Stability control should be standard: Motorists are being denied a vital safety system that could save hundreds of lives and thousands of serious injuries each year, according to Thatcham, the British motor insurance research centre.
The test centre is calling upon car firms to fit the system as standard on all new cars. New research shows that Electronic Stability Control systems (ESC) can reduce death and serious injury in some accidents by up to 40 per cent, according to Thatcham.
ESC (sometimes referred to as ESP, DSC, VSC or ASTC) works in situations where a driver may be losing control of his vehicle, and intervenes by selectively braking individual wheels automatically, which will help the driver control the vehicle. "This is collision avoidance technology - the data is irrefutable," said Matthew Avery, Thatcham's Crash Laboratory Manager. "Pressure must be brought to bear to make ESC as commonplace as ABS or airbags. ESC doesn't just help during a crash like an air-bag it helps prevent the accident happening in the first place."
NEW AUDI PRICES: Audi has confirmed prices for its new RS4 Avant and RS4 Cabriolet models, both of which are now available in right-hand drive format.
Based on the RS4 Saloon, first versions of which arrived here in March, the RS4 Avant and Cabriolet are powered by a 4.2-litre, 420bhp engine mated to a6-speed manual gearbox. Prices are €106,660 ex-works for the Avant, and €116,400 for the Cabriolet.
BARRETSTOWN BIKERS' CHALLENGE: The seventh annual Across Ireland Motorcycle Challenge takes place next weekend in aid of Barretstown. Over 400 motorcyclists will travel from Dublin to Galway and back again, with a full Garda escort, to help raise over €70,000 for the charity.
Registration takes place at The Mansion House, Dawson Street on Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
FORD FOR THE F.A.I.: While it might not be the best of weeks to be associated with the Irish football team, Ford has teamed up with the FAI to become the official vehicle supplier to the FAI and the Republic of Ireland International Squad.
As part of the four-year deal, worth €2 million, Ford will supply up to 50 new Ford S-MAX models and other cars to FAI officials involved in developing the game nationwide. The blue-oval brand replaces Fiat as vehicle supplier. Ford has a strong association with football, having sponsored the UEFA Champions League since the tournament started in the 1990s.
ARMOURED FILM: A Navan company, Clear Film Systems, is offering a new way to prevent bodywork from chippings and abrasions.
Armourfend, a dual thickness clear film developed by 3M Group, is designed to protect vulnerable surface areas like the bonnet, wheel arches and bumpers and comes with a five-year guarantee. For more details visit: www.clearfilmsystems.com