ROAD DEATHS SET TO DOUBLE BY 2020: Despite advances in car design aimed at reducing road deaths, the number of people killed in traffic incidents globally will double to 2.3 million annually by 2020, Swedish trauma expert Dr Per Örtenwall told a safety information seminar sponsored by Semperit Ireland in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital last night.
Speaking about what Ireland could learn from the success of Sweden in reducing road injuries and deaths, Dr Örtenwall said: "Relating the Swedish experience to the Irish situation, I think that the authorities in Ireland need to focus their actions in a more co-ordinated way to fully implement the three Es of road safety - Engineering, Education and Enforcement. The problems of road safety really require a multi-layered approach in order to have any hope of success."
LONE FORD GT SUPERCAR ARRIVES IN TALLAGHT:
Amid the Ford Transit vans, Fiestas and Fusions on the forecourt at Tallaght Ford in Dublin, there was a rather strange arrival last week: one of only 101 Ford GT supercars to be sold in Europe.
The GT (above), with an Irish price tag of €270,000, was delivered to the Co Dublin dealer, which handled the sale to an anonymous Dublin buyer.
The car was on show last week but despite causing quite a stir when it took to the road, the new owner plans to lock it away for safekeeping - and no doubt watch its value appreciate.
ALFA ROMEO BRERA COUPÉ GETS IRISH LAUNCH:
Alfa Romeo has launched its new Brera 2+2 coupé (above) in Ireland this week. The Brera offers the choice of two petrol engines: a 185bhp 2.2-litre JTS and a 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 JTS unit.
The 3.2 V6 comes with Alfa's Q4 four-wheel drive system. Both the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre versions come with a six-speed transmission.
Prices are €48,000 for the Brera 2.2 and €57,000 for the 3.2 V6.
MOTORING EDITOR JOINS EUROPEAN JURY:
Michael McAleer, motoring editor of The Irish Times, has been elected as the Irish member of the European Car of the Year jury.
He takes over from Andrew Hamilton, who sat on the jury since 1980.