The Petronas De Rooy Iveco team won the rally with the Dutchman Gerard De Rooy, driving an Iveco Powerstar, a vehicle produced and sold by Iveco in Australia. The Iveco Powerstar was equipped with an FPT Industrial C13 engine, with more than 900 horsepower, and Magneti Marelli parts. Behind De Rooy, the other pilots of the team, Stacey and Biasion drove two Iveco Trakker Evolution 2s, also equipped with the same engine. The three vehicles, while adapted to the extreme conditions of the rally, were standard trucks optimised for best-in-class energy efficiency.

Iveco CEO, Alfredo Altavilla, commented: “The Iveco participation in the Dakar 2012 aimed to confirm once more the excellent reliability of the Iveco trucks and of the FPT Industrial engines. Winning the rally and ranking 3 trucks in the first 6 positions is an outstanding success which shows the efficiency, strength and safety of the Iveco Trakker and Powerstar, already considered by customers as the ideal solution for everyday use and for tougher challenges. My special thanks to the drivers and all the other team members for their commitment and dedication.”

For Iveco, the Dakar 2012 was a great opportunity to confirm the reliability of its products on the ground: each vehicle was put on trial in extreme conditions crossing three countries of South America. The race, which started on January 1, 2012 in Mar del Plata, crossed Argentina, Chile and Peru, covering 14 stages, for a total of 8,500 kilometres, around 4,200 of which were against the clock.

“This new DAF assembly facility is a strategically important development for PACCAR,” said Mark Pigott. “The $200 million facility will consist of a 300,000-square-foot assembly plant on a 569-acre site in the city of Ponta Grossa, in the State of Paraná. Construction will begin immediately and is due to be completed in 2013. Ponta Grossa has an excellent workforce and proximity to strategic supplier partners and the port of Paranaguá,” added Pigott.

The high-technology and environmentally friendly facility is designed to assemble the premium quality DAF XF, CF and LF vehicles and the industry-leading PACCAR MX engine. It will produce DAF trucks for Brasil and the entire Latin American market. The DAF trucks will be distributed through a network of independent DAF dealers.

“We are proud to have PACCAR select Ponta Grossa for its new DAF assembly plant,” said Governor Richa. “Their investment reinforces Paraná’s commitment to bring high-quality jobs to our State due to our excellent workforce. PACCAR will help stimulate economic growth and contribute to an improved quality of life in this region.”

“We appreciate the support of the State of Paraná and Ponta Grossa leaders, and we look forward to developing strong partnerships with the local community,” noted Marco Davila, president DAF Caminhões. “We are pleased to be working closely with Ponta Grossa State University, Paraná Federal Technology University and other technical colleges in the region. As DAF production levels increase, we expect to hire up to 500 employees.”

To date, more than 100,000 drivers of heavy trucks have participated in Scania Driver Competitions, making it the world’s largest truck driver competition and training event.

This year over 45.000 young drivers from 27 countries on five continents are expected to compete to become the world’s best truck driver.

National rounds and the final competition will include theoretical tests on road safety regulations, and practical tests on vehicle inspection, fuel-efficient driving and safe manoeuvring. The winner will be offered a brand new truck from Scania.

The AutoExpo event offers an excellent opportunity to exhibit our industry-leading DAF product to Indian commercial vehicle customers,” said Dan Sobic, PACCAR executive vice president.

The DAF CF being displayed is equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 180-horsepower engine and an Asia MotorWorks (AMW) tipper body. The versatile CF is designed for tractor and vocational configurations. DAF is the leading on-highway tractor manufacturer in Europe. DAF trucks are sold and serviced by a network of over 1,000 independent dealer locations worldwide.

“DAF vehicles are successful due to their excellent reliability, efficiency and high standard of driver comfort,” commented Don Schulte, managing director PACCAR in India. “The AutoExpo 2012 offers PACCAR the opportunity to meet with potential customers, dealers and suppliers.”

“The Fenatran event offers an excellent opportunity to exhibit our industry-leading vehicles to Brazilian commercial vehicle customers”, said Marco Antonio Davila, president of DAF Caminhões Brasil. “DAF trucks developed for Brazil will be assembled in a new state-of-the-art DAF production facility in Ponta Grossa, which is planned to be completed in 2013.”

