More motoring news in brief.
ESB vehicles to go green
The ESB is to introduce biofuels to its large commercial fleet. A 100-vehicle pilot scheme with the University of Limerick will use biodiesel sourced from Munster-based Eco Ola in vehicles, which range from small vans to four-wheel-drive hoists.
The biodiesel is sourced from rapeseed grown by Irish farmers. An ESB spokesman stated the fuel required for the initial 18 month project is not a significant drain on Irish supplies.
The biodiesel is being trialled on current diesel engines at at levels between 30 per cent and 100 per cent to ascertain the best mix for widespread use.
The ESB estimates that if rolled out across the full fleet of 2,600 vehicles the biodiesel will reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent.
Audi's new system to help 'guide' cars to the next set of traffic lights
Audi is working on a new system to dramatically reduce the time cars spend stopped at traffic lights.
Dubbed "Travolution", the system communicates with traffic lights in the vicinity of the car and if the upcoming lights are red, it estimates the optimal speed for the car in order to reach the lights at its next green phase.
The driver is informed via the onboard information system of the optimal speed. This reduces the stoppage time and the fuel consumption. The two-year scheme, which is being tested in the firm's home town of Ingolstadt, currently operates on 46 traffic lights in the city and a fleet of A5s and A6s Avants. Russia's once fevered car market is cooling in a development that could hurt struggling global carmakers in an already difficult year.
Demand for cars is also slowing in China, India and Brazil, the other three big markets that until now have helped carmakers make up for flagging demand in the US, western Europe and Japan.
Analysts who cover the sector are revisiting bullish sales estimates for a country that bought 2.5 million cars last year and will soon replace Germany as Europe's largest car market.
In August, car sales in Russia - damaged by the effects on sentiment following the conflict in Georgia, among other factors - grew 6 per cent year on year, down from 22 per cent in July, according to JD Power.
Previously buoyant car sales in central European countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, fell 9.3 per cent last month, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. - (FT Service)
Testing the next Astra
Pictured is the next generation Opel Astra undergoing tests in the US. Although slightly camouflaged by the chequered paintwork, the sloping roofline to the rear, the trapezoidal-shaped c-pillars and new light clusters are clearly visible.
However, it's the interior shot that reveals the latest information. With many of the touches carried forward from the newly launched Insignia and there is also a new prototype six-speed gearbox.
Similar to the Insignia, it appears that there will be suspension setting options in the new Astra, with "Tour" and "Sport" switches on the central console in much the same way as the larger Insignia.
Sales fall in emerging markets
Russia's once fevered car market is cooling in a development that could hurt struggling global carmakers in an already difficult year.
Demand for cars is also slowing in China, India and Brazil, the other three big markets that until now have helped carmakers make up for flagging demand in the US, western Europe and Japan.
Analysts who cover the sector are revisiting bullish sales estimates for a country that bought 2.5 million cars last year and will soon replace Germany as Europe's largest car market.
In August, car sales in Russia - damaged by the effects on sentiment following the conflict in Georgia, among other factors - grew 6 per cent year on year, down from 22 per cent in July, according to JD Power.
Previously buoyant car sales in central European countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, fell 9.3 per cent last month, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. - (FT Service)