though there is still room for improvement, Hyundai is a great example of an automaker that is making strides toward improving vehicle quality by paying close attention to owner feedback and designing products with both short- and long-term quality in mind."

General Motors models earn eight segment awards and Ford Motor Company models receive five segments awards —a record for both GM and Ford in VDS. Toyota Motor Corporation models receive four awards.

The Lexus LS 430, which earns a score of 90 PP100, is the first model in VDS history to receive fewer than 100 PP100. The LS 430 receives the premium luxury car segment award, and Lexus also receives awards for its RX 300 (entry luxury SUV) and LX 470 (premium luxury SUV) models.

Chevrolet captures the most segment awards, with the Prizm (compact car), Malibu (entry midsize car), S-10 Pickup (midsize pickup) and Silverado HD (heavy-duty full-size pickup) each earning an award in their respective segments. Ford receives three segment awards, for the Thunderbird (entry luxury car), Windstar (midsize van) and E-Series (full-size van).

The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality metrics, along with IQS and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. The results of the 2005 IQS were released in May and the 2005 APEAL Study is scheduled for release in late September.

The 2005 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 50,635 original owners of 2002 model-year cars and light trucks. For more information on vehicle ratings, visit the J.D. Power Consumer Center at www.jdpower.com.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 37 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Source:
J.D. Power and Associates

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Audi Launches a Major Broadcasting Revolution

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Audi UK makes broadcasting history this week with the official launch of the Audi Channel. The company is the first car manufacturer in the world to transmit its own dedicated digital television channel and holds the first ever self-promotional licence, granted by Ofcom, setting a precedent in broadcasting regulations.

Audi Channel, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the Sky Digital platform (currently channel 259), is also the first brand-specific entertainment channel in Europe. Audi is essentially the first brand to go beyond advertiser-funded TV programmes.

Audi is a prestigious, sophisticated and sporty brand and the Audi Channel reflects this. It will of course showcase the company's ever increasing range through informative programming - there will be nine major product launches alone during the channel's first year - but it has also been designed to entertain with content that extends far beyond the cars themselves.

An impressive array of Audi activities are brought to life on screen, including Le Mans motor racing, the UK's largest amateur golf tournament, Goodwood, high-goal polo and red carpet arrivals at some of the hottest events of the season. Audi Channel also features interviews with top celebrities and informative documentaries, such as the history of Audi's legendary quattro, the production of the thrilling Audi 'ski jump' ad and the making of a watch inspired by Audi with highly acclaimed jeweller, Stephen Webster.

Audi Channel perfectly complements the company's core philosophy of Vorsprung durch Technik - advancement through technology. It is the latest addition to Audi's extensive media portfolio, which also includes a highly successful web site (www.audi.co.uk) that receives over 700,000 visits per month, and a bi-annual Audi Magazine with a print run of more than 300,000 per issue. The Audi Channel is the result of two years of research and development into new ways of communicating with the public.

A marketing innovation, Audi Channel allows Audi UK to capitalise on the phenomenal growth of digital television. It gives the company constant access to over 7.6 million homes and nearly 21 million individuals. 'Ad avoidance' is an increasingly important issue but while Audi will not be reducing its support of more traditional advertising forms, Audi Channel opens up a new and important communication platform to a wide audience, enabling the viewer to spend more time engaging in a deeper way with the brand.

In the future, Audi plans to allow viewers to interact with the channel, providing them with various functions, such as finding their local dealership, requesting a brochure or booking a test drive.

"Audi is proud to be leading this development in brand entertainment," says Gary Savage, Audi UK's head of marketing. "Digital TV is a powerful communication platform with broad appeal, and will become ever more so as the entire country switches from analogue to digital between 2008 and 2012."

"Audi Channel allows us to extend our relationship with current Audi owners - and reach out to a vast and ever-increasing pool of potential new customers. In the multi-channel age, viewers have the power to follow their own special interests, and Audi is the first major brand to seize this amazing opportunity afforded by advances in digital technology."

"With hundreds of channels available, content is king: Audi Channel's first-class schedule promises to keep viewers informed, educated and entertained with a rolling production schedule of varied programming."

Working alongside Audi on the dedicated television channel is the company's UK advertising agency, BBH, which has been instrumental in the development phase. North One Television, one of Britain's leading independent production companies, has brought the benefit of its considerable experience and expertise to both the production of new material and the incorporation of existing footage.

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Helping Bikers to Stay Safe on High Speed Roads

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Too many bikers are still being killed or injured on England's motorways and major A roads so the Highways Agency has launched a major initiative to help them stay safe.

Motorcycle casualty figures for 2004 on England's busiest roads show deaths and serious injuries are down on the previous year, but fatalities are nearly 20% above the Highways Agency's target baseline figure, and accidents involving bike riders and their passengers show no indication of a long term downward trend.

In 2004, deaths fell to 37 from 60 in 2003, and serious injuries were down from 390 in 2003 to 320 in 2004 - but the figures are still unacceptably high.

The Highways Agency is working closely with bikers to help them stay safe, as well as tackling accident spots on the roads.

Bikers visiting the Highways Agency's stand at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC, Birmingham, will hear about safety initiatives such as the new DVD called "Great Roads, Great Rides" and how the Agency is working in partnership with groups such as Handle It or Lose It and Shiny Side Up.

The Minister for Roads, Dr Stephen Ladyman, said:

"These new figures are good news, but deaths and injuries among bikers are still too high. The Government is committed to working with bikers to bring these figures even lower. I'd urge anyone who goes to the Motorcycle and Scooter Show to give a few minutes of their time to the Highways Agency's stand."

Stuart Lovatt, the Highways Agency's Road Safety Action Plan Coordinator, said:

"We want riders to come out and enjoy the freedom and excitement that motorcycling gives, but we want them to do this safely. We are working to reduce accidents on our roads, but our efforts alone are not sufficient. Everyone who uses our roads owes it to themselves, their passengers and other road users. Each accident is a personal tragedy, working together we can achieve even greater reductions in these accidents and casualties."

In addition to safety advice, the Highways Agency wants to find out where bikers feel most at risk on its roads and investigate ways to make routes safer.

We recently approved the Bikeguard safety barrier system for installation at sites with a high risk of motorcycle casualties. Bikeguard covers the barrier support posts and is designed to reduce the impact of injury when riders are thrown towards the safety barrier after coming off their machines.

There will also be a preview of the new "Great Roads, Great Rides" DVD, which the Agency plans to release in Spring 2006 as the new biking season gets underway.

"Great Roads, Great Rides" is the latest in series of innovative ideas to reduce motorcycle casualties. The DVD continues the theme of working together to reduce casualties and will pull together advice, information and best practice from a range of key partners.

Other campaign initiatives include:

Active support for the Handle It or Lose It campaign, including development of the innovative website where bikers can share information about where they have 'lost it' on the network. The Agency is using the reporting system and detailed maps to develop a dialogue with riders and pinpoint problems on the network.
New guidelines on safer road design, compiled by the Institute of Highways Incorporated Engineers, are being promoted by the Agency to its own staff. The "IHIE Guidelines for Motorcycling - Improving Safety through Engineering and Integration" raise awareness of a range of issues of concern to motorcyclists, including road design and engineering, use of advance warning signs, safety barriers, raised drain covers and road markings.
The Agency has recently been invited to join the Shiny Side Up partnership and has trialled the use of its biker signs in Cheshire to raise awareness of known accident sites.
In Summer 2005, the Agency ran a well received media campaign particularly aimed at bank holidays to remind riders to take care. It is planned to repeat this publicity in 2006.

Research Material:

The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State.

The 'Handle It or Lose It' campaign was launched in April 2003 to address the number of deaths and serious injuries involving motorcyclists. The Shiny Side Up Partnership was launched in mid 2001 because of an increasing number of accidents involving sports bike riders.

The campaign groups, are made up of interested parties, aim to engage and re-educate riders on some of the possible dangers they can encounter; and to consider specific training needs when handling such large machines.

Research has shown that at some point in many riders' biking careers, they will have faced a situation that could have easily turned into a life or death moment. It was on this basis that 'Handle It or Lose It' was created and promoted to persuade sports bike riders to share their experiences with the world.

Motorcycle statistics:

Motorcycles make up less than 1% of vehicle traffic, BUT
Riders suffer 14% of the total deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads
92% of all motorcycle accidents involve riders who have taken no advanced training

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Car-makers' MPG Claims 'Miles Out'

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Drivers are spending hundreds of pounds a year more than expected on petrol because official figures underestimate vehicle fuel consumption, according to new research.

Some cars were found to use up to 28 per cent more fuel than manufacturers' figures showed, according to tests by Auto Express magazine. The discrepancy could add up to £570 a year to average fuel bills, the magazine found.

However, government and consumer groups said the official figures were designed to enable car buyers to compare the performance of different models by being based on strict tests that would not reflect everyone's driving.

Auto Express said it had checked consumption figures produced by car manufacturers, which are based on the government-approved tests. They cover a mix of driving in town, in the country and on motorways, and appear in new car sales brochures and handbooks.

The magazine found the Ford Focus, Britain's best-selling car, only managed 42.5 miles per gallon on the open road (extra urban) - 23.3 per cent less than the 55.4mpg official figure. The model tested, the 1.6Ti-VCT LX, would cost £2,187 in fuel over a 20,000 annual mileage, or £240 more than the official figure.

The biggest discrepancy among cars tested was the Mazda RX-8 Hi-power coupe, which achieved only 13mpg in town - 28.2 per cent less than the official 18.1mpg. Its annual fuel bill would be £4,131 - £574 more than expected.

David Johns, the editor-in-chief of Auto Express, said: "The official test is carried out on a mechanical rolling road and bears no comparison to real-life driving on UK roads.

"Our test team discovered that, on average, cars are around 17-20 per cent less economical than the official claims. This discrepancy could end up costing drivers hundreds of pounds more than they'd bargained for."

George Marshall-Thornhill, a senior motoring researcher at Which? magazine, said a disclaimer should be attached to official figures because they were only useful in comparing models rather than as a guide to performance.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said the tests were carried out under controlled conditions based on Europe-wide standards so the results could be accurately compared. She said: "They cannot be fully representative of actual fuel consumption because of variations caused by driving styles, weather conditions, loading and use of equipment such as air conditioning."

Source:
The Scotsman

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GM Opens Russian R&D Science Office

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General Motors will open a new R&D science office in Moscow in order to leverage Russian science institutes and universities on a broad array of technologies, including fuel cells, hybrid and electronic controls, and battery research.

The initial project work will include materials, emissions control catalyst development, lightweight metal processing, hydrogen storage for fuel cell applications and engine control technology.

"About three years ago we began to explore the possibility of conducting research in the former Soviet Union," said Alan Taub, executive director of Science at GM Research & Development laboratories in Warren, Michigan. "In a very short time, working with universities, academies and scientific institutes, we saw world class results in key technologies. Not only that, working with today's scientists and engineers gives us the opportunity for unique partnerships that direct scientific work toward mutually beneficial commercial projects."

"GM sees the new R&D Science Office as an unique opportunity to expand the GM R&D global network in areas of critical importance to GM and will give GM a greater mix of R&D knowledge. Since these programs are collaborative, we believe that there is significant potential for both sides to benefit," said Gil Golan, director of GM R&D Global Strategy.

"The Russian scientific institutes and universities have a long history of achieving fundamental scientific breakthroughs and engineering accomplishments in a large number of technical disciplines including mathematics, materials science, and physics," stated Jim Spearot, Director of GM R&D's Chemical and Environmental Sciences Laboratory. Spearot added that GM researchers look forward to expanding collaborations with Russian technical experts.

GM started working in Moscow in 2002 with Moscow State University and the St. Petersburg State Institute of Information Technologies and Optics. Each year since then, the portfolio of projects has increased and the work has expanded to scientific and technical institutes in both Russia and Ukraine.

The new Science Office will be located at the GM CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) offices in Moscow. Alexey Ushakov, chief scientist and manager of Research & Development, will head the operations.

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New Life for Longbridge North Works

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The famous North Works factory at Longbridge is set to become the world's leading producer of light weight automotive composite body shells, components and structures thanks to a pioneering investment by the UK's leading high tech composite firm, epm:technology group.

This welcome injection of fresh life for Longbridge will see the site converted into a world leading, high-tech manufacturing & assembly centre potentially employing up to 450 people, with a workforce of 150 in place by the end of next year. Production lines are scheduled to start operations in February 2006.

The North Works is owned by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands which has agreed to lease the site to epm:technology. Work on the first phase of Longbridge Technology Park started last week.

"The 100,000 sq ft Longbridge site will enable us to meet the growing expectations of automotive customers worldwide who are increasingly turning to composite materials as an effective way to reduce the weight of their vehicles, improve fuel economy and meet environmental targets," said Graham Mulholland, epm:technology group managing director.

"This investment, which is one of the largest automotive composite projects to ever be undertaken by a private company, will help to hasten a new dawn for Longbridge, generating new business, deploying the very latest technology and creating new jobs for the area," he added.