In the European Union, DAF’s market share in the heavy segment (15 ton+) grew to 15.3% in the first half of this year. DAF’s EU market share objective is 20%. DAF is market leader in The Netherlands, Belgium, Great-Britain, Poland and Central Europe and the largest import brand in Germany, France and Italy. DAF is a leading truck OEM in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, South Africa and Turkey.

On its stand (location L90) at Fenatran, DAF is exhibiting its full range of vehicles, the LF, CF and XF. The DAF LF is designed for city and regional distribution applications and the versatile CF series for a wide range of applications. The CF series is available in tractor and rigid configurations with 2, 3 and 4 axles and single or double drive.

“A key model for the Brazilian market is the flag ship XF105 for heavy and long distance transport”, added Michael Kuester, Commercial Director from DAF Caminhões Brasil. “The XF105 sets the standard in efficiency and driver comfort.”

The XF105 will be available as a 6×2 tractor with Meritor driven axle and Suspensys trailing axle, and as a 6×4 tractor with Meritor double driven single reduction tandem axles. These models will have drum brakes on front and rear axles and a pneumatic braking system with ABS optionally. The XF105 is powered by the state-of-the-art 12.9 liter PACCAR MX engine in Euro 5 specification with outputs from 410 to 510 hp. Standard will be a ZF 16 speed manual gearbox, with an automated AS-Tronic available as an option.

At the Fenatran’s DAF stand, there will be special attention for PACCAR Engine Technology. On display is the full range of modern four and six cylinder diesel engines with volumes from 4.5 to 12.9 liter and outputs from 140 to 510 hp. They all meet the Euro 5 emission standard and are developed for maximum reliability, durability, low fuel consumption and high performance.

Marion Gough from Orphans in the Wild charity and Darren Lothian Traffic Manager at White Logistics.

Transport company White Logistics has donated more than 100 old uniforms, including many fleeces and tops, to Orphans in the Wild – a charity helping the orphans.

“We have supported Orphans in the Wild for the past five years and they have made such a difference to the children’s lives we are proud to help them in any way we can,” said Commercial Director Will Stracey.

“The orphans live in a harsh climate and many are very poor so hopefully the clothes will go some way to making their lives a little easier.”

Orphans in the Wild was set up five years ago to help the orphans and foster families who live in the Mufindi district of Tanzania where temperatures can be as low as two degrees

Staff at White Logistics, which is a member of Palletforce and based in Pershore, Worcestershire, have been helping the charity since it set up by volunteering their vehicles to collect and transport donations.

After undergoing a company-wide rebrand earlier this year, which included new uniforms, they decided to donate their old ones to the charity which has already built five orphan houses, two hospitals, a library and a HIV/AIDs treatment centre used by 400 people a week.

It is currently working towards building a sixth orphan house, extending a hospital, building a vocational centre and sustaining an outreach program that has seen 1,000 orphans being cared for by foster families.

“Mufindi is in the Tanzanian Southern Highlands where it rains for six months of the year and has very cold temperatures. The population is also extremely poor, so this kind donation of warm clothing will be really appreciated by the villagers,” said Marion Gough, Trustee at the charity.

”We would like to give a huge thank you to White Logistics for their on-going support over the last five years.

The joint industry proposal will enable the use of one type of plug independent of car make, electricity provider or country.

“This is a major step towards the broader introduction of electrically-chargeable vehicles in Europe and paves the way for a harmonised solution around the globe”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA, the automobile manufacturers’ trade association. “We call on the European Commission, the standardisation bodies and the infrastructure providers to adopt these recommendations and to clear remaining issues as soon as possible.”

Standardisation of the connection between the electricity grid and electrically-chargeable vehicles is one of the prerequisites to help e-mobility gain a viable market share. At present, a variety of solutions is used, leading to a fragmentation of the market across Europe and abroad.

