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Surface attention |
01/05/2012
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| Modern paint formulations must work with the whole variety of modern materials used in vehicle construction. Lou Reade reports |
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BURN like the SUN |
01/05/2012
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| Andrew English reviews state-of-the art lighting technology and wonders if the incandescent bulb still has a future |
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Wind cheater |
28/03/2012
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| As OEMs strive for greater vehicle efficiency, subtle changes in aerodynamics can deliver significant rewards. |
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FUSION/MONDEO… ‘ONE’ TO WATCH |
01/02/2012
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| Ford's Fusion, Mondeo in Europe, is the brand's most important car so far this century. Ian Adcock and Paul Horrell report from its launch in Detroit |
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Overcoming overspray |
01/09/2011
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| VW's new US plant employs a highly innovative paint system, as Paul Weissler discovers |
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Bridging the gap |
01/08/2011
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| The trend in green manufacturing is rapidly spreading across the motor industry. Ian Adcock visits Bridge of Weir leather to witness at first hand its green revolution |
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Genetic revolution |
01/08/2011
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| Genetic engineering could help tyre manufacturers find more sustainable sources of rubber that do not rely on petrochemicals. Lou Reade reports |
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Seeing the way to a brighter future |
01/06/2011
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| Lighting systems are becoming increasingly complex, but at the same time they need to be more efficient to help minimise CO2 emissions, as Keith Howard discovers |
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Anti-collision tailgate |
01/01/2008
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| The latest tailgate and trunk lid opening/closing system from Hoerbiger Automotive Komfortsysteme includes a programmable stop function which prevents interference or collisions with roof-mounted ski boxes or garage doors. The hydraulic systems have a high force density and are low weight. |
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Motorised tailgates use combined materials |
01/11/2007
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| In pursuing its modular strategy, Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior has developed new solutions in three fields – motorised rear access doors, vehicle front ends and bumpers. |
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Exterior airbags prevent T-bone intrusion too |
01/11/2007
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| The concept of exterior airbags still appears to have some support, at least among developers of SUVs, writes Roger Bishop. The latest developments are aimed not only at reducing injuries to pedestrians but also at limiting side impact intrusion when an SUV is involved in accidents with passenger
... Read more |
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Power sliding doors ready for small cars |
01/10/2007
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| Dura has developed the second generation of its innovative power sliding front and rear doors and has shown the technology on a new small four-door car at IAA, Frankfurt. |
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Harnesses integrated with crashpads |
01/09/2007
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| Rigid foam crashpads are fitted in areas that pose the greatest danger in accidents – for example, side impact protection in doors, direct impact areas for the head, in the A-pillar or headliner and front impact areas of the passenger compartment. Polyurethane foam is also used in cable sets to
... Read more |
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Novel design reduces door latch effort by 50 times |
01/09/2007
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| Pure electrical door latches without any mechanical connections to the handles are the ultimate solution to operating effort, styling and packing, writes Roger Bishop. However, because they also require mechanical links or back-up power in the event of power failure caused by a crash or battery
... Read more |
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Camera-controlled LED arrays pinpoint danger |
01/05/2007
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| Infra-red night vision systems could be revolutionised by an LED headlight technology that illuminates dangers ahead with a narrow-beam spotlight, writes Roger Bishop. It provides a far more natural warning than head-up displays or LCD screens that require a driver to look away from the road. |
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Basecoats now include primer functions |
01/04/2007
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| BASF Coatings claims a world first for its latest technology which involves specially formulated OEM basecoats that combine all the functions of the primer, such as stone chip protection and ultraviolet protection. |
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LEDs designed for dualcurrent lighting |
01/03/2007
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| New LEDs have been specifically designed, qualified and tested for use in automotive dual drive-current applications, such as rear combination lamps, providing both stop light and tail light functionality. |
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New surface process for Al trim parts |
01/10/2006
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| A special anodising process for aluminium trim parts is said to improve their resistance to highly alkaline cleaning agents and other chemicals as well as heat, cold, snow, rain and salt. |
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Schefenacker ‘flat out’ in race for LED |
01/09/2006
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| Schefenacker, a European leader in the manufacture of LED tail lamps and signal lamps, says it is now “working flat out” to develop LED technologies for headlamps. And the company reports promising developments, some of which are being road tested. |
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