Advantage West Midlands Chief Executive John Edwards said: ?This is absolutely fantastic news not just for Northfield but for the region as a whole.

"Companies such as epm:technology are exactly the sort we want to attract to this part of the region and we are delighted to have been able to agree the deal on the North Works."

The epm:technology group Longbridge factory will see vehicle body systems start as raw materials and finish the manufacturing process as painted, fully bonded assemblies and structures ready for assembly at the manufacturer. As well as many F1 motorsport teams including current world champions Renault, epm:technology group count TVR, Lotus, Marcos, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and the bus manufacturer Optare amongst their customers.

epm:technology group are one of the UK's fastest growing high performance composite engineering firms and in nine years have grown from a one man band to a �4.5 million per annum turnover company employing 130 people at two sites in the East Midlands.

Already widely recognised as leaders in the automotive composite structure sector, the expansion at Longbridge will give the company a new global manufacturing base without disrupting any of the company's existing production facilities.

Research Material:

epm:technology group was started by current managing director, Graham Mulholland in 1996.
As part of an ambitious growth plan, the company acquired Astec, the composite arm of TWR, in November 2002.
Longbridge is the third of epm's facilities joining the Technical Centre at Draycott and the 40,000 sq ft Production Centre in Coalville, Leicestershire.
epm:technology group's investment in Longbridge is backed by Advantage West Midlands with the Regional Development Agency helping to develop a number of incubator units around the factory as part of the first phase of Longbridge Technology Park.
Advantage West Midlands purchased 57 acres of land from MG Rover in 2003 comprising the former South Works, North Works and North Works car park.
Graham Mulholland is 31, married and first became interested in composites through a love of canoe slalom which he performed to international standard.

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Road Pricing - The Motorist's View

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Unless Government starts to build support and understanding of national road pricing now, it has no chance of success in the future. It risks being seen by motorists as just another way of raising revenue rather than a genuine attempt to tackle congestion

Speaking at an IPPR seminar in London today (26th), David Holmes, Chairman of the RAC Foundation, will tell delegates that motorists' views of road pricing will depend heavily on how they and their families will be affected. But national road pricing is ten years off and the detailed effects cannot be predicted now.

"At this stage the potential benefits of road pricing must be spelled out so that people can see that the objectives are worth pursuing."

"We talk about encouraging people to take rational decisions on how and when they travel and to make adjustments, but people may fear that road pricing could actually mean enforced changes in their patterns of life - for some possibly changing jobs, where they live or where their children go to school."

"If we don't start building an understanding of and support for road pricing now, it has very little chance of gaining support ten years down the line."

He will then suggest a five-point plan to win motorists over. The plan would include firm commitments agreed by the major political parties on:

Objective charges and an independent regulator
Proceeds re-invested in transport and additional to current spending commitments
Clear timetable for implementation
Protection of privacy
Protection for the least well off

These principles must apply to any local pilot schemes run by local authorities. If these are seen just as ways of raising money they will damage the credibility of the whole policy.

Holmes will state that road pricing represents a fundamental change in motoring taxation affecting over 30 million motorists. Charges must not be imposed on top of existing motoring taxes but be evidence based and independently audited. To maintain public confidence the scheme must be overseen by an independent regulator. Drivers must also see real benefits resulting from pricing - either by improving the road or investing in alternative public transport services.

A recent RAC Foundation poll showed that motorists do not trust Government alone to introduce and operate road pricing fairly. Support for road pricing increased six-fold when charges were ring-fenced to transport and enforced by such a regulator.

Time for adjustment should be built into any scheme - giving people scope to reassess where they live, work and educate their children before charges are implemented.

Rules also need to be clear about how information gathered by the technology may be used. Acceptance of any road pricing scheme would be pivotal on assurances that this would be restricted to charging and not used for speed enforcement and motoring offences.

The scheme needs to be sensitive to potential hardship and disruption to those on low incomes. Research has shown that support for the concept is lowest among this group - the poorest households already spend almost a quarter of their budget on motoring.

In "Motoring towards 2050" published two years ago the RAC Foundation called for a debate on road pricing and set out its vision of the underlying principals and benefits:

Road pricing would be acceptable as means of managing the road system if it was part of a coordinated package of measures to beat congestion and give Britain a first class transport system. The package must include a substantial increase in road investment, particularly interurban roads, and improved public transport to accommodate journeys which people choose not to make by car.
Road pricing should not be used as a means of taking more money off the motorist. The �9bn revenue estimated from road pricing should either be returned to motorists through lower taxes or ploughed back into transport investment, particularly roads.
Road pricing should not be used to price people out of owning or using cars. They are essential for daily life, and will continue to be the most important means of transport. Pricing should be targeted to influence the timing and routes of particular journeys, by reflecting the cost which bringing an additional vehicle on to an already crowded road can impose on others. The Motoring towards 2050 study said road pricing should apply to no more than 10 per cent of network.

Web Site:
RAC Web Site

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Smooth Operator - The New London TXII Taxi

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LTI Vehicles from Coventry, one of the UK?s two purpose built London Taxi manufacturers, has just introduced the latest versions of their TXII vehicle.

LTI said today their new taxi range provides improved passenger comfort, better driving refinement and maximum durability.

From the outside nothing appears to have changed but it?s when you get under the skin of the latest TXII London Taxi that the changes manifest themselves.

This new smoothie still retains its separate chassis and body construction for passenger safety, overall durability and ease of repair. But now passengers and the driver will experience a much improved ride.

The increase in traffic calming measures, including speed humps, prompted LTI Vehicles to develop a totally new and very durable harmonised suspension system. This they say now gives their iconic London Taxi, which is increasingly sold to overseas markets, the smoothest ever ride and the best driveability since they started producing taxis 86 years ago.

Gone are the robust rear leaf spring and old style dampers. In has come the latest technology hard wearing variable rate coil springs, self adjusting load dependent shock absorbers, a Panard Rod system to keep the live rear axle in line during cornering, braking and acceleration and double radius arms to locate the new suspension to the chassis. The front suspension too has been revised with new style dampers and the fitting of an anti-roll bar to improve driveability.

The changes to both the front and rear suspensions are described as ?harmonic? so the overall performance, which includes comfort, driveability and durability, are improved.

Chassis production has also moved in-house at LTI vehicles as part of the product development process. LTI say the beauty of purpose built vehicles over taxis converted from donor mass-market production vehicles is that they can change the performance of their vehicles to meet and exceed changing road conditions, the changes in taxi regulations and changing customer requirements.

David Black, Project Manager for LTI Vehicles said, "The new TXII taxi now handles much more like a saloon car than it did before and the additional comfort and improved handling for the driver takes the strain out of long days of driving."

"The durability of the new rear suspension was a major consideration. Our vehicles can be on the road 24 hours a day, clocking up more miles in a year than most passenger cars do in a lifetime. In addition the steering and front suspension systems used for our London Taxi are unique because the vehicle must be able to meet the required 25 feet turning circle. It was important that any changes we made to the rear suspension didn?t adversely affect the performance of the front suspension. In fact the changes we have made have not only improved the road holding capabilities of the vehicle, they have made it easier to drive so we now have a totally balanced and very durable vehicle."

Black added, "The new TXII taxis are now on the road and the feedback we have had from drivers and passengers has been very positive. Because we did so much of the initial design work with computers, we knew the performance was going to be good, but it is nice to hear that it works in practice and not just in theory."

LTI say the new suspension project was born out of their Listening Group programme that identified where passengers and drivers thought there could be improvements in the TXII London Taxi.

One clear message from that programme was that, because of the rise in the number of sleeping policemen and other traffic-calming measures, it was making journeys much more uncomfortable for occupants of the taxi.

Also, the ongoing debate about the future Conditions of Fitness ? the Transport for London regulations that govern Hackney Carriages in London ? highlighted the importance of passenger and ride comfort. The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, specifically mentioned this as an area that should be improved. Although the Conditions of Fitness regulations are specific to London, most other major licensing authorities throughout the UK adopt them.

LTI say that despite the significant investment in developing a new highly durable suspension system the retail prices of their latest taxi range have increased by only �250. Prices start at �24,995

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The Gremlins That Thwart MG Rover

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Owners of some of the last MG Rover'��s built in the UK have suffered from a raft of mechanical niggles and gremlins according to a new study from independent automotive warranty provider, Warranty Direct.

Research conducted by Warranty Direct, (www.warrantydirect.co.uk), reveals an estimated 1 in 5 cars produced during the last three years of the now-defunct British marque, have been plagued by manufacturing faults.

The most problematic area centres on the electrics, which constitutes a whopping 29 per cent of all failures. Annoying more than expensive, owners have regularly complained of illuminating warning lights, malfunctioning fans and window motors and even one case where the horn and wipers were activated on pressing the electric window switch!

Transmission failure accounts for 25 per cent of reported breakdowns. Although the average cost of repair stands at �279, some owners have been forced to pay up to �3,872 to get their new car back on the road.

Comparative research by Warranty Direct highlights newer Rovers have suffered from six times as many slip-ups in their fuel systems than MG Rovers aged 4-6 years old, potentially a costly repair.

The MG Rover business collapsed in April leaving an estimated 150,000 owners without manufacturer and dealer backed warranty protection.

For more information on Warranty Direct visit www.warrantydirect.co.uk

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Active Safety Systems Could Save Lives

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Many car owners only look at crashworthiness scores when selecting a car and seldom look to see what life saving active safety features are available. What do phrases like active and passive safety really mean – how do they work and cut accidents, particular in winter driving conditions?

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

Active safety aims at preventing accidents happening in the first place. Cars are equipped with a number of systems to help the driver control the car BEFORE an accident might occur.

Passive safety describes the safety systems which are built into cars to protect the driver, the occupants and other vulnerable road users AFTER the accident has happened.

Carmakers have made enormous strides in recent years on passive safety in no small part due to the evaluation of the safety levels awarded to every new car by Euro NCAP. More and more new cars today have won the top “five stars” accolade from Euro NCAP.

Development on active safety, however, has really moved forward in recent years with driver knowledge of how the various active safety systems work often lagging behind the in the provision of such equipment as either standard or as an option on the car.

RoadSafe’s Director, Adrian Walsh says, 'We’re surprised how little most drivers know about the active safety systems on their cars. Developments in active safety offer real life saving advantages to drivers, particular in the wet, winter months. With the facts before them, we believe drivers would unhesitatingly demand these systems in their cars as they offer substantial benefits in reducing accidents on our roads.'

Current active safety systems

All new cars in the UK are now fitted with ABS – Antilock Braking System. Invented over 30 years ago, ABS stops the car wheels from locking up during braking by controlling the brake pressure. A sensor on each wheel measures the wheel’s speed with the speed of the car (known as the “slip”) The sensor regulates the pressure at each wheel to prevent a lock-up.

The result is that a car with ABS will stop more quickly and will be more stable on all surfaces. ABS comes into its own when the driver has to brake hard to avoid, for example an animal in the road or if a driver has to brake and steer round an unexpected obstacle without skidding.

The next main development is TCS (Traction Control System), which builds on ABS by adding extra valves to the system’s hydraulics. Preventing wheels from spinning, it often interacts in situations such as braking with near-side and off-side wheels on different surfaces, hard acceleration and driving in slippery conditions.

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

During research Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered that drivers often do not step on the brake pedal hard enough and developed Brake Assist as a solution. The brake pedal engaged at a specific speed is indicative of an emergency situation and the system automatically generates maximum brake boosting power. While there is no danger of the wheels locking, the advantage is clearly the significantly reduced braking distance.

In 1995, the next milestone in active safety was set with the introduction of Stability Control Systems, mostly known as ESP – Electronic Stability Program. Developed by Bosch in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz, the system - comprising ABS and TCS - detects vehicle skidding and actively counteracts it. Identifying dangerous situations it reacts instantly without any action on part of the drive, reducing engine power to restore vehicle stability, and if required, braking individual wheels.

In a recent announcement Professor Claes Tingvall, chairman of Euro NCAP said, “Euro NCAP’s role is to alert the consumer to cars which offer the greatest protection in an accident. However, the safest car on the road is the one which does not get involved in accidents. Driving carefully and attentively is perhaps the best way to reduce the chances of being in a crash but technology can play an important role, too. That is why we are extending our advice to the motorist to cover developments in technology, such as Stability Control, which will help protect them and their passengers”

A recent study by Daimler Chrysler showed that ESP reduced collisions by 42 per cent and The Swedish National Road Administration reported in 2002 that ESP had reduced accidents on the country’s roads by 22 per cent in dry conditions and by some 33 per cent in the wet.

Adrian Walsh summed it up, “If this was applied to British roads it could save some thousand deaths and serious injuries a year".

However, according to Bosch, installation rate figures in the UK are among the lowest levels in Europe with only 29 per cent of new cars fitted with ESP compared to 55 per cent in Germany and a European average figure of 37 per cent.

Research Material:
SMMT and RoadSafe are holding a 'Driving in winter' event on the evening of Monday 31 October. Timed to coincide with the clocks turning back, the event will display the latest in vehicle and road safety technology including practical demonstrations.

