British philanthropist Sir Torquil Norman is the driving force behind an unconventional, all-terrain light truck designed specifically for remote corners of the world. It is called the “OX” and the maker, Global Vehicle Trust (GVT), says it can be assembled from a “flat pack” of components in a matter of hours. The first prototype has finished testing in Britain. Sir … [Read more...] about “OX” an easy-as truck for the bush
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Virtual reality in the real world
The room where Ford cars of tomorrow are fine-tuned is a three-sided box with projectors throwing images on to each wall and the ceiling. Mounted in the middle is a dummy car interior. Climb into the car’s seat, slip on 3-D glasses framed with motion detectors, and the screens instantly melt into a hyper-realistic virtual world where you find yourself immersed in the … [Read more...] about Virtual reality in the real world
Taking away tickets to car parks
Audi is about to trial wireless technology that could make entry and exit to car parks a ticketless procedure. If the long-term trials succeed, grabbing a ticket on entry to a car park, keeping that ticket safe until departure and then fumbling for loose change or cards for parking payment will be a thing of the past. The ‘Audi connect wireless payment’ scheme links cars … [Read more...] about Taking away tickets to car parks
New map reader
Automotive lighting company Narva has developed a new version of its Map Reading Light that plus into vehicle power outlets. The new LED lamp has all the features of the company's earlier fixed-position lamp, except the addition of a flexible arm makes it easier for passengers, for instance, to check a map while the vehicle is on the move at night. The light is equipped … [Read more...] about New map reader
Safety chief calls for computers to cut road toll
Adopting new technology like automated emergency braking (AEB) could cut annual road tolls in half, says the chief executive of the Australian New Car Assessment Programme. Nicholas Clark (pictured) says computers should take over from drivers to help cut deaths and injuries. “If technology can help, we should use it,” he said. “We shouldn’t be severely injured … [Read more...] about Safety chief calls for computers to cut road toll