Volvo is extending cars which 'talk' to each other. It’s making its ground-breaking, industry-first connected safety technology available across Europe as another step in its ambitions to improve traffic safety. The technology allows Volvo cars to communicate with each other and alert drivers of nearby slippery road conditions and hazards via a cloud-based network. Hazard Light Alert and … [Read more...]
The new driving test changes and you
Just over a year ago, the UK’s driving test witnessed its most significant shake-up in 20 years. Changes seen included those sitting a practical examination having to undertake different reversing manoeuvres, following directions provided to them by a sat nav, participating in the independent driving portion of the test for 20 minutes and answering a vehicle safety question while … [Read more...]
Parents puzzled by car-seat law and fitting
Research from Co-op Insurance revealed that parents are lacking confidence and knowledge when it comes to child car seats. Four out of five parents (81%) agree that information about car seats needs to be made more accessible and widely available. The uncertainty has three fifths (64%) of parents saying that the where the youngest child sits in the car should be enforced by law to … [Read more...]
Newslines 16 October
Nissan has postponed pay talks with unions at its Sunderland plant until terms of the Brexit deal are clear. Reuters reported car makers are considering options if there is a poor deal for manufacturing including possible production decreases and suspension of lines while logistics and economics are clarified in the spring. Plans to develop the 1,000mph Bloodhound car have halted. It has … [Read more...]
Automated vehicles will reduce and alter crashes
Serious crashes on inter-urban roads may be slashed by a quarter over the next 30-40 years with the introduction of automated vehicles. But the ride may be far from smooth, with a mixed fleet transition and vital need for roads that cars can read, according to a EuroRAP report. The report, the third in the “Roads that Cars Can Read” series, examines the relationship between road … [Read more...]
Truck safety in spotlight this week
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has called for a stronger focus on active safety technologies, to prevent accidents happening. The vehicle makers are putting their views out to scrutiny ahead of the EC’s new proposals last this week for vehicle safety measures, which the industry believe will be less effective, increase pollution and congestion as well as running … [Read more...]
Earned recognition scheme gets FTA boost
The Freight Transport Association is launching a pioneering new service aimed at supporting operators who want to join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's voluntary Earned Recognition Scheme. The Earned Recognition Data Hub will bring together both vehicle maintenance and driver data from multiple sources and has been designed to be a low-cost, not-for-profit solution to help the … [Read more...]
eCall safety milestone reached
As of this Saturday, automobile manufacturers will equip all new car types with eCall to automatically dial emergency services in the event of a serious road traffic accident detected by vehicle sensors. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association welcomed this milestone, which has been made possible thanks to huge investments by the industry. “eCall has the potential to save many … [Read more...]
Suppliers call for reasoned debate on future laws
Car components' makers have called for a reasoned debate over future technology, legislation and implementation. The car supplier industry say technology neutrality has been the guiding principle for emission legislation in the transport sector. The EU has continually led the world with respect to automotive CO2 reductions, enabled by European suppliers and manufacturers constantly … [Read more...]
Product recalls growing threat to profits and reputation
Product-related risk is one of the biggest perils facing businesses today, with recall exposures having increased significantly over the past decade. This is bringing the potential for larger and more complex losses than ever before, warns insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty in a new report. It highlights the automotive industry as being the most impacted by product recalls, … [Read more...]