Working with the motor industry and others concerned with the design and production and use of motor vehicles and of our roads to encourage and promote improved education, innovation, and new thinking to reduce death and injury, RoadSafe’s mission is to reduce road deaths and injuries through partnerships between the motor industry and related companies, traffic engineers, the police and road safety professionals promoting the safe design and use of vehicles and roads and encouraging improved education and innovation.

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The End of British Summer Time

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The end of British Summer Time on 30 October heralds the beginning of the most dangerous time of year on UK roads. Last November was among the worst months in 2004 for road accidents involving 3,320 pedestrians of whom 1,137 were children.

Generally, the most dangerous time is between 3pm and 6pm. This is when drivers are going home after a busy day at work and children are making their way home from school. During the summer up to a quarter of all accidents happen during these hours, but when the clocks go back, heavy traffic and rapidly deteriorating light increases this statistic to a third.

In the UK, clocks follow Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) from October to March and British Summer Time (BST) from March to October. There have been a number of attempts at introducing legislation to change UK time to create lighter evenings all year round aimed at reducing the numbers killed and injured in road accidents. Most European countries follow Central European Time, which is always one hour ahead of the UK.

The effects of clocks going back are greatest for the most vulnerable road users. In 2004, pedestrian deaths and serious injuries rose from 596 in September to 681 in November and 696 in December.

The most recent research estimates that adopting Single/Double Summer Time (SDST) in the UK would result in around 450 fewer road deaths and serious injuries, including between 104 and 138 fewer deaths. This confirms earlier research which showed that the 1968/71 experiment, when British Standard Time (GMT + 1) was employed all year round (the clocks were advanced in March 1968 and not put back until October 1971) saved around 2,500 deaths and serious injuries each year of the trial period.

Extra evening daylight protects vulnerable road users especially children, pedestrians, the elderly, cyclists and motorcyclists, making them more visible to motorists. There are more accidents in the afternoon rush hour than in the morning. Motorists are more tired after a day’s work and concentration levels are lower. Children tend to go straight to school in the morning but often digress on their way home and so increasing their exposure to the road environment. Social trips are generally made in the afternoon and evening.

Tourism, leisure and sporting organisations generally support a move to SDST, welcoming the increased opportunities for activity presented by more daylight on weekday evenings – an increasingly important point.

Sources:

RoSPA. 2003. Single/Double Summer Time: Position Paper. RoSPA: Birmingham. Broughton, J and Stone, M. 1998. http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/summertime_paper.pdf
A New Assessment of the Likely Effects on Road Accidents of Adopting SDST. TRL Report TRL368. TRL: Crowthorne, Berkshire. http://www.trl.co.uk/800/reports.asp?url=368.htm
PACTS www.pacts.org.uk

Research Material:
SMMT and RoadSafe are holding a 'Driving in winter' event on the evening of Monday 31 October. Timed to coincide with the clocks turning back, the event will display the latest in vehicle and road safety technology including practical demonstrations.

Working with the motor industry and others concerned with the design and production and use of motor vehicles and of our roads to encourage and promote improved education, innovation, and new thinking to reduce death and injury, RoadSafe’s mission is to reduce road deaths and injuries through partnerships between the motor industry and related companies, traffic engineers, the police and road safety professionals promoting the safe design and use of vehicles and roads and encouraging improved education and innovation.

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Drivers Warned of Severe Weather

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With heavy rain and strong winds spreading into South West England during today, Monday 24 October, and then into the Midlands and Central South region tomorrow, Tuesday 25 October, the Highways Agency reminds drivers to take extra care on the roads.

The Highways Agency is urging drivers, especially of high-sided vehicles or those on two wheels, to take extra care during very wet and 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.

Heavy rain and spray are likely to lead to reduced 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.

Notes:
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. It manages, maintains and improves England's motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. The Highways Agency traffic information website is at www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.

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

4. For general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30 (Calls from BT landlines to 0845 numbers will cost no more than 4p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more. Service operates: 08.00 - 20.00 weekdays, 09.00 - 17.00 weekends).

Stay safe on the roads this winter

Winter weather makes driving dangerous - but you can stay safer by following six important messages from the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport's Think road safety campaign:

1. In winter, our weather can change quickly. If there is severe weather don't travel unless your journey is essential. If you must drive, always be prepared for bad weather.

2. Plan your journey before you go. Check your route for delays and check the weather forecast. While you are driving listen to travel news on the radio. Information about current road conditions is on the Highways Agency's website http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo.

3. In case you get stuck, keep these things in your car:

Warm clothes
Food and water
Boots
De-icer
Torch
Spade

4. Take care around gritters and vehicles that clear snow. Only overtake them if you can do so safely and without going on to uncleared snow.

5. It can take ten times longer to stop when it is icy, so allow more room to slow down and stop.

6. To avoid losing control of your car because of wheel spin, use the highest gear that you can. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and sharp turns.

Remember that tiredness kills. Take regular breaks from driving

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Ellesmere Port Plant Tops 4,000,000 With New Astra

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A silver Astra 5 door hatchback has been the source of even more pride than usual for the workers at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant. The 1.6-litre model became the 4,000,000th vehicle to be produced at the Cheshire factory, a landmark which proves that the British motor industry is very much alive, well and still producing best-selling cars!

Since the start of production in 1962, Ellesmere Port has been the birthplace of some of the UK’s most popular models beginning with the Viva and including the Chevette, Vectra and all five generations of the Astra. It is now one of the largest employers in Cheshire and Wirral employing 3,500 workers and makes nearly 185,000 vehicles a year, half of which are exported.

Currently the plant is working flat out to keep up with demand for the latest Astra across Europe, with three shifts working day and night to keep customers satisfied. The landmark 4,000,000th car is now on its way to an eager buyer in Huddersfield.

The Ellesmere Port plant director, Julian Blissett said: "It is a major milestone for us and a fantastic achievement by the workforce. The Astra embodies Vauxhall’s spirit of stylish design and driving excitement, and we are proud to build it in Britain."

The plant was recently awarded a £1.9-million pound grant under the Selective Finance for Investment in England scheme, to help install a new panel pressing shop to make large Astra body parts on site. This will make the plant even more efficient and set Ellesmere Port well on the way towards that 5 millionth car!

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Fuel Economy, Every Way You Can

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These days, you have to be a very rich motorist not to worry about the cost of fuel. Recent events have made it very expensive, and it would be foolish to assume it will ever again become much cheaper. The challenge is to use less of it.

Some possibilities are obvious but perhaps not very appealing. You could buy a smaller car. You could drive more slowly. Switch off the engine if you are standing at a red light. But worthwhile savings are also to be had without altering your entire driving lifestyle, beyond thinking more carefully and paying attention to detail.

Economy driving, for example: car fleet managers know that some drivers use less fuel than others, while maintaining the same schedules. The secret, as the most skilled drivers will tell you, is to think ahead and to maintain enough space around you that you can always be smooth and gentle with your car. Heavy acceleration is the enemy of fuel economy, but heavy braking is even more so. Standing on the brakes is like opening a tap to trickle fuel onto the road. All that energy wasted. So don’t just look at the car in front. Study the situation and try to anticipate.

Then again, is your car fully fit? So many drivers complain about the cost of fuel while running low tyre pressures which mean each litre is taking them 5% less far than it should. Just as much to the point, when was your engine last checked over? These days, with long service intervals and generally good reliability, drivers tend to take things for granted. Yet it is possible for an engine to be running smoothly and delivering good performance, and still be using 5% more fuel than necessary.

The reason the engine continues smoothly is because today’s engines are managed by extremely clever computers. If, for example, the spark plugs are worn (and a great deal is demanded of modern spark plugs) then the quality of ignition may be affected. To compensate, the engine management computer may retard the ignition timing - and although the driver feels nothing, the fuel consumption will be slightly increased. Today’s car manufacturers insist on spark plugs which perform satisfactorily perhaps for 12,000 miles or even more. And they do; but by the time they reach 12,000 miles (and how many drivers put off the service for as long as they dare?) they have lost the “fine edge” of super-efficiency which new plugs provide. Drivers whose engines last a very long time often say their secret is to change the engine oil more often than the car manufacturer recommends. Much the same applies to spark plugs.

And engine economy is dependent upon not only fitting just a new plug but also fitting precisely the correct plug for that engine from a Company such as NGK Spark Plugs, brand leaders in the UK spark plug market.

Even more complicated is the effect which errors in the exhaust emission control system may have on fuel economy. Emission control in a modern petrol engine depends on signals being fed back from an extremely sophisticated sensor (the oxygen content or “lambda” sensor) sitting in the stream of hot exhaust gas. Lambda sensors are tough and long-lasting - they have to be. But they also become tired, and their signal may “drift”.

The engine management computer still accepts the signal, but the end result is that fuel consumption increases slightly (and so do exhaust emissions). It is possible to have the lambda sensor(s) replaced, and in older cars it may not only save fuel but also make it less likely the car will fail an emissions check. It may even, in some cases, avoid the need for an extremely expensive replacement catalytic converter.

When replacing the Lambda sensor it is very important to fit the correct Original Equipment specification sensor from a Company such as NGK, the world’s largest manufacturer of Lambda sensors.

It may seem a lot of trouble to have your engine checked, and parts replaced if necessary, every 6,000 miles if the handbook says 12,000 miles and your engine seems still to be running fine. But you could end up using less fuel - and indeed, taking better care of the environment we all share.

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Winter Driving is Snow Problem

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IAM trains ski resort drivers for extreme winter weather and issues general advice for driving in winter conditions

As the days shorten and thoughts turn to winter, one of the last things on most company car drivers’ minds is how to cope in freezing conditions – but for drivers from leading prestige ski tour operator, Powder Byrne, it’s of paramount importance.

IAM Fleet is once again gearing up for the ski season by training the travel firm’s resort drivers in specific techniques for driving on snow and ice, to ensure the safety of their guests.

Powder Byrne operates five minibuses for transfers around its luxury destinations in Switzerland. All drivers will attend a two-day IAM Fleet driver-training course on location, in the kind of conditions they will experience through the season.

Powder Byrne’s Simon Ford believes such training is vital: “We have a responsibility to keep both our staff and our guests safe. If you haven’t lived your life in a ski resort, driving on snow is something you need to learn and I feel happier knowing our resort teams are specifically trained for it.”

Although business drivers in Britain should not expect to regularly encounter Swiss ski conditions, IAM Fleet’s head of training, Mark Edwards, believes everyone can benefit from a little more understanding.

Said Mark: “In the UK, we have relatively little exposure to snow and ice and perhaps less call for some of the advanced techniques required to drive in such conditions. However, you don’t need several feet of snow for road dangers to increase and there are some basic tips and skills that could make us all safer and ready to deal with winter driving problems.”

IAM has some specific points of advice on preparing for and driving in winter conditions:

In really bad conditions, start by asking yourself if your journey is really necessary and/or can it be delayed until conditions improve?
Clean your windscreen and windows (low sun on cold winter days can be dazzling and prevent you from seeing changes in road conditions and other hazards), check screen washers are not blocked and that screen wash is topped up and contains solution to prevent freezing.
Avoid using very hot water to clear frozen window glass, as it could break the glass and will re-freeze more quickly.
Ensure that head, tail and brake lights are all working and keep lenses clear and free from snow or salt.
Ensure tyres are in good condition and properly inflated.
Carry the following in your vehicle: warm coat, reflective jacket, torch, tow rope, mobile phone, ice scraper.
Look out for ‘frost hollows’ and icy patches, particularly in shadowed areas on country roads.
Remember that in cold weather, bridges tend to freeze over first (as they have cold air above and below them).
As a general rule, select the highest gear you can to move off in to avoid wheel spin and keep the engine revs low.
Keep your speed down in adverse weather; increase safety gaps to other vehicles, steer, brake, accelerate and change gear more gently and gradually.
If your vehicle skids, try to identify the cause (acceleration, braking, steering or inappropriate speed) and remove it – decelerate gently and de-clutch if appropriate.

Web Site:
www.iam.org.uk

About IAM Fleet:
IAM Fleet, the award-winning driver training division of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, helps organisations to improve driver safety and reduce fleet running costs through cost-effective, high quality training programmes.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) awarded IAM Fleet a five-year contract in August 2003 to train its employees. IAM Fleet operate a quality management system that complies with the requirements of ISO9001.

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Causing Death by Careless Driving

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New powers for the courts to tackle careless drivers who cause death behind the wheel could become law – if the Government backs a new Bill being discussed in Parliament, the RAC Foundation said today (21).

Sally Keeble, Labour MP for Northampton North, has introduced a Bill that would create a new offence of ‘causing death by careless driving.’

The RAC Foundation has consistently argued the need for the creation of a new offence of ‘causing death by careless driving’. The need for a specific offence arises as a result of the disparity between the offences of careless and dangerous driving, both in term of the burden of proof and the sentencing option available to courts following conviction.

Kevin Delaney, Traffic and Road Safety Manager of the RAC Foundation, said:

“The offence of causing death by dangerous driving is extremely difficult to prove and prosecutions tend to be brought only in the most extreme cases of grossly bad or wicked driving.”

