Allison’s next generation prognostics system takes the guesswork out of routine vehicle maintenance while reducing environmental waste costs

INDIANAPOLIS – Allison Transmission, the world’s leading supplier of commercial duty fully automatic transmissions, has developed a new service life indicator that will offer financial and environmental savings to operators. Calibrated to the specific operating requirements of each vehicle, Allison’s electronic monitoring system detects when maintenance is required and alerts the driver or maintenance manager. The new prognostics feature is the first of its kind.  The system is available on Allison’s 1000/2000/3000/4000 Series transmissions from July 2008.

Latest evolution of innovative automatic transmission announced at SAE World Congress – stand 2557

New damping systems are amongst the latest developments being introduced by Zeroshift to enhance its compact, highly efficient automatic transmission. The Zeroshift transmission won a prestigious innovation award at the 2007 SAE World Congress and the company is the Frost & Sullivan 2007 European Powertrain Company of the Year.

Advanced LED technology from BERU f1systems ensures better visibility, simpler maintenance and increased sponsorship identity on Acura LMP sportscars

Motorsport engineering specialist BERU f1systems, has developed two LED arrays that increase visibility yet only occupy a small package space to satisfy weight, complexity and aerodynamic demands. The first, a rear light cluster provides improved visibility across a wide viewing angle, whilst the second, an identification LED array, offer teams the opportunity to highlight sponsors’ logos and clearly see their car even at night time.

A revolutionary new eco-friendly packaging concept, aimed at large screen TVs, has been designed by Tom Ballhatchet, a masters’ graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design. Ballhatchet’s unique Television Packaging Stand is two products in one and allows consumers to retain and re-use the transit packaging, turning ‘waste’ into a design item.

Experts prioritise lightweight techniques at the 3M hosted conference

Developments in carbon composites for high volume applications dominated the Low Carbon Conference in February. 3M, the diversified technology company, welcomed experts ranging from academics to OEM engineers to discuss the way forward for the automotive industry as it faces increasing pressure from Government and the public for reduced vehicle emissions.

A special bandage, partly made from crushed shellfish, is helping to save the lives of badly injured troops and civilians in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

New surface finishes improve reliability and lower underbonnet temperatures for motorsport applications

Following the success of its original ceramic coating, Zircotec is now developing the product in new colours and surface effects, including blue, black and a range of metallic finishes. Retaining the same thermal properties as the original white coating, the extended range offers the additional benefit of component customization and replicates other period finishes.

Abrasives belt range now available in high- and low-pressure options

3M, the diversified technology company, has enhanced its abrasive belt range with the addition of high- and low-pressure options. Trizact CF abrasives can now work on a variety of metals, part shapes and conditions. Its consistent performance also minimises rogue scratches, virtually eliminating the need for costly reworking and improving the overall finishing process, typically by up to 30%.

With Europe seeing some truly horrific weather over the last few months, many primary logistical channels have been affected by delays, closures and damage to infrastructure. Brad Brennan, managing director of Evolution Time Critical explains some of the options on offer should the worst happen

The recent storms that have rampaged across Europe – some the strength of a category 3 hurricane – have wreaked havoc on logistical operations, with ports, railways, roads and airports facing closures, severe delays and even significant damage in some cases. The effect weather can have on transport operations is nothing new to most logistical managers, indeed many already have reliable contingency plans in place that involve the use of emergency logistics specialists.