The industry recommendations cover the whole link between the public charging infrastructure and the vehicle inlet including the communication between the two, and they address both slow and fast charging with direct or alternate current. As soon as approved by the relevant standardisation bodies, vehicle manufacturers will start integrating the uniform application in their production cycles. The auto industry advocates the full implementation for new vehicles types from 2017.

A unique standard for vehicle charging will benefit all parties involved: the auto industry, the consumer and the infrastructure provider. “Standardisation provides predictability to investors; it enables economy of scale and reduces costs. We have also ensured a solution that meets the highest safety standards and is easy to use”, said Hodac.

Most stakeholders assume a realistic market share for electrically-chargeable vehicles in the range of 3 to 10% of new sales by 2020 to 2025, depending on how quickly the most immediate challenges can be addressed.

The proposed regulations would mean that fewer driving hours per day are available to drivers, which may lead to an increase in demand of independent owner-operators by trucking companies struggling to complete the usual shipping routes.

Federal regulators hope to cut driver fatigue and increase safety on the nation’s highways by further limiting hours in service and instituting more mandatory break times.

With fewer driving hours per driver available each week, more drivers will be needed, and trucking companies will likely be looking to add to their rosters of independent drivers.

DAF will also supply engines and cabs to the Czech truck manufacturer. “DAF’s minority ownership in TATRA further strengthens DAF’s industry-leading position in the heavy truck segment in Central Europe,” said Harrie Schippers, DAF Trucks president.

“With these agreements, the new line of TATRA off-road vehicles will combine the quality, reliability and technological leadership of the PACCAR MX 12.9 litre engine and DAF CF cab with TATRA’s versatile off-road chassis which features exceptional performance in the most difficult operating conditions,” said Ronald A. Adams, TATRA chairman and chief executive officer. TATRA’s range of new off road vehicles (4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 10×10 and 12×12) will also be sold by DAF dealers throughout Europe and complement DAF’s premium range of construction vehicles. Delivery of DAF cabs and PACCAR engines to TATRA will begin later this year.

“DAF is the commercial vehicle product quality leader in Europe”, added Schippers. “DAF has been consistently gaining market share in Europe for 10 years and our excellent reputation for cab ergonomics, engine performance and aftermarket support has contributed significantly to that growth.” The PACCAR MX 12.9 litre engine – developed and manufactured by DAF Trucks in Eindhoven – is renowned for its superb performance, excellent reliability and fuel efficiency. DAF cabs are produced in DAF’s state-of-the-art production plant in Westerlo (Belgium) and represent the industry quality standard in comfort and fit and finish.

TATRA a.s., founded in 1850, is among the oldest automotive companies in the world. The Czech company’s product range includes a complete portfolio of heavy duty off-road vehicles, all with excellent mobility even in the most challenging terrains and extreme climatic conditions. “We are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with DAF”, said Adams. “TATRA’s endurance test programs have proven the outstanding quality and durability of the DAF components, which will further strengthen our position in the segment of the heavy duty off-road trucks.”

Silvia Valles Barrera will now represent Europe and Ireland in the final round of the competition travelling to Cairo, Egypt this October to compete against the winners from the Africa and Middle East, Americas, Asia and Pacific regions.

Ms. Barrera, who is a native of Spain, has been employed by Hawthorn Logistics since September 2010 and is responsible for managing its clients’ needs to transport goods and products around the world.

Hawthorn Logistics is one of Ireland’s youngest but fastest growing freight forwarding companies providing global shipping to exporters and importers along with warehousing facilities and expertise for distributing product by courier, air, sea and road

The awards competition, run by the International Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA), is open to candidates representing the countries and national freight associations in the four geographical regions into which it is divided.

Ms. Barrera was chosen to represent the Irish International Freight Association (IIFA) after she achieved distinction level in the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding. The internationally recognized diploma course is validated by FIATA and delivered by the IIFA.

Each participant in the regional finals of the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year 2011 awards had to prepare a thesis focusing on one key import and export commodity or cargo in their country.

The thesis was obliged to consider the complexity of the issues of importing and exporting including bulk cargo, time sensitive delivery, hazardous goods, multimodal moves as well as cross-border issues, regulatory issues and risk management.