“Prosecutors tend to charge with the lesser offence of ‘careless driving’, or accept a plea of guilty to ‘careless driving.’ This often leaves relatives feeling that justice has not been done following the death of a loved one.”

“The RAC Foundation believes that having an offence of causing death by careless driving on the statute books would help bridge the gap by allowing prosecutors to bring a charge appropriate to the level of bad driving; which recognises the death of a third party - and which carries a range of penalties appropriate to the gravity of the offence.”

Research Material:
Sally Keeble’s Bill is scheduled to receive Second Reading today.

The Home Office consultation, “A Review of Road Traffic Offences Involving Bad Driving,” proposes a new offence of causing death by careless driving. The consultation closed in May 2005 and publication of the result is awaited.

Related Links:
RAC Web Site & Roadside Assistance
AA Web Site & Roadside Assistance

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Ricardo Expands in Japan With New Tokyo Facility

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Following a nine-fold increase in its Japanese business in the past five years, global automotive technology provider Ricardo plc today formally opened its new facility close to the centre of Tokyo’s main business district. Located in the landmark FukokuSemiei building overlooking Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace, the new office was formally opened by Graham Fry, British Ambassador to Japan

Japan is one of the most technologically sophisticated markets in the global automotive industry, and one in which Ricardo has been active since the 1960s. It is also key, with Japanese automakers currently assembling more light vehicles than either the US or European industries. As an automotive technology provider and product development specialist Ricardo finds a perfect match in the high technology and quality focus of the Japanese automakers, together with their aggressively short development programme timescales. Changes in outsourcing policies and increasing alliances between Japanese and North American and European automakers has helped Ricardo’s Japanese order intake to grow dramatically in the current decade.

The new Ricardo Tokyo facility is intended to facilitate further penetration of the Japanese market by improving the quality and responsiveness of service provided to customers. The company has already recruited a number of Japanese engineers to work alongside the existing team, who will share this facility with visiting engineers from the company’s international network of technical centres located throughout Europe, North America and Asia. This solid investment will enable the company to improve the quality, responsiveness and competitiveness of service delivered to its Japanese customers.

Graham Fry, British Ambassador to Japan, formally opened the new facility today. Commenting on this key expansion of Ricardo’s technical and commercial reach into the Japanese automotive market, incoming Ricardo CEO, Dave Shemmans said: “Following five years of dramatic growth of Ricardo’s business in Japan, the new Tokyo facility is a further sign of our commitment to increase and improve the level of service we provide to our customers in this technologically advanced and challenging market. Together with our recently announced expansion in China, the new facility in Tokyo underscores the fact that Ricardo is becoming a major technology presence throughout the Asia-Pacific region.”

Research Material:
With technical centres in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world’s automotive industries. The company’s engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world’s major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 per cent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of £146 million in fiscal year 2004 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index – a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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Engine Manufacturing Motors Ahead

Debate Over Clean Car Technology Rages On

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The debate over the best medium-term solution for cleaner cars looks set to lengthen as auto executives in Japan for the Tokyo Motor Show this week discussed more, not fewer, options for weaning cars off oil.

The race to develop more fuel-efficient and less polluting cars has picked up pace as gas prices, exacerbated by a series of devastating hurricanes in the United States, hit record levels this year and as worries heighten over the impact of global warming on climate patterns.

Most auto makers agree that fuel-cell cars powered by hydrogen produced with renewable energy sources are the end game since they would rely on no fossil fuels and emit only pure water. But most said the technology was at least a decade away.

"The only breakthrough technology is fuel cell because this is the one that guarantees you are out of oil dependency," Carlos Ghosn, who heads both France's Renault SA and Japanese partner Nissan Motor Co., told reporters this week.

"But this will take a very long time."

In the meantime, auto makers are caught in a war of words over what the best medium-term answer is, adding more possibilities such as dual-fuel engines, "plug-in" electric hybrids, diesel hybrids, and even the once-forsaken pure electric vehicles in a bid to gain an edge over their rivals.

Late to join the hybrid party, many European car makers touted the advantages of clean diesel systems, which they argued cost less and got better mileage than gasoline-electric hybrids depending on driving habits.

"Despite the big public debate right now, it will just be a niche technology," BMW AG Chief Executive Helmut Panke said, forecasting hybrids to account for no more than 5 percent of all cars in the long term.

German peer Volkswagen AG agreed that much of the hype around hybrids was unwarranted, suggesting instead that the developing synthetic fuels could prove more effective in cleaning tail-pipe emissions, especially when used to power diesel engines.

"We need alternative energy sources, not just improvement in powertrain," Research Director Wolfgang Steiger said.

He added the know-how in processing synthetic fuels, which are extracted or fabricated from solid earth materials rich in hydrocarbons, could come in handy for hydrogen production when fuel-cell vehicles arrive in earnest.

SETBACK FOR FUEL CELLS

On the other hand, Toyota Motor Corp. is eager for hybrids to take off, adding the powertrain option on more models. Among them will be the Lexus LS flagship sedan, a hybrid concept of which was unveiled at the auto show on Thursday.

In addition to working on hybrid and fuel-cell technology, other Japanese auto makers such as Honda Motor Co. and Nissan are scrambling to improve control systems on internal combustion engines to achieve better fuel economy.

"With all these possibilities on the horizon, it's tough to predict what the future is going to hold," Ford Motor Co. Director Mary Ann Wright said.

"But we believe there are going to be many solutions, and that's why we're taking a portfolio approach."

Larry Burns, vice president of research and development at General Motors Corp., said this proliferation of powertrains was holding back progress in fuel-cell technology as auto makers stretch their limited resources thin and wide.

"I think we need to think hard about making the automobile dramatically simpler with hydrogen and fuel cells," Burns told Reuters, noting that a fuel-cell propulsion system had one-tenth as many moving parts as an internal combustion engine.

While skeptics of fuel-cell vehicles often bring up high infrastructure costs, GM, one of the most vocal proponents of the technology, said it would only take $10 billion to $15 billion to make hydrogen available to 70 percent of the U.S. population.

GM expects to develop a fuel-cell propulsion system that would be at least as functional and affordable as today's gasoline engines by 2010.

The world's biggest car maker won't say when it would begin mass-producing the vehicles, but Burns said that if 500,000 to 1 million were built, they would "cost no more than a gasoline car."

At the Tokyo Motor Show, GM is displaying its Sequel concept, the only fuel-cell car in the world that can run 300 miles (483 km) between refueling.

DaimlerChrysler AG, another major player in the field, debuted a prototype car that can run either on fuel cells or on a lithium ion battery and can crank out 115 horsepower. Fully charged, the family sized car has a range of 400 km.

"It's going to take collaboration to transform the industry," Burns said.

"The world is on a trajectory where it's becoming even more urgent to get this done, whether it's 9/11, the Iraq war, the explosive growth of China's economy or hurricanes that expose the vulnerability of energy infrastructures.

"We need to move faster rather than slower."

Source:
Reuters

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Enova Furthers Hybrid Drive Market Capture in U.K. and Asia

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Enova Systems, a leading developer and manufacturer of electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, announced today that it has furthered it's penetration in the European and Asian Hybrid Drive Markets by securing new production orders with several of its existing customers. Furthermore, Enova is pleased to announce that several of its customers have announced the commissioning of heavy-duty vehicles into commercial service utilizing Enova's HybridPower drive systems.

New Business

China's largest vehicle manufacturer, First Auto Works (FAW) has ordered five additional 90kW HybridPower Parallel Hybrid drive systems for their buses scheduled to be part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Previously, FAW purchased three drive systems as part of their evaluation phase which is now continuing with Enova's drive system. First Auto Works has expressed interest in future orders for these drive systems.

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) of South Korea ordered seven additional 80kW motors and motor controllers for their fuel cell powered Tucson automobile in third quarter of 2005. HMC intends to order a total of forty-two of these propulsion systems as part of their fleet of fuel cell vehicles being produced in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project.

Updates on Ongoing Business

In the United Kingdom, Enova has begun delivery of sixteen additional HybridPower 120kW Series Hybrid drive systems to its customer, Eneco, for integration into its buses for service throughout London and its suburbs. This is the fifth order of hybrid drive systems from Eneco for a total of 25 in commercial operation currently or by year-end 2005 throughout the U.K.

WrightBus of the U.K. has announced that it will be introducing its Electrocity bus, its hybrid-electric bus, to London Central later this year. WrightBus notes that, "Electrocity offers the market a clean bus with ultra low emissions to help address the issues of global warming and air quality, while giving operators reductions in their daily operating costs." WrightBus is integrating the Electrocity with Enova's 120kW Series Hybrid drive systems powered by Enova's 60kW Genset.

Also in Asia, Tomoe and MTrans, both customers for several years, are commissioning vehicles which make use of Enova's leading edge drive systems. Tomoe, utilizing Enova's 100kW post-transmission motor and motor controller, commissioned its new, hybrid service train for the Seoul Metro Rapid Transit, a first for Tomoe in this market.

MTrans Holdings, the parent company of monorail operator, KL Infrastructure Group, announced that it will roll out Malaysia's first hybrid electric bus for environmentally-friendly urban transport to Hong Kong's Ocean Park in late 2005. MTrans has stated that the same technology will also be incorporated into MTrans' new hybrid electric monorail trains now under development.

"Our continuing relationships with each of these hybrid vehicle manufacturers throughout the world enhances Enova's ability to grow in these rapidly moving alternative vehicle markets," noted Enova's CEO Ed Riddell. "We believe these new orders and moves to commercial service underscore the versatility of our drive systems and our customer's confidence in our products to meet their customer's needs."

About Enova Systems, Inc.

Enova Systems is a leading global supplier of efficient, environmentally-friendly hybrid and fuel cell drive systems, digital power components. The Company's core competencies are focused on the development and commercialization of power management and conversion systems for mobile and stationary applications. Enova applies unique 'enabling technologies' in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles. For further information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit its Web site at http://www.enovasystems.com

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Lack of Courteousy Puts Drivers at Risk

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UK drivers are putting themselves at risk by not being courteous on the roads, according to new research from Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance.

The results reveal that 17 per cent of drivers don’t drive a safe distance apart from the driver in front and nearly 30 per cent rarely take the correct lane when approaching a roundabout.

Other startling results show that 61% of drivers regularly break the 70 mph speed limit on the motorway and 10 per cent are increasing the risk of serious accidents by never moving out of the way for oncoming traffic which is joining the motorway.

The news supports the Government’s latest campaign to introduce a series of measures to improve driver safety on the motorway including a national better lane discipline promotion which uses a variety of signs to ask drivers four questions; Have I finished overtaking? Is the road ahead clear? Could I move to the left? Am I holding up traffic behind me by staying in this lane?

Despite admitting to their own driving faux pas, those questioned were also quick to highlight the annoying habits of fellow drivers! Achieving a ranking of 8.8 out of 10, tailgating is seen as the most dangerous driving habit followed by cutting in on other road users (8.3) and bad lane discipline (7.7). Surprisingly driving too slowly (6.5) and speeding (7.3) were ranked the lowest.

Graham Hale, Head of Corporate Business at Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance, comments: “Results published earlier this year by the Bank highlighted that since 2002 business mileage had increased by 20 per cent. Employers should be questioning whether increased time behind the wheel leads to bad driving habits which in turn leaves an employer and others on the road at risk.”

The new research supports Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance’s view that employers still need to do more when it comes to monitoring drivers. Earlier this year research from the Bank highlighted:

68% of employers have never checked their employees’ driving licence or if they did it was only when they first joined the company
84% have not given employees a driver training policy despite 49% of drivers saying they would find it beneficial
51% of companies do not penalise drivers who cause accidents

Over 1,600 company car drivers were surveyed as part of a major report Company Cars – The Drivers’ Perspective by Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance.

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Nights Pose a Real Danger

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In the UK about 25 per cent of all fatal crashes occur between 4pm and 9pm, the majority in the winter months. German road safety research has shown that while 75 per cent of all driving is done during daylight hours, more than 50 per cent of all fatal accidents happen during the hours of darkness.

(Photo - Stuart Yeates)

Similar accident figures have been found in US studies showing that approximately 50 per cent of serious accidents are caused as a result of the driver not having enough information about the road ahead to take avoiding action.

Explaining the added dangers of night driving, Adrian Walsh, RoadSafe’s director, says, “Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Even on well-lit roads, depth perception, colour recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised after sunset.

The risk of death in the case of a crash is three times higher for night driving than for clear visibility conditions.

The stark reality is that the risk of death in the case of a crash is three times higher for night driving than for clear visibility conditions. How far can we see, and what does this distance mean? On dipped lights driving at 40 mph after seeing an object you only have about 1.5 seconds - on main beam 3 seconds. This is only the beginning. When you encounter a hazard on the road, you actually go through five steps before stopping the vehicle:

Perception of the hazard, under poor visibility conditions
Identifying the hazard under poor lighting conditions
Considering the alternatives available, and deciding what action to take
Reaction time - mental plus muscular
Braking

Research Material:
Research has shown that a driver travelling at 40 miles per hour with dipped lights has as little as 1.5 seconds to react to a hazard on the road. This rises to a three seconds on beams.

