BMW releases X1 (2009): teaser pictures and video

By Peter Adams First Official Pictures 05 June 2009 16:00 UPDATED: BMW has just released video of a partially disguised X1 testing in Majorca BMW has released four teaser shots of its forthcoming X1 on a Facebook page dedicated to the mini-SUV. The X1 won't be officially unveiled until the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009, but BMW has been cranking up the publicity machine for its new 4x4 since a concept X1 was shown at Paris last year. CAR's Georg Kacher drove a prototype X1 earlier this year (CAR, May 2009) and in the past few days BMW has also released official shots of the car clad in the company's infamous psychedelic disguise.

Van drivers at greater risk of crashing

VAN DRIVERS are 50% more likely to be involved in a collision when driving too close to the vehicle in front and a massive 142% more at danger of crashing when reversing. Drivers of vans are also 43% more at risk of being in an accident even when parked, while performing a U-turn puts them at 39% more likely to be in a collision than other road users. Other areas where van drivers are more at risk is when changing lanes (36%) and on motorways (19%).

US DoT makes rear-view cameras compulsory

The US Department of Transportation (DoT) has issued a new safety standard for rear visibility that requires mandatory fitment of rear-view cameras. The ruling applies to all new vehicles, excluding motorcycles, weighing under 10,000 pounds (4,536kg) sold from 2018. The ruling has been introduced to cut backover crashes, caused when the victim strays into the blind zone 10-40 feet (3-12m) behind the vehicle that the driver can't see using their mirrors alone.