Ms. Barrera’s thesis titled ‘The Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry in Ireland and its Challenges for the Freight Forwarder’ saw her qualify as a regional finalist at the FIATA World Congress in Cairo alongside competitors from the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and Hong Kong.

“Our members are delighted with Silvia’s success. Flexibility is the key to successful freight forwarding. That flexibility is only possible if you possess a thorough knowledge of all transport modal options and Silvia has proven that her skills and expertise are among the best in the business,” said Colm Walsh, CEO, of the Irish International Freight Association (IIFA).

“We have every confidence that she will do Europe and Ireland proud at the FIATA World Congress in October and look forward to the prospect of welcoming her home as the overall Young Freight Forwarder of the Year 2011,” he added.

The new subsidiary is focusong on developing marketing and sales activities, with particular emphasis on the further expansion of the DAF dealer network. In order to guarantee first-class parts availability, a PACCAR Parts Distribution Centre will also be established near Moscow.

The main task of DAF Trucks Russia is to further expand DAF’s presence in the Russian market. An essential part of this is to enlarge the network, which currently consists of DAF Truck Sales & Service Dealers in Moscow and St Petersburg and DAF Service dealers in Yekaterinburg and Smolensk. The aim is to expand this network to around 20 locations in the coming years.

Russia is one of the fastest growing truck markets in the world. Around 120,000 heavy-duty vehicles are expected to be registered in 2015 (compared to approx. 42,000 in 2010), and there is increasing interest in Western European trucks in particular. Whereas 500 Western European trucks were registered in the over 15 tons category in Russia in 2,000, this figure had increased to almost 5,000 last year. In 2010, DAF registered 350 heavy-duty vehicles in Russia, corresponding to a 7% market share of the Western European brands. The objective for this year is to sell at least 1,000 vehicles and to further expand the market share in the next few years.

“PACCAR has a 100-year history in China,” said Dan Sobic, executive vice president. “The Auto Shanghai event offers an excellent opportunity to exhibit industry-leading DAF vehicles to Chinese commercial vehicle customers.”

The DAF vehicles on display include the LF series for urban distribution applications, the versatile CF series for regional and vocational applications and the flagship XF105 for longer haulage. All DAF vehicles are equipped with PACCAR engines. PACCAR’s engines have been honored with the “Bus Engine of the Year” award at Busworld Asia for five consecutive years.

“China is the largest truck market in the world and PACCAR is looking forward to expanding its presence in China,” added Sobic. DAF is the leading on-highway tractor manufacturer in Europe. DAF trucks are sold and serviced by a network of over 1,000 independent dealer locations worldwide.”

The new tyre’s name – X® MultiWayTM 3D – sums up its mission… or rather its missions.

The term “Multiway” should be interpreted as broadly as possible since the tyre delivers superior traction regardless of the road surface, was for driving on main and secondary roads as well as on motorways and can be driven in all seasons.

Similarly, the savings generated by the X® MultiWayTM 3D should be seen as a whole. The tyre’s fuel efficiency, longevity and retreadability help to reduce its environmental impact.

Lower fuel consumption and longer total mileage also make trucking companies more productive. But that’s not all. The tyre’s superior traction in all driving conditions helps truckers get the job done efficiently and safely. Thanks to its outstanding grip, the X® MultiWayTM 3D limits the risk of incidents that can slow deliveries, thereby improving productivity.

A record 13,704 participants initially entered VISTA 2011 – in 3,740 teams – including 102 teams from Great Britain and Ireland.

After three rounds of theoretical questions, around 150 teams worldwide have progressed to one of 16 semi-finals held in nine locations, where 30 teams will qualify for the World Final in Gothenburg in June.

Ten UK & Ireland teams have successfully reached this round and their semi-final will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece in mid-April when, after competing against each other, only the two best performing teams will get the opportunity to progress to the World Final.

The ten successful UK and Irish teams are from Volvo dealerships in Felixstowe, Norwich, Trafford Park (Manchester), West Thurrock (Essex), Hythe (Kent), Preston, Ayr, Spalding, Glasgow and Cork (Ireland).