A wet road requires even greater distances. Fifty percent of all reported road traffic accidents at night occur in wet conditions. In the UK it is wet on average only 10 per cent of the nights.

Working with the motor industry and others concerned with the design and production and use of motor vehicles and of our roads to encourage and promote improved education, innovation, and new thinking to reduce death and injury, RoadSafe’s mission is to reduce road deaths and injuries through partnerships between the motor industry and related companies, traffic engineers, the police and road safety professionals promoting the safe design and use of vehicles and roads and encouraging improved education and innovation.

SMMT and RoadSafe are holding a 'Driving in winter' event on the evening of Monday 31 October. Timed to coincide with the end of British Summer Time, the event will display the latest in vehicle and road safety technology including practical demonstrations.

If we add time for perception and recognition at night, we overshoot the 200 mark, yet our range of visibility stays at 45m and 100m - i.e. 1.5 seconds and 3 seconds respectively.

RoadSafe’s advice is. Always drive well within the speed limit at night and do not drive when tired. Always use dipped headlights even in lit streets and use main beam whenever you can. Above all check that your lights are kept clean.

More information from:
http://www.iam.org.uk/Pressroom/Fact_Sheets/pdf/fac07001.pdf
http://www.drivealive.org.za/DriveAlive/WebSite/NightDriving.asp

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Car Bumpers Fail to Absorb Crash Energy

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A collision at just 10 mph could cost over £4000 to repair because most car bumpers fail to absorb the energy of a low speed crash, are positioned at the wrong height or are not fitted at all. These are the findings of Thatcham, the British motor insurers’ research centre, following two years of extensive research.

Many vehicles fail to offer sufficient protection from severe damage following a minor collision, the research found, because the bumper is poorly designed or in some cases omitted completely, leading to unnecessarily high amounts of damage.

The failure of many vehicle manufacturers to address this relatively simple problem is costing British insurers an estimated £250,000,000 of avoidable repair costs per year. For the UK motorist this could lead to higher insurance premiums, loss of valuable no claims bonuses and unnecessary inconvenience. Vehicle repairers are also adversely affected since with vehicles often being needlessly written off, the opportunity to repair and that associated income is denied.

Current European law requires bumpers to withstand simple pendulum tests. However, many cars are designed to meet these standards only, and do not satisfactorily protect the car from damage in a low speed, real world collision scenario.

The increasing popularity of large SUVs exacerbates the problem since height mismatches will often cause the larger vehicle to override the rear of the smaller car exposing to damage vulnerable high cost mechanical components situated behind the bumper. Exposed spare wheels can also be a problem creating unnecessary damage to both vehicles.

Brake dive - the natural dip exhibited by a braking vehicle, compounds this misalignment issue and adds to the repair costs further.

Matthew Avery, Crash Laboratory Manager, at Thatcham said, “Despite outward appearances too many cars on the road do not have sufficient bumper protection. Underneath the cosmetic bumper cover the bumper beam on many cars is either too small, poorly positioned or missing. Certain manufacturers have however proved that good bumpers can be cost effectively fitted. With the results of our findings Thatcham hope to encourage more and more manufacturers to address this issue, benefiting insurers, repairers and motorists alike.”

Following the results of the findings, and on behalf of the British Insurer Thatcham have begun taking steps to address the problem. Working with a number of international partners from RCAR (the Research Council for Automobile Repair), work has started to design an insurance test to encourage manufacturers to fit deeper, wider and more energy absorbing bumper beams to their future vehicles.

Research Material:
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, or ‘Thatcham’ as it is widely known was formed in 1969 by British Insurers. The Centre is independently operated and has its own Board of Directors. Its main aim is to carry out research targeted at containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims, whilst maintaining safety standards. Thatcham provide products and services for a number of functional areas within the collision repair industry: Insurers; Repairers, Motor Manufacturers, Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers.

Employing over 120 members of staff, the Centre is well equipped with a range of collision repair equipment which is used for both Research and Training purposes The Centre also has a vehicle impact testing laboratory and a sled facility for non-destructive testing.

Web Site:
Thatcham - The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre

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All in a Days Work for Jeremy Clarkson

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Custard pies in the face, bullets in Iraq, and now missiles from a helicopter gunship in the NEC and Earls Court – it’s all in the line of duty for Jeremy Clarkson, host of this November’s MPH ’05 live motoring spectacle.

The difference at MPH is that it’s pure theatre. Although the audience will be up close and personal as Jeremy’s high-powered Lotus Exige is blasted from the skies, it will all be part of the world’s greatest motor chase illusion created by state of the art pyrotechnics and the very best in advanced 3D animation.

More drama unfolds as the MPH ‘05 show brings the audience inside what must be an innocent family outing’s worst nightmare: a Satellite Navigation system with a death wish, leading them straight into the hands of psychotic anarchists in a real bad part of town.

There really is no way out until a helmeted hero can kick start one of the most adrenalin pumped car chases since Bullet and save these defenceless souls from malicious maniacs in Rage buggies. Can he capture the enemy and do with them what any self-respecting awesome driver with a large crash helmet should do?

Giving the whole show its awesome stage presence and real-life edge is Bafta award-winning creative genius John Napier. Probably better known for his artistic mastery in London’s West End, John has brought the stage to life for millions in world renowned shows such as Starlight Express, Les Misérables and Cats to mention just a few. Now he’s masterminded a million pound motoring spectacular which brings together the highest quality production values and some of the world’s most awesome cars.

MPH ‘05’s revolutionary new format is directed straight at the modern day motoring fan, who doesn’t just want to see great new car debuts and listen to what Britain’s foremost motoring experts have to say, but genuinely wants to feel – and be – part of a full speed motoring extravaganza.

Running from November 10-13 at National Exhibition Centre., Birmingham, followed by an encore at London’s Earls Court from November 17-20, tickets can be purchased from just £10 with full details available at www.mphshow.co.uk.

Research Material:

MPH ’05 comprises five main elements;

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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Full Speed Ahead On Britain's Roads

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One in eight motorists break the speed limit every time they get behind the wheel, a new survey show.

Twice that number - one in four - speed whenever they are on a motorway.

Four in five drivers caught speeding say it makes no difference to the way they drive.

And half say they only stop speeding when they catch sight of a speed camera.

The survey found drivers in East Anglia are the least safe, with 16% breaking the speed limit on every trip.

Those in Yorkshire and Humberside are the safest, with six percent admitting they speed all the time.

The survey for Churchill Car Insurance was based on responses from 2,026 drivers. It also showed:

21% of drivers believe speed limits are too low;
9% do not know the national speed limit;
17% find it too hard to keep to the limit;
3% say that they see speed limits as a target to reach;
24% think speed limits should be lower around schools;
Around 60% reckon speeding is more acceptable than drink or drug driving.

Source:
Sky News : Full Speed Ahead On Britain's Roads: 'WE CAN'T STOP SPEEDING'

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Allez Vite? Then take a spare driver

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UK drivers taking an autumn break in France could face a long walk home if they are caught speeding according to the RAC Foundation today (13th).

A little known French law means that anyone stopped for exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour can lose their licence on the spot and be forced to find another way home if no substitute driver is present.

While this law has been around for about five years, few visitors to France seem to be aware of it – and an increasing number of British motorists are finding themselves stranded with no way to get themselves or their vehicles home.

The RAC Foundation has received numerous calls from drivers who have found themselves on the wrong side of this law and, without any other way of getting their vehicle home, are looking at repatriation costs which can amount to thousands of pounds.

The law means that anyone caught speeding on a main road through a village at more than 56mph can face instant licence confiscation and fines. The confiscation is provisional pending a court hearing which can suspend the licence for up to three years for a first offence or annul the licence on a second offence.

For the time being, foreign licences will be returned when the holder leaves the country, following international practice, but French driving bans may also be enforced across the European Union under a 1998 convention on the mutual recognition of licence suspension that has yet to be ratified.

Drivers in this situation may also face stiff on the spot fines and can be escorted by police to cash points to extract sums of up to £900. A second offence can carry a three-month jail sentence and potentially a fine of over £2000.

The ruling, in 2000, made foreign licence holders subject to the same immediate ban as French motorists but was previously only used on drink drivers.

It now gives French police the discretion to confiscate a licence immediately but allows no distinction between French nationals and visitors – unlike UK legislation which is far less draconian on foreign drivers. Here it is unusual for anything but the most serious driving offences to be fast tracked through the courts and drivers fined or disqualified.

Young visitors should also be aware that minimum driving age in France is 18 and maximum speeds are restricted for two years after qualification.

France's heavy fines and possible prison terms for "very high speed" were introduced in 2000 by the Government along with a battery of other measures in a bid to tackle the country’s poor road safety record which is among the worst in Europe.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said:

“Many families will be visiting France during the October break and risk having their holidays ruined if they break the speed limit. We are concerned by the growing numbers of drivers who find themselves stranded with no one to help and by the lack of knowledge about the legislation and the potential of this happening. None of the people who contacted us were aware of the possible consequences of their actions.”

“If there is no one else who can drive the car, then they will have to pay to have it brought back to the UK. That can cost up to £3000 – a sum that is unlikely to be covered by insurance. One twenty year old was left stranded in Lyon as his passenger could not drive and it is an offence to drive in France without a licence.”

“Visitors to France during the school holidays should be especially careful as there is evidence to suggest that the French police will be particularly vigilant of foreigners who flout their speeding laws. The number of speed cameras on French roads has also increased over the past few years.”

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

Web Site:
RAC Web Site
RAC Foundation

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Advice to Holidaymakers - Prepare for your Visit to France

Sleeping Behind the Wheel is a Killer

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As part of its winter driving campaign RoadSafe reminds drivers that falling asleep at the wheel accounts for up to 20 per cent of crashes on motorways or similar roads, and as many as one in 10 of all crashes on Britain's roads.

Government research shows that:

an estimated 300 people a year are killed where a driver has fallen asleep at the wheel
if you fall asleep at the wheel you are 50 per cent more likely to die or suffer serious injury because a sleeping driver does not react before a crash
the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between midnight-6am and 2pm-4pm.
people who drive as part of their job are more at risk with about 40 per cent of sleep related crashes being work-related – as they involve commercial vehicles
alcohol and drugs (including some medicines) can make you more tired without you realising it

RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh stresses the importance of the research and says, "When driving at night extra care should be taken to plan journeys and to make sure that you are not too tired”

In addition, the sleep unit at Loughborough University, which won a Prince Michael Road Safety Award in 2003, say that men aged below 30 are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, and seem to be at a higher risk because they use the roads more at night. They are also more likely to press on with a journey when tired.

Their findings include:

driving between midnight and 6am presents a particular risk for sleep-related crashes as this is when your 'body clock' is in a natural trough
all sleepy drivers are aware of their tiredness, particularly when they reach the stage of 'fighting sleep' (doing things to keep themselves awake, such as winding down the window)
opening the window for cold air or turning up the radio are of very limited benefit and sufficient only to find a safe place for a break.

Tips for drivers:

Plan your journey to include a 15 minute break every two hours of driving
Drinking two cups of coffee or other high caffeine drink and having a rest to allow time for the caffeine to kick in are effective methods of combating tiredness
Have a good night's sleep before setting out on a long journey.
Remember the risks if you have to get up unusually early to start your trip, or have a long drive home after a full day’s work
Avoid making long trips between midnight- 6am and 2-4pm when natural alertness is low
Share the driving if possible
If you start to feel sleepy find a safe place to stop (not the hard shoulder of the motorway).

Further information from:
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/advice/drivertiredness01.htm
http://www.iam.org.uk/Pressroom/Fact_Sheets/pdf/fac15001.pdf

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Automotive Industry Alive and Well

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Britain's automotive industry is alive and well contrary to the poor September new car registrations, says Prof Garel Rhys, director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research.

Speaking on Thursday 13 October at a South Wales seminar held to look at the future of the UK automotive industry, Prof Rhys stressed that 28 per cent of UK car plants’ output was bought in Britain and that over 72 per cent was exported.

“The automotive industry accounts for 9.5 per cent of UK exports by value and the UK factories turn out 3 per cent of the global production and 9 per cent of European production. It is the foreign buyer who keeps the UK factories going, not the home market,” added Prof Rhys.

Nissan in Sunderland, Toyota in Derby and Honda in Swindon are the top three car plants in Europe and respected in other parts of the Continent.

Even so, annual UK registrations of 2.5 million are the fourth largest in the world and by 2010 it is possible the home market will hit 3 million. With cars now surviving longer and about 500,000 being added each year the total pool of cars in the UK could hit 30 million by the end of next year.

“The motor industry in Britain has strength in making light medium cars, sports utility vehicles, specialist vehicles and petrol and diesel engines. What is needed is to improve the UK content of the vehicles and engines made in Britain,” he said.

Professor Rhys added that if Britain was to keep ahead of competitors it must lead in testing and technology and he urged major suppliers at the seminar to spend more on research and development to give added value to the products.

