Polaris 7660701 Hairpin, Cotter on 2040-parts.com

Ford improves simulators to help driver safety

Today's cars are loaded to the hilt with technology. Given modern vehicles' built-in opportunities for driver distraction, not to mention society's penchant for mobile-device use while motoring, it's a wonder we get home safely at all. To that end, Ford has upgraded its Virttex virtual-reality machine to study driver performance in the pursuit of safety devices and driver-aid development.

Rearview cameras may become mandatory

Rearview cameras may become a mandatory feature in all passenger cars by 2014 if US Congress approves a rule submitted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Auto safety regulators have taken the decision to submit a final rule to Congress after figures emerged from non-profit group KidsandCars.org that stated that two children die and about 50 are injured every week when someone accidentally backs over them in a vehicle. In one quite shocking public-service announcement KidsAndCars.org showed that 62 children could fit behind a large SUV without being visible to the driver in any of the mirrors.

SEASONAL PRESSURES SEE MARKET SLOW IN JULY

AUCTION house BCA’s latest Pulse report shows that demand for older, lower value dealer part-exchange cars improved in July, but the fleet and lease sector has experienced more price pressure. The headline average used car value declined in July, as would typically be expected at the onset of the summer holiday months. Values across the board fell to £5,633 down from the £5,662 recorded in June – a £29 decrease that was equivalent to 0.5% fall.