Malcolm Cook, the team Leader of ‘MMACKy Dees’, representing MC Truck and Bus of Hythe, near Folkestone, commented, “VISTA 2011 is tougher than previous competitions, but we are determined to give it our best shot and would love to win it this year for the UK.”

“Everyone who has completed all three rounds should be congratulated for their magnificent efforts, and considering the level of competition, all teams who have made it to the semi-finals should be tremendously proud,” says Johanna Lundberg, Project Manager for VISTA, adding “The standards have been very high, and I hope VISTA 2011 has inspired and motivated all teams that have taken part, but what is really important is that participants keep telling us how much they are learning from the competition.”

The aim of the competition is to develop and improve employees’ knowledge and skills, and improve Volvo Trucks’ and Buses’ Aftermarket customer services. It is estimated that every participant who has completed both rounds of VISTA 2011 has received around 90 hours of extra training, making a significant contribution all UK and Irish dealerships and workshops.

“Already VISTA 2011 has involved around 2,900 hours of extra training for our personnel,” says Steve Lambert, the UK VISTA Team Leader. “This is why VISTA is so important in developing and improving of customer care. Regardless of where each of our teams finish, every single participant is benefiting from the experience.”

The website, www.paccarengines.com, is an excit ing and

informative source to learn about the PACCAR engines installed in DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.

“We are pleased that our customers will have access to the latest developments in PACCAR engine technology, specifications, features and benefits,” said Craig Brewster, vice-president. “In addition to product information, the website highlights PACCAR’s extensive engine history, design and manufacturing quality. Video testimonials from customers, virtual tours of PACCAR’s engine development and test facilities and information about 2010 emissions control systems are included. It’s an excellent tool for our customers and dealers, providing a single location for the full range of PACCAR engine-related news and information.”

The PACCAR engine website also provides links to DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt websites to enable a better understanding of the integration of the engine, powertrain and vehicle chassis. Easy-to-use maps with directions to DAF, Kenworth and Peterbilt dealers are included to identify convenient locations for parts and service. The PACCAR MX engine was recently introduced as the premium heavy-duty engine in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.

PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines and provides financial services and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

The platforms will underpin the billion-dollar Nikaitchuq Development Project in Alaska. Transporting them from Berard Transportation’s base in New Iberia, Louisiana to their shipping dock was no small feat in trailer technology to accomplish – which is why the American company called on Goldhofer for help.

The Memmingen-based experts came up with two vast self-propelling super-structures (Goldhofer modules THP/SL-E and THP/ES-E), which are designed specially for the transportation of extremely heavy equipment. Between the two structures, no fewer than 144 axles and 1,152 wheels were needed to bear the weight of the platforms.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers, the sole UK distributor of Goldhofer heavy haulage equipment in the UK and Ireland, expressed his admiration at the partnership’s solution.

“Goldhofer has always thought outside the box and risen to the challenge, however difficult,” says Collins. “That said, I’m still impressed at the sheer size and complexity of these structures.”

Like its Germ an project-p

artner, Berard Transportation also has a history of devising strong solutions for awkward, heavyweight machinery – but CEO Johnny Berard admits that the prospect of transporting these oil platforms was a daunting one nonetheless.

“So many factors had to be taken into consideration for this project that it really was quite a mammoth task to take on,” says Berard. “We managed it though, thanks to the technical expertise of the designers involved.”

The Nikaitchuq Development Project is a joint venture between oil production corporations Kerr-McGee and Armstrong Oil & Gas, founded in 2004. It is located in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s North Slope.

Goldhofer is a global specialist in heavy haulage and special transportation. It provides transport solutions for everything from super-yachts to submarines, as well as plant and materials for the mining, construction, chemical and power industries.

The bio-fuel has been developed at Edinburgh Napier University and is the result of two years work by the biofuel research centre.

The team focused on the whiskey industry to develop biobutanol, a next generation bio-fuel which gives 30% more output power than ethanol.

It uses the two main by-products of the whiskey production process, which are “pot ale”, the liquid from the copper stills, and “draff”, the spent grains.

Senators from Idaho, Maine and Wisconsin have introduced the Bill that would allow states to raise the maximum weight for trucks operating on their interstates above the federal limit of 80,000 pounds (40 tons).