He said, “There are problems but the industry is far from dead and the only question is what’ll it look like a few years from now? There are signs for hope.”

Arthur Maher, of J D Power, told the audience at Corus, Port Talbot, that European car makers had taken steps to radically reduce over capacity in the last 12 months but even so there were likely to be about 6 million more cars made than sold by 2012 and that meant 15 car plants could close without affecting sales.

“This problem is getting worse rather than better,” he said. “Consumer choice is accelerating. Fifteen years ago you had 200 model lines and now there are over 300 model lines, and the rate of growth has gone up from about 7 new models a year to 17 annually.”

Mr Maher said that model life was now an average of 3.5 years but in four years time it is likely to grow to 4 years as replacement cycles lengthen to cut costs.

Prof Jon King, director of Corus Automotive, said that looking towards 2020 there would be a need for 180 car plants worldwide to meet anticipated demand but the growth would not be in Europe, rather it would be in the Far East and developing world.

China will not be a major exporter of vehicles for the next 15 years but would be making them to fulfill its own home market demands with increasing industrialization changing Chinese society and bringing people from rural to urban areas to work in assembly plants.

He stressed that if Europe was to keep ahead that firms needed to double investment in research and development in the UK and Europe.

Prof King said that Corus had produced a steel vehicle concept which was cheaper than aluminium to make and met all safety requirements and offered significant weight savings over a conventional steel car by using high strength steels and this was an example of what research and development could achieve.

He urged component suppliers at the seminar to work with Corus from concept to creation of products as he felt all participants in a venture could learn from one another and thereby compete far more efficiently in world markets.

“Although there is partnership in the automotive industry at vehicle manufacturing level I don’t think it extends sufficiently down the supply chain. Suppliers have the ability to provide solutions for car makers and if we work in partnership we can help meet targets.”

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Roush Launches Big V8s in Europe

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The Roush range of big power, high-performance V8 engines, derived from its legendary success in racecars, is to be marketed throughout Europe. The company makes its debut appearance at the annual Kit and Performance Car Show at Donington this weekend where it unveils the first three fully calibrated engine packages, which will spearhead Roush’s entry into this growing specialist market.

Roush Europe Managing Director, John Mitchell says, “Throughout motorsport – particularly in the US, where our teams dominate NASCAR, the Roush name is synonymous with the best in big performance engine technology, build quality and reliability.

The replica industry has already immortalised cars such as the Cobra and GT40. Now, the owners and builders of these replicas – and others – will be able to buy a complete Roush engine package for their cars.”

At Donington, Roush shows three engines from the range:

Entry point in the engine range is represented by the 342 RE, based on the 5.0 litre small block 302 engine and developing 430 bhp and 546 Nm (420 lbs.ft) of torque. The engine is supplied complete with ECU, Roush calibration, a dyno power certificate and a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty.

Next up the scale is the Roush 402 IR, already the standard fit in the Le Mans Daytona coupe, also displayed on the stand. The unit, which features 8-stack fuel injection, is based on the 5.7 litre 351 Windsor small block engine – and develops 550 bhp with a mammoth 650 Nm (500 lbs.ft) of torque. As with other units, the engine is supplied complete with ECU, Roush calibration, dyno power certificate and manufacturer’s warranty package.

Representing the same sheer brute power derived for the legendary Cobras, is the 7.5 litre Roush 451RFE. This lightweight aluminium block unit is effectively a road-going race engine – developing 455 bhp and delivering a stunning 682.5 Nm (525 lbs.ft) of torque.

Also on the stand is the latest Stage 2 Roush Mustang as featured in EVO Magazine, now fitted with a Roush Supercharger giving 420bhp. A Limited Edition Roush Mustang will be offered in Europe badged as the 420RE which features a supercharger, chassis and brake upgrades with detailed appearance enhancements.

You can visit Roush at stand 35-39, National Kit & Performance Car Show. Donington Park Circuit, Castle Donington, Derby, 15th-16th October 2005.

Web Site:
http://www.roush.co.uk

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Toyota End of Life Vehicle Recycling

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Toyota GB PLC has reached an agreement with the vehicle dismantling network Autogreen to provide end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling and disposal services. The contract ensures the owners of all Toyota and Lexus cars will be provided with a free take-back service from 1 January 2007.

Through the agreement Toyota GB meets the requirements of the European End of Life Vehicle Directive and subsequent UK legislation, introduced in March this year. From 1 January 2006, a year ahead of the free take-back service coming into effect, Autogreen’s facilities will meet the minimum requirement of recovering and recycling 85 per cent of each vehicle’s average weight.

Autogreen represents more than 250 vehicle recycling sites around the UK, ensuring that Toyota and Lexus customers have easy access to services in their region. In remote areas, Autogreen can arrange collection, if required. All sites meet Autogreen standards in terms of facilities and procedures and conform to the licensing requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Tom Denton, Toyota GB Environmental and Social Affairs Manager, said: “Toyota works on a global scale to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment. In choosing a business partner for ELV recovery and recycling, it was essential that the highest standards were demonstrated, ensuring Toyota and Lexus owners are given a responsible, reliable and efficient service for the final disposal of their vehicles.

“The Autogreen network is fully equipped to meet the demands of both the ELV legislation and Toyota’s own environmental requirements.”

More information about Autogreen and the take-back service can be found at www.auotgreen.org, or by calling the Toyota ELV customer support number 0800 542 4700, live from 1 November 2005.

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Caterham Dominates Monte-Carlo 2005 Sportscar Challenge

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One of the ultimate tests of endurance and reliability, the Monte Carlo Sportscar Challenge, has been dominated by the legendary Caterham Seven. Examples of the British manufacturer’s two-seater swept the board, taking first and second overall as well as three out of five class wins.

The winner of the event was sail-maker, and former Olympic Yachtsman, Roger Tushingham, who along with his co-driver, Alan Robinson, successfully guided their Caterham Seven Roadsport 1.6-litre through 2,000 kilometres of demanding stages. This is Roger Tushingham's second win in his ever reliable Caterham. In 2000 he won the tough GME six day rally in Corsica.

The famous Monte-Carlo Sportscar Challenge 2005 tests the reliability of the cars, and the driving and navigational skills of their drivers and co-drivers. Throughout the four-day event, competitors are encouraged to stick to an average speed with penalties for arriving at the end of a stage too early or too late.

Second place overall went to part-time motoring writer Francie Clarkson and navigator, Clare Owen, in the new Caterham Seven CSR 260.

It was Clarkson’s first time behind the wheel of the 260bhp Cosworth powered Caterham, but she quickly got to grips with one of the fastest accelerating production car on the planet to take first place in the over 2000cc class. Afterwards Clarkson commented:

“This is my fifth time doing an endurance challenge of this sort and it was arguably the most exciting. I really enjoyed driving the CSR and the torquey engine certainly allowed us to make short work of the steep mountain passes. If we hadn’t got stuck behind a bus on an extremely narrow pass we may have taken the overall victory!”

Forty sports and specialist cars challenged for honours in the event which took in some of the most testing tarmac in Europe with numerous steep climbs and demanding switchback turns.

Web Site:
Caterham Cars Web Site

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Six Million Confused Motorists

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More than six million motorists are confused over basic motor maintenance checks, according to a research by car care people Comma (www.commaoil.com).

The research tested how familiar drivers were with a modern car engine. Respondents were shown an image of an engine and asked to point out where they could find the screenwash reservoir (A), oil cap (B), coolant reserve (C) and dipstick (D).

While 79% of respondents identified all elements correctly, one in five motorists failed miserably.

Over half of those who answered incorrectly confused the screenwash reservoir with the coolant reserve. Alarmingly, three percent of motorists would make an expensive and potentially dangerous mistake of filling their screenwash reservoir with motor oil. Another two percent made a fatal error of putting coolant in their oil; an action likely to cost them a new engine.

Even when drivers do check their oil correctly, Comma found they are simply not doing it regularly enough. Every year, oil starved engines cost British motorists £300m*, yet only 60% take the time to check their dipstick before embarking on a long journey of 100 miles or more. And even if they did need to top-up, only 2 in 5 admit to carrying oil in the car. Conversely, for those journeying abroad, and expecting to travel over 2000 miles, this figure doubles.

Motorists who checked their oil and those who carry a reserve of top-up oil

Estimated Mileage	Checked Oil	Carry Top-up Oil
Less than 100 miles	38%	38%
100 - 2,000 miles	59%	39%
More than 2,000 miles	85%	83%

"Checking oil is still relatively simple." said Mike Bewsey of Comma, "But it's important for people to realise that it's not just before long journeys that these checks need to be made, it should be part of a driver's weekly routine"

If motorists are unsure how to check the oil level, they should refer to the owner's manual or ask their mechanic when the vehicle next visits a garage for a service or MOT.

For further information, visit www.commaoil.com

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FINE-X and i-swing from Toyota

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Motor show debut for new vehicle concepts and technologies

Key Points

Toyota to present five key concept vehicles at Tokyo Motor Show on theme of Ecology and Emotion
Fine-X pioneers fuel cell hybrid power
Debut for the i-swing, transport for one that opens up new personal mobility opportunities
New Estima MPV, featuring latest high-efficiency hybrid system with electric four-wheel drive
FSC blends passenger car style with enhanced MPV flexibility
Youth-focused bB brings club culture to the highway

Toyota is taking the opportunity of the Tokyo Motor Show to highlight groundbreaking designs and technologies in a series of key concept vehicles. The powerful line-up demonstrates the company's commitment to designing and engineering cars that address environmental concerns, while retaining the essential emotional appeal of being fun to drive and a pleasure to use.

Retaining the theme of Ecology and Emotion from last year's show, Toyota will unveil the Fine-X, a compact hatchback powered by a fuel cell hybrid system, and the i-swing, individual transport that is almost the automotive equivalent of a suit of clothes. Other concepts provide cues for near-future developments, including the Estima MPV equipped with a new high-efficiency hybrid powertrain; the FSC, which bridges the divide between cars and MPVs with an ultra-flexible interior; and the outrageous bB, a sound system on wheels.

The Tokyo Motor Show runs from October 22 to November 6 at the International Convention Complex in Chiba.

FINE-X
The Toyota Fine-X provides a glimpse of the radical opportunities that a hybrid fuel cell system can provide, delivering strong environmental performance and exceptional manoeuvrability through four-wheel independent drive and the use of a large steering angle mechanism that allows the vehicle to turn on the spot.

The Fine-X follows Toyota's 'vibrant clarity' design principles and has external dimensions slightly greater all round than the current generation Yaris. Interior space, however, is closer to that of an Avensis. The interior is designed to be welcoming, with variable lighting intensity and power seats that automatically move in and out of the car through the wide-opening gullwing doors.

Four-wheel independent drive with in-wheel electric motors and four-wheel independent steering with a large angle steering mechanism make the Fine-X exceptionally easy to manoeuvre. The car can rotate on the spot, execute tight U-turns and move into tight parking spots with ease. Driving is also made easier and safer thanks to the use of peripheral monitors, giving the driver a view right around the vehicle.

The hybrid system, combining a hydrogen fuel cell and electric motors, ensures strong environmental performance, while Toyota pursues a carbon-neutral profile for the vehicle by using plant-based materials in the construction of internal and external components. The source plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow and, even if the components are burned when the vehicle reaches the end of its life, no additional CO2 is emitted.

i-swing
The Toyota i-swing is a vehicle designed for one that allows drivers to express their individuality. It has a 'wearable' quality, almost like an item of clothing: its low-resistance urethane body is covered in cloth to soften any impact, should it bump into anyone on the street, and an LED panel can be customised to suit the owner's mood.

When operating on a busy street, i-swing runs on two wheels, taking up little pavement space. If desired, it can move at walking pace, so the driver can keep up a conversation with someone moving on foot.

When you need to move more quickly, i-swing can change to three-wheel mode, with stick and pedal controls for a fresh cornering action that responds to shifts in the driver's body weight, rather like moving on skis.

Using artificial intelligence, i-swing learns and stores data on the habits and preferences of its users to make it a highly personalised form of transport.

ESTIMA HYBRID
The Toyota Estima full-size MPV (equivalent to the European market Toyota Previa) is being shown as a new design concept equipped with Toyota's latest hybrid system, THS II, and electric four-wheel drive.

The previous generation Estima was the first MPV to be offered as a production hybrid power model. With THS II, the new concept uses an exhaust heat recovery system to help further reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions.

It delivers the quiet and smooth acceleration characteristic of hybrid power vehicles, with added dynamic performance through Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which seamlessly co-ordinates braking and handling systems performance in all driving conditions. Combined with E-four electric four-wheel drive, it ensures higher levels of drivability.

FSC
The Toyota FSC is a new-category model that evolves and combines the elegant shape of a saloon with a functionality of an MPV. Spacious enough to accommodate four adults in comfort, it features an electrically-adjustable rear section to adapt the interior configuration for different passenger or load-carrying needs.

The innovative ease-of-use features include a smart rear hatch and touch-operated functions, while an innovative interior lighting design gives the car a distinctive and comfortable ambience.

bB
The bB concept is where nightclub and car combine. Its youth-focused, edgy design is matched by a mighty nine-speaker sound system with surround DSP (digital signal processing) and lighting that flashes in time to the beat.

