SEMA's good, the bad and the ugly II

By Phil McNamara Motor Shows 01 November 2007 12:26 Alpine R-class Believe me, that is an R-class. Hidden away in the depths of the wheels and tyres hall lurked this mutated MPV, slammed on 30-inch wheels. Surrounded by the DUB editorial team, the project car attracted manic attention - presumably because it was the biggest freak at SEMA 2007.

Toyota FCV Has Passed its Most Important Stage Yet

Toyota FCV (pictured) moves closer to production With anticipation and excitement growing stronger and stronger for the Toyota FCV’s release, we are now one step closer to seeing it on the road with Toyota gaining the government’s approval status for them to build and inspect manufactured hydrogen tanks that carry high amounts of pressure. This has been a large hurdle in Toyota’s race to produce the world’s first road legal hydrogen powered vehicle due to the strict Japanese laws that outline all pressurised gas containers should be type-certified and should be available at all times to inspect for an official safety inspection throughout the manufacturing process. Now that Toyota have been given the go ahead, this boost in plans means that they can now ramp up the production of hydrogen tanks that can store hydrogen fuel at 70mpa (700bar) pressure.

Councils to cut roadworks red tape

COUNCILS in England could soon have the power to cut red tape and make road works much quicker and more accountable. The plan is to introduce permits for any company that wants to dig up a road, which means they will have to co-ordinate their work with other companies and local authorities to reduce the impact of delays on the public. The permit scheme could come into force as early as April 2015 and means anyone applying for a permit to carry out road works will need to present a convincing case for the work.