The Senators say the move would reduce the number of trucks on the road and reduce both fuel usage and emissions.

A joint venture contract was signed in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China Wen Jiabao. The approval for the deal was granted by the relevant Chinese government authority.

“The joint venture with Foton Motor represents another key milestone in implementing our China strategy. It further strengthens our position to address all segments of the market. And it shows that we deliver what we promise taking full advantage of the enormous potential in China and other growth countries.” Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG comments about the signing ceremony.

“The NDRC approval of the joint venture with Foton Motor in China is a key milestone in Daimler Truck’s overall strategy,” said Andreas Renschler, member of Daimler’ s Board of Management and Head of Daimler Truck

s and Daimler Buses. “The joint venture offers us an excellent springboard from which we can achieve growth, profitability and expansion in China, and with Foton as a global partner, in the international markets as well.”

A report from Pike Research in the United States claims that upwards on 650,000 cars and trucks could be sold annually by 2020.

The market research and consulting firm, says the growth of the fuel cell vehicle market “balances on two key elements: the growth of hydrogen gas refueling stations and improvements in the cells themselves.”

The record, which after meticulous measurement showed an average speed of 130.862 km/h (500 metres) and 166.698* km/h (1,000 metres), is still unofficial as the results will be reviewed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) before they are acknowledged as official records. The FIA had a representative on site at Hultsfred to document the record-breaking event.

The record is calculated on the basis of average speed over the entire course, but when Boije crossed the finishing line he was clocked at just over 250 km/h.

“It feels amazing,” says Boije Ovebrink, who brought along his family and most of his racing team to witness the record-breaking race, adding, “It’s a great way to celebrate one’s birthday,”

For some time, Boije has been working to set new records with a specially-built truck, in collaboration with Volvo Trucks, various other sponsors and a team of enthusiasts. The 16-litre Volvo D16 engine that powers his truck is built to deliver a massive 2,000 horsepower and up to 5,000 Nm of torque.

“We congratulate Boije and his team of passionate Volvo engineers to this new world record. His truck is to a very high degree based on original Volvo components, which clearly demonstrates the built in strength and quality of our products”, says Tommy Kohle, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at Volvo Trucks.

Until recently, Boije believed he needed to beat a speed of just over 170 km/h for the 1,000 metre course that Czech race ace David Vršecký from Team Buggyra achieved in 2008. However, closer examination revealed that this was not an official record acknowledged by the FIA.

The previous official record-holder, who in 2001 set the benchmark for both 500 and 1,000 metres, and again took the 1,000 metre record in 2007, is none other than Boije Ovebrink. Now he is waiting for the FIA’s approval to claim his latest record…

Researchers from the University of California-San Diego set out to see what resilience vehicle control systems had against attack.

The results were shocking.

The researchers developed software called CarShark to monitor communications between the ECUs and insert fake packets of data to carry out attacks.

The researchers mounted a series of attacks against a stationary and moving vehicle to see how much of the car could fall under their control.

In one attack, the team transformed the instrument panel into a clock that counted down to zero from 60 seconds.

They found that almost every system in the car, including engine, brakes, heating and cooling, lights, instrument panel, radio and locks was vulnerable.

However, new survey results, sponsored by Jabra, a world leader in innovative headset and in-car speakerphone solutions, suggest we’re anything but responsible when driving.

Despite technology to help keep both hands on the wheel, people are choosing to use their hands elsewhere whilst driving.  The most common activities for the six countries polled ( US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, Japan) include eating, changing clothes, operating GPS systems, yelling at other drivers, texting and even performing sexual acts whilst behind the wheel.  To compound issues, only about half of the survey respondents reported they’re using a hands-free device, which is the law in many countries.

For commuters, some activities may seem time-saving, with nearly 25 percent admitting to styling their hair or changing clothes while the car is in motion, but ultimately these acts are perilous, resulting in humiliating or more serious injuries.

The majority of respondents (72%) also admitted to eating food regularly while driving, which might seem convenient with fast food and drive-throughs, but for others’ safety it is important to keep both hands on the wheel, not the meal.