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National Recognition for Top Technicians

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Top Technician 2006 has joined forces with Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) to offer unsurpassed value to entrants and their employers. In a competition first, those scoring top marks will be invited to attend a free training seminar and practical assessment and could walk away with Level 2 of Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA).

Every entrant or nominated technician will receive a question paper between now and December 2005. Marks will be collated and in January 2006, the top scoring 36 technicians will be invited to attend a free training seminar, hosted by technical specialist MototeK. It will tackle the subject of modern vehicle technology and will be followed by a series of practical assessments.

The practical assessments will be held in association with Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA). This means that all of the 36 regional entrants who are successful in the practical tests will be awarded the coveted 'Diagnostic Technician' ATA, at no cost to the technician or employer.

Says Stuart Brooks, Head of Public Relations, Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI),
"Top Technician is a showcase for recognising skilled individuals who work in an increasingly complex environment. Its focus towards best practice and outstanding technical competence reflects the objectives of the industry's new Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) initiative, which has become an integral part of Top Technician for 2006."

He continues, "As the governing body for ATA, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) believes that this partnership will further broaden awareness of ATA as a means of clearly identifying skilled and currently competent individuals, as well as engaging businesses in staff development and elevating the status of accredited individuals."

Dave Garratt will work alongside managing director of MototeK, Peter Coombes, to whittle down the 36 technicians. The top twelve will be invited to the Automotive Trade Show at the end of April for the final, knowledge based tests. The winner will be announced at an Awards Ceremony, to be held in May 2006. He or she will take the top prize of £2,000 (tax free) and the title of 'Top Technician 2006'. Further prizes will include the opportunity to be assessed for Level 3 of ATA, 'Master Technician'.

To nominate yourself or a colleague, simply log on to the web site www.toptechnician.co.uk or telephone Sally on 01634 261 262.

This year's competition is sponsored by Automotive Skills, Bosch, LuK and Vauxhall Trade Club.

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Paternity Leave Proposals will Increase Costs

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The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) has raised concerns over reports that the Government is considering extending statutory paternity leave allowance to six months.

According to the RMI, such a move would add yet another layer of cost and bureaucracy to the administrative burden small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) already shoulder.

'Proposals to introduce a six month allowance for paternity leave will be unworkable for many businesses that simply don't have the resource to cope with the loss of key members of staff for such a period of time,' said Nick Jones, director of human resources at the RMI.

He continued: 'The RMI supports flexibility for workers with families - indeed, many employers in the retail motor sector have already made moves to implement family friendly policies - but we would have serious concerns over a one size fits all rule.

'These proposals could threaten the future prosperity of many small and medium sized businesses, potentially adding considerable costs in terms of recruitment, training and loss of productivity.'

Web Site:
www.rmif.co.uk

The Retail Motor Industry Federation represents the interests of operators in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, providing sales and services to motorists and businesses. The RMI has a formal association with the independent Scottish Motor Trade Association which represents the retail motor industry in Scotland.

MPH '05 - And Then There Were Three

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Motoring gurus Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond aren't going to have it all their own way at this November's MPH '05 with the exciting news that motoring's other star presenter, Tiff Needell, is joining the show team.

Tiff will be bringing his brand of razor-sharp driving skills and expert commentary to the live motoring theatre, ensuring that this year's line-up of presenters is as spectacular as the machinery in action.

Produced by the West End's creative genius, John Napier, MPH '05 is the first show to mate the highest quality theatrical production techniques with the indoor motor show concept, to truly bring some of the world's most amazing cars to life.

The fun starts at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre from the 10-13 November, transferring to London's Earls Court from 17-20 November. Ticket prices for the first Show in Birmingham are available from just £10 rising to £20 thereafter and £25 for Earl's Court.

Further details of MPH '05 can be found at www.mphshow.co.uk.

Research Material:

MPH '05 comprises five main elements;
The MPH Theatre - Hosted by motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson and celebrity guests, 75 minutes of spine-tingling excitement, a petrol-fuelled adrenalin rush where spectators witness spectacular stunts and screaming engines, and all laced with sublime catwalk processions of the finest supercars on the planet.

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.

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

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.

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:

The Winter will be Dangerous - Prepare Yourself

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For many drivers the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. Drivers know that weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems, but few realise the real effects of rain and darkness.

The British weather can be unpredictable. Bad weather can strike suddenly and when it affects visibility or road conditions drivers need to take special care and be aware of the risks associated with driving in bad weather conditions.

Speaking today at a Westminster Briefing, Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe said: 'Some fifty percent of all reported road traffic accidents at night occur in wet conditions, but in the UK it is wet on average only 10% of the nights.'

"By and large drivers realise the dangers of ice and snow and indeed many motoring organisations issue warnings about winter driving. The IA M and The Department for Transport issue guidance, but few drivers realise that the most common danger in winter is wet weather not ice and snow" he added.

Winter Driving Tips

Good vehicle maintenance is particularly important in winter. Make sure your battery is fully charged, your tyres have plenty of tread and are the right pressure, and your wipers and lights work properly. Add anti-freeze to the radiator and top up screen wash.

Keep sunglasses handy - dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. You should always carry a scraper and de-icer to clear windows and mirrors.

When roads are wet

In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather:
You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
If steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.

Ice and slush make driving particularly hazardous - it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.

When driving, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
Manoeuvre gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.
To brake without locking your wheels, get into low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.

Take care around winter maintenance vehicles. Keep a safe distance behind salting lorries and snow ploughs, and don't attempt to overtake. Watch out for banks of snow thrown up the plough.

When planning your journey

Ask yourself - is your journey absolutely essential?
Check the local and national weather forecasts.
Listen to local and national radio for travel information.
Allow for a longer journey (allow at least 10 minutes longer for each planned hour)
Check the outside temperature - if it is low there is a high likelihood of ice.
Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade.
Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer.

When driving in fog

Drive slowly and use dipped headlights or fog lights.
Don't hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front - you may be too close.
Don't speed up if it seems to be clearing; fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy.

When driving on flooded roads

Stay in first gear and drive slowly.
Slip the clutch to keep the engine speed high and avoid stalling.
If possible drive in the middle of the road to avoid deeper water near the kerb

When roads are icy or slushy

It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop.
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.

Further guidance can be found on: http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/advice/winterdriving.htm

IAM Facts Sheets are available:
Driving in Winter: http://www.iam.org.uk/Pressroom/Fact_Sheets/pdf/fac09001.pdf
Driving in the wet: http://www.iam.org.uk/Pressroom/Fact_Sheets/pdf/fac14001.pdf

For further information call: RoadSafe 0207 344 9236 www.roadsafe.com

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Highways Agency Keep Left Campaign

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Drivers on the country's motorways and major 'A' roads are being reminded of good driving habits today. The Highways Agency is reminding all road users to keep left when not overtaking and not to drink and drive.

From 10am today, Friday 7 October, selected motorway message signs will display the message "Keep left unless overtaking". From tomorrow, Saturday 8 October, selected signs will display: "Don't drink and drive". This is part of an overall government campaign to encourage better driving habits to improve safety and reduce congestion for us all.

The two messages will be used on alternate days until Sunday 16 October.

Chief Highway Engineer Ginny Clarke said:

"We want all drivers to think about their responsibility behind the wheel. Both how we use motorway lanes and our ability to control our vehicles can impact on other road users and cause accidents. Better use of motorway lanes will help to avoid causing great irritation to other drivers and keep traffic moving freely. And avoiding alcohol before driving can reduce the risk of accidents caused by impaired reaction and control, which will improve safety for us all".

A total of 180 variable message signs will be used across the country.

The Agency is urging road users to ask themselves:

* Have I finished overtaking?
* Is the road ahead clear?
* Could I move to the left?
* Am I holding up traffic behind me by staying in this lane?

The Agency's message campaign will continue into next year. By the end of 2005 there will have been four 'keep left' campaigns. Analysis from feedback from each campaign helps us build on and enhance the targeting and effectiveness of the messages for future campaigns.

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A Lucky Escape

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I've seen a lot of frightening things (And Debbie!) on motor vehicles over the years and none of them shock me anymore. When you've seen them enough times you become immune and just rattle off the same old warnings about the near disaster the driver had just avoided and how to prevent it in the future. Sometimes the drivers listen and sometimes they don't. It often makes me wonder if they listen and act upon the advice given to them by their family Doctor when they are unwell as ignoring the advice I dish out for free may result in many months worth of trips to the family Doctor, or worse!!

This week was no different but the 'offender' was a friend who I've known for years and would much prefer stayed alive rather than dead. Fortunately she is sensible enough to listen and does prefer to stay alive!

It was the car's annual MOT inspection on Tuesday. This car does an average of 4,000 miles per year and because it's a Vauxhall Corsa it's very reliable and doesn't need much intervention during the rest of the year. To make things worse the routine service is carried out at the same time as the MOT and for the remaining 364 days of the year the driver is responsible for its road worthiness.

I collected the car and as soon as I got it above 10MPH I noticed a medium strength pull to the right and a vibration through the steering, brakes and body shell. On the ramp it went and here's the cause of drivability problems:

(Click on the photo to enlarge.)

The tyre had worn through to the cords on the inside edge which were now visible and damaged.

(Click on the photo to enlarge.)

To make things even worse (if that's possible) the tread was separating from the inside shoulder of the tyre around 75% of the circumference.

The cause of the fault can be seen in the second image. The inside of the wheel rim is damaged at the point where the cords are visible. This damage to the rim, probably resulting from driving down a curb, has caused a dynamic or rolling balance issue with the tyre and wheel leading to a 'heavy spot' which at speed has caused accelerated wear to the tyre at this point. The tyre was manufactured by a leading company and the tread depth indicated it was otherwise only 50% worn.

The dangers of using a vehicle with this type of defect are obvious. This tyre is ready to deflate without warning, not in a progressive and controlled manner which would give the driver time to react but more likely a rapid deflation or explosion followed by a sudden loss of steering control and the vehicle deviating from its path.

This tyre was fitted to the right hand side front of the vehicle (driver's side front in the UK as we drive on the left). Imagine this, the vehicle is traveling at 60MPH on a normal single carriageway and a sudden and rapid deflation occurs to this tyre. Before the driver has time to react the vehicle swerves into the oncoming traffic and collides with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction also moving at 60MPH. That's a combined impact speed of 120MPH with the same affect as hitting the back of a stationary lorry on the hard shoulder of a motorway at 120MPH.

Prevention is far better than the cure

It takes about 5 minutes per week to carry out a tyre inspection. It's important that the entire tyre is visually checked for wear and tread depth and this should be carried out weekly. Tyre pressures are also critical and under or over inflation can lead to increased tyre wear and reduced grip and water displacement, especially when the tyre is under load. Instructions on how to carry out a tyre inspection are usually included in the vehicle handbook or workshop manual. If in doubt always seek the advice of a reputable garage.

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Appeal Over 159mph Police Officer

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The Crown Prosecution Service has lodged an appeal in the case of a police officer recorded driving at 159mph on a motorway two years ago.

Pc Mark Milton was cleared of speeding and dangerous driving in May after saying he was 'familiarising' himself with a new patrol car on the M54.

The judge described the 38-year-old from Telford, Shropshire, as the 'creme de la creme' of police drivers.

The constable is trained in advanced driving.

The appeal has been lodged at the Divisional Court of the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Ludlow Magistrates were told the officer, who is also trained in the use of firearms, was recorded travelling at 159mph on the deserted motorway near Telford in the early hours of 5 December 2003.

District Judge Bruce Morgan expressed concern at West Mercia Constabulary's 'total lack of policy' on when and where police drivers should practise driving at very high speeds.

But speaking after the case earlier this year, a police spokesman said the force was to clarify the guidance issued to advanced drivers.

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BBC NEWS | England | Shropshire | Appeal over 159mph police officer

MPH 05 Ticket Prices Announced

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There's great news for show-goers to this winter's MPH '05, where West End theatrical drama meets indoor car shows for the first time, as ticket prices were announced.

Celebrating the show's first appearance at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre on November 10, lucky ticket purchasers for the event's first show will receive a further Â£10 discount.

So there really is a need, a need for speed, with ticket prices now starting from just £10. The head-spinning event makes its four-day debut at Birmingham's NEC, followed by a four-day spell at London's Earls Court commencing on November 17.

Dress rehearsal prices excepted, ticket prices start from £20. Premium tickets, which include improved seating in the theatre and a back stage paddock tour, are £30. Tickets to the Sunday Times Driving Enclosure, which include the best seats in the house, a paddock tour, a glass of champagne and a souvenir show guide, are £45.

A limited number of tickets are available for the dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 10, at a special levy of £10 off.

MPH '05 takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, from 10-13 November and at Earls Court, London, from 17-20 November 2005. For further information and full details including booking can be found at www.mphshow.co.uk

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Diesel Engine Co-operation

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Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën have today announced the fourth phase of their groundbreaking diesel engine co-operation, with the launch of two new families of light, clean, efficient engines for their commercial vehicle and executive car lines.

Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën Diesel Engine

Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën Diesel Engine

This announcement is the latest in a series of successful steps within the co-operation, which has seen the two companies jointly design and develop a series of state-of-the-art diesel engines for use across their car and commercial vehicle brands. These engines are being successfully deployed across a wide range of products, from small superminis to the largest executive cars and now with commercial vehicles as well.

Ford Motor Company now uses engines produced through the collaboration in its Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, while PSA Peugeot Citroën uses them in its Peugeot and Citroën products.

The programme was launched initially in 1998. Since then, more than four million diesel engines have been produced, making Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën jointly the world's leading diesel engine makers.

Major Investment for Phase 4
Phase 4 of the co-operation has seen a joint investment of €Euros 332 million for the development of two new engines.

Ford Motor Company will produce a dedicated 2.2-litre commercial diesel engine optimised for durability and ruggedness for the Ford Transit and for PSA Peugeot Citroën's upper range LCVs (Boxer and Relay), from its advanced Dagenham engine plant in Essex, England at the rate of up to 200,000 units per year.

PSA Peugeot Citroën will produce a 2.2-litre premium, high output diesel engine for both companies' medium/large and executive models at the rate of up to 200,000 units per year at its Trémery plant, Moselle, France, the world's largest diesel engine facility.

Phase 4 of the co-operation was launched today by L.W.K. Booth, Executive Vice President Premier Automotive Group and Ford of Europe, and Jean-Martin Folz, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Booth and Folz described the co-operation as "one of the most successful engine development programmes in the car business today."

They added: "We should also state that they are some of the best diesel engines on the road today and they feature in small, medium and large cars in both premium and non-premium markets. Today's announcement adds commercial vehicles to the impressive mix and a premium 4 cylinder engine for passenger cars that was not planned initially in this fourth phase."

Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën Diesel Engine

Both advanced common rail diesel engines feature a number of technical innovations. The new 2.2-litre diesel engine designed and engineered specifically for light and medium commercial vehicles features smart technology which allows its 'brain' to constantly adjust itself for maximum efficiency during the life of the engine. The new 2.2-litre premium diesel engine for passenger executive cars features a new Extreme Conventional Combustion System (ECCS), which reduces emissions at source while improving performance and running noise.

Research Material:
The first three phases of the Ford Motor Company/PSA Peugeot Citroën co-operation are summarised as follows:

Phase 1 of the co-operation was a 1.4 litre (1,399cc) common-rail turbo-diesel engine, used by Ford in the Fiesta and Fusion, by Peugeot initially in the 206 and later in the 307 and by Citroën in the C2 and C3. This was first announced in 2001. A 1.6 litre (1,590cc) common-rail diesel engine was also part of the Phase 1 announcement and, together with the 1.4-litre variant, is now used in a wide variety of Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën applications.

Phase 2 of the co-operation was a 2.0 litre (1,998cc), four cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel 16 valve unit, announced in early 2003.

Phase 3: While the first two phases of the project were led by PSA Peugeot Citroën, Phase 3 was led by Ford Motor Company. This was the production of a high performance V6 six-cylinder 24-valve unit, announced in June 2003. The first product to benefit from this engine was the Jaguar S-Type, followed by the Peugeot 607. Since then, it has also been installed in the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover Sport and the new Jaguar XJ and will be fitted in the Peugeot 407 Coupe and the Citroën C6 when both cars are launched on the market.

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New Toyota Training Facility for Nottingham

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Toyota today announced that a £10 million automotive training facility is to be built in Nottingham, along with the establishment of an Academy specialising in educating local students pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

The new state of the art facility, supporting up to 600 students from the Greater Nottingham Area, will be built on Nottingham City Council land at Highfields, University Boulevard and will be owned by Broxtowe College.

It is proposed that the East Midlands Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council will provide funding for the project which will also involve the Greater Nottingham Partnership and Nottingham Regeneration Ltd as partners.

The Academy will accommodate Toyota's 350 network apprentices from around the UK who are training on Toyota's National Apprenticeship Scheme.

This Centre of Excellence will cater for school and further education students from the Greater Nottingham area wanting to prepare for a career in the automotive industry. Students aged from 14 to 16 years old will spend one day a week at the academy studying for motor vehicle maintenance and repair qualifications. School leavers who wish to continue their education in automotive engineering will also attend the academy.

Councillor Graham Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Education in Nottingham said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for Nottingham's pupils and students to receive excellent vocational training with state of the art equipment with one of the leading car manufacturers. Training at such a prestigious centre will give pupils real experience in the motor vehicle industry and great job prospects. The Academy will be an enormous boost to Nottingham's motor vehicle industries and put us at the forefront of innovative learning. This is a real vote of confidence in Nottingham."

Toyota will support training at the centre by supplying training materials, equipment and vehicles. Toyota will also share developments in new technology and teaching practices with the Academy.

Toyota's Managing Director Graham Smith commented, "We are already well established in Nottingham and the East Midlands with our adult training Academy at the Nottingham Trent University's Clifton campus and our car manufacturing plant at Burnaston. This project will further develop our relationship with the East Midlands local community and help to give young people the skills to find sustainable employment."

The Academy is scheduled to open in early 2007.

52-plated Word of Caution

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Nearly half a million* motorists have moved out of the comfort zone of manufacturer protection during the past month, leaving themselves vulnerable to unforeseen repair costs.

Data from independent automotive warranty specialist, Warranty Direct, suggests that 2 in every 5 '52-plate' owners will suffer some degree of mechanical failure over the next twelve months.

Although some manufacturer's like Hyundai offer extended five-year warranty protection, the majority will only provide cover for the first 36-months of a cars life.

With recent research uncovering the cost of labour rising to an average of £65 - but as high as £150 - an hour, the typical repair bill for a 3-year old car now hits £308.25, escalating into the thousands for any major mechanical failures.

The commonest problems recorded in the months after their manufacturer's warranty has expired relate to the suspension (34%), braking system (22%), electrics (22%), and engine (19%). All can result in an expensive visit to the garage.

For example, an Audi A3 with rear axle complaints set the owner back £777 to repair, a Peugeot 307 with electrical faults left another facing a £761 bill and a Renault Megane Scenic owner grappling with a faulty gearbox had to pay £744 to fix it.

As an illustration of how the parts vs labour is broken down in the final bill, a failed engine management ECU on a Mercedes A Class can cost £262 in parts but up to £617 in labour to repair.

"Mechanical failure is not as rare as some may think," explains Duncan McClure-Fisher of Warranty Direct. "Consumers rarely factor the cost of repair bills. Manufacturer's provide a cushion for the first three years, after that you're either relying on the protection of a good warranty or hope that you've bought a reliable car. The biggest winner is the garage."

Warranty Direct offers MBI (Mechanical Breakdown Cover) from as little as £15 per month with no wear and tear exclusion and the ability to have your own choice of garage. Call 0800 731 7001 or log on to www.warrantydirect.co.uk for a quote.

Notes:
* SMMT: 432,000 new cars were sold in September 2002

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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!

Call for Drivers to Switch Off Their Phones

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A small minority of drivers are continuing to endanger themselves and other road users by using hand-held mobile phones while they are driving according to new figures released today by the Road Safety Minister, Stephen Ladyman.

Research for the Department for Transport has shown that, in the most recent survey, 1.5 per cent of car drivers and 2.4 per cent of lorry and van drivers were spotted using hand held phones.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said:
"Using a mobile phone while you're driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident, and it's a shame that a small minority of drivers are still using their hand held phones.

"Missing a call won't kill you, but a road accident might. I urge people to switch off their phones while they're driving to make the roads safer for us all. The police are on the road looking out for drivers using phones and they do prosecute those they catch.

"The Road Safety Bill currently going through Parliament will mean that in future people using a hand held phone will get a £60 fine and 3 points on their licence. But I don't want people to be caught and risk losing their licences, I want them to stop using their phones while they drive."

The findings on mobile phone use coincide with then release of the latest seat belt wearing rates. The seat belt survey has been running since 1988 and this shows a high and stable wearing rate of 93% for all drivers, 94% for all front seat passengers and 83% for all rear seat passengers.

As part of the THINK! initiative the Department for Transport runs targeted advertising campaigns on seatbelts and mobile phones. For further information please log on to www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

Research Material:
1. Copies of the full survey results may be downloaded from the TRL website at www.trl.co.uk. They were carried out in April 2005.

LF2096 Restraint Use by Car Occupants 2003 - 2005 LF2097 Mobile Phone Use by Drivers 2003 - 2005

2. It became an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, from 1 December 2003. At present offenders are liable for a £30 fixed penalty fine or a maximum fine of £1000 on conviction in court (maximum of £2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or buses/coaches).

3. The Road Safety Bill is currently before Parliament. It is expected to become law later on next year.

4. Details of the number of road traffic offences are published annually by the Home Office. Figures for 2004 are not yet available but an informal survey of police forces by this Department indicated that over 50,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for the offence of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving in England and Wales during 2004.

A Niche Too Far?

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Specialised Cars Could Succumb to Higher Rates of Depreciation

Ten years ago new cars could be easily defined by size and function and there was an obvious distinction between mass market and premium brands. However, these clear lines of demarcation are becoming increasingly blurred as manufacturers launch growing numbers of specialised niche vehicles, as well as 'cross-over' models that blend characteristics of two or more sectors. This has helped fuel a 42 per cent increase in the number of new cars available in the UK over the past three years alone. According to EurotaxGlass's, both new and used customers are likely to become progressively more confused by what some of these more specialised products offer, with negative implications for demand and residual values.

EurotaxGlass's highlights a number of niche and cross-over vehicles where a lack of understanding about the benefits may already be affecting their residual value prospects. These include mini MPVs (e.g. Fiat Idea, Vauxhall Meriva, Renault Modus), larger volume-brand models (e.g. Vauxhall Signum) and premium-brand 4x4 cross-over vehicles (e.g. Audi A6 Allroad, Volvo XC70 and Mercedes R-Class).

"The appeal for manufacturers is to create a new niche that has not been exploited before in the hope that they will be able to attract a new type of customer," comments Adrian Rushmore, Managing Editor at EurotaxGlass's. "However, its is apparent that some models are failing to make their mark on the consciousness of the consumer. Until popular acceptance of the merits of some of these specialised new niche sectors improves, manufacturers may need to limit availability to avoid damaging falls in values."

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.

Jonathan Fry

Monday, October 31, 2005

Life-saving Innovation Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Subaru Launches Police Sales Assault

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Active Safety is a Mystery to Most

Friday, October 28, 2005

Volvo Cuts Danger of Blind Spots with BLIS

Advanced Telematics to Aid Safety and Security

Dark Danger

Darling Introduces Mobility Tax by the Back Door

Don't Crack in the Cold RAC Warns Motorists

Ford's Dagenham Engine Plant Celebrates 40 Years of Production

Thursday, October 27, 2005

The Automotive Industry Records Substantial Long-Term Vehicle Quality Improvements

Audi Launches a Major Broadcasting Revolution

Helping Bikers to Stay Safe on High Speed Roads

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Car-makers' MPG Claims 'Miles Out'

GM Opens Russian R&D Science Office

New Life for Longbridge North Works

Road Pricing - The Motorist's View

Smooth Operator - The New London TXII Taxi

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

The Gremlins That Thwart MG Rover

Active Safety Systems Could Save Lives

The End of British Summer Time

Drivers Warned of Severe Weather

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Ellesmere Port Plant Tops 4,000,000 With New Astra

Fuel Economy, Every Way You Can

Winter Driving is Snow Problem

Causing Death by Careless Driving

Ricardo Expands in Japan With New Tokyo Facility

Friday, October 21, 2005

Debate Over Clean Car Technology Rages On

Enova Furthers Hybrid Drive Market Capture in U.K. and Asia

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Lack of Courteousy Puts Drivers at Risk

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Nights Pose a Real Danger

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Car Bumpers Fail to Absorb Crash Energy

All in a Days Work for Jeremy Clarkson

Monday, October 17, 2005

Full Speed Ahead On Britain's Roads

Allez Vite? Then take a spare driver

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Sleeping Behind the Wheel is a Killer

Automotive Industry Alive and Well

Roush Launches Big V8s in Europe

Friday, October 14, 2005

Toyota End of Life Vehicle Recycling

Caterham Dominates Monte-Carlo 2005 Sportscar Challenge

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Six Million Confused Motorists

FINE-X and i-swing from Toyota

National Recognition for Top Technicians

Monday, October 10, 2005

Paternity Leave Proposals will Increase Costs

MPH '05 - And Then There Were Three

The Winter will be Dangerous - Prepare Yourself

Highways Agency Keep Left Campaign

Thursday, October 06, 2005

A Lucky Escape

Appeal Over 159mph Police Officer

MPH 05 Ticket Prices Announced

Diesel Engine Co-operation

Wednesday, October 05, 2005

New Toyota Training Facility for Nottingham

52-plated Word of Caution

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Call for Drivers to Switch Off Their Phones

A Niche Too Far?

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