Japan setting out to get its own GPS off the ground
Some GPS-related news. The Japanese government - with the the assistance of private firms - is ramping up research on a Japanese version of the Global Positioning System in a bid to …
ZF 9HP 9-speed auto transmission – details announced
ZF Friedrichshafen's 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission, which was first announced earlier this year, now has more specific details about it, though there's still no mention of when it is expected to debut …
Oh deer, watch out! – Volvo developing system to avoid collision with wild animals
More news on the collision avoidance assistance front, but this time, it has to do with animals - Volvo is developing a system that alerts and automatically brakes for animals on the …
Ford seeking globally harmonised communications standards for advanced wireless systems
Ford is working with automakers and safety leaders globally on a standardised platform for advanced wireless systems that can allow vehicles to “talk” to each other - based on a common communication …
In the future, cars to be a power source for the home?
Over in Japan, automakers are looking at turning electric and hybrid vehicles into external power sources for the home, aiming to turn them into a type of rolling battery, the Nikkei reports. …
Volvo Flywheel KERS system – significant performance gains, with up to 20% less fuel consumption
Click to enlarge Volvo is set to test a new system called Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which it claims will make a four-cylinder engine feel like a six-cylinder and at …
Ford develops heart rate monitoring car seat
Ford has come up with a prototype vehicle seat that can monitor a driver’s heart activity, a device that could one day reduce the number of accidents and fatalities that occur as …
Toyota Friend – an in-car private social network
Toyota has announced that it will be introducing Toyota Friend, a private social network for Toyota customers and their cars. Essentially, the in-car system will offer Toyota users the means to connect …
Shell develops 0W-10 viscosity concept lubricant
Some developments on the lubrication front. It isn't due out in the market anytime soon, but it does show how going thin can achieve better fuel consumption. It's a 0W-10 ultra low …
TRW develops roof-mounted airbag – to be seen in offerings by a major European automaker
TRW Automotive has unveiled a new 'bag in roof' airbag system, which it says can replace dashboard-mounted airbags rather effectively. While continuing to afford high levels of protection to passengers, the roof-mounted …
SafetyRec iPhone app – helping drivers drive better
In Japan, the Nikkei reports that Datatec Co, a company that develops delivery truck driving-log recorders, is starting a new Internet-based service in July called SafetyRec, which scores a person's driving skills …
International Engine of the Year awards – Fiat bags top prize
The recently concluded 2011 edition of the International Engine of the Year awards saw Fiat bagging the overall engine of the year gong with its 875cc TwinAir two-cylinder turbocharged engine. The international …
Bribespot – helping to put a ‘face’ to corruption
Bribery is pretty much a rampant, worldwide thing, and it happens in many facets of life. We can all do without it, for sure, but one way or another most of us …
Ford and Google to work on making a “smarter” car
Ford is teaming up with Google in its efforts to further advance ongoing research in predicting driver behaviour, with the aim of helping to optimise vehicle control systems and improve vehicle performance …
Smart Energy Veus home battery – able to power a Prius too
This in from Japan - Tokyo-based environmental venture Smart Energy has developed a lithium ion rechargeable battery for households called the Veus, which can also be used to power a hybrid vehicle, …
BWI develops lighter, smaller active stabiliser bar system
Click to enlarge Another tech-related development, this time on the anti-roll front. Seems braking and chassis systems specialist BWI Group has developed a lightweight, more compact version of its proven Active Stabiliser …
gogopal Q5.0 GPS navigator – plenty of versatility
Undoubtedly, the personal GPS navigation field is littered with plenty of offerings these days. All are very competent at what they’re supposed to do, which is to get you to the destination …
Scuderi split-cycle engine – all set to revolutionise things
Click to enlarge Here's something for the techies. It's a split-cycle mill called the Scuderi Engine, and it's designed by the Scuderi Group, a US engine development company. What the company says …
Ford EcoLPi liquid injection LPG Falcon set for Oz debut
Over in Australia, Ford will be introducing its next-generation EcoLPi liquid injection LPG system sometime in mid-year, and it will debut on the Falcon sedan there. The introduction will see Ford continuing …
Google Voice Search now available in Bahasa Malaysia
Google today officially announced the availability of its Voice Search in Bahasa Malaysia, joining the 19 other languages already available for the utility. It offers users a fast, natural way to search …