Further survey findings include:

• 29% of respondents admitted to kissing others while driving, whereas a smaller, but surprising number (15%) said they’ve performed sex or other sexual acts while driving
• 28% confirmed they text while driving
• 25% admitted to changing clothes while driving, whereas much fewer (5%) have shaved while behind the wheel
• 13% reported they apply make up while driving
• 10% also reported reading newspapers or magazines while driving
• 5% confessed to playing video games, while even more (12%) admitted to writing or reading emails while driving

“We have seen the demand for hands-free devices increase as most of Europe and numerous American states pass laws prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving, but we are honestly shocked at what people are doing with their hands – even when not using a headset or speakerphone,” said Anne Raaen Rasmussen, Vice President of the Mobile division at Jabra.  “Jabra’s products are designed to help drivers keep both hands on the wheel – not the meal, newspaper, make-up, or another person in the car.  The bad behaviours

that were revealed in the survey at first seemed to be a joke, but in reality they are really quite frightening and a threat to everyone’s safety on the road.”

Road rage in general appears to be a global issue, with 63 percent reporting that they yell at other motorists while driving – and the French appear to be the biggest offenders.  Young people (age 18-35) from all countries also appear to be engaging in bad driving behaviours with higher frequency, but at the same time don’t feel that these activities are as dangerous as perceived by those who are older.  Across the board, the Japanese are the worst offenders when it comes to personal grooming while driving and electronic distractions like video games, movies, audio books, and music devices.  Alternatively, the British appear to be more safety oriented with the highest level of awareness around highly dangerous driving behaviours.

To learn more about the survey results and the driving behaviours examined, visit www.Jabra.com/DriveResponsibly for more information.  Jabra has also has provided tips on ways to make the road safer and what to look for when purchasing a hands-free headset or speakerphone.

The PACCAR MX engine certification and compliance with EPA 2010 emission regulations allows the PACCAR MX engine to be installed in Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles in North America, effective immediately.

“PACCAR customers have benefited from the superior performance of the PACCAR MX engine in DAF vehicles for years,” said Mark Pigott, PACCAR chairman and chief executive officer.  “Kenworth and Peterbilt customers will now be able to enjoy the industry-leading reliability, fuel economy and resale value of world-class vehicles with PACCAR MX engines.”

“The EPA certification is an important milestone in establishing the PACCAR MX engine in North America,” said Jim Cardillo, PACCAR president.  “The proven performance of the PACCAR MX engine will deliver outstanding reliability and durability, as well as excellent fuel efficiency and lower operating costs to our customers.  Over 1,500 Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles with MX engines have been ordered.”

The PACCAR MX engine is available with a horsepower range of 380 to 485 h.p. and torque up to 1,750 lb-ft.  MX engine production in North America begins this summer at PACCAR’s new engine facility in Columbus, Mississippi.  The PACCAR MX engine has completed over 50 million miles in an extensive testing program.  In addition, the MX engines have successfully completed evaluation in hot and cold temperature extremes, high altitudes and difficult vocational applications.

PACCAR previously announced the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with its MX engines to meet the oxides-of-nitrogen (NOx) requirements for the 2010 EPA diesel engine emissions regulations.  “The MX engine meets the stringent emission standards of 0.2 grams per brake horsepower hour of NOx and the 0.01 grams per brake horsepower hour of particulate matter,” said Craig Brewster, PACCAR vice president.  “The combination of SCR, a diesel particulate filter, and controlled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) will provide PACCAR customers a highly efficient solution to the 2010 emission requirements.”

PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates.  PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines and provides financial services and information technology and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

“Consumer demand for greener vehicles as well as new regulations will heavily influence the development and marketability of innovations in the automotive industry,” says Hans Roehm, DTT Global Manufacturing Industry Leader.

“Our analysis shows that the United States is leading in terms of economic stimulus and other government incentives with an estimate of US $27.4 billion directed towards alternative fuel technologies such as EVs.”

Incentives and government support range from tax breaks and cash bonuses for consumers, to subsidies for research and development projects.

The analysis shows that the global automotive industry is expected to benefit directly from an injection of around $105 billion in economic stimulus funds.