Vic: Anti nodding off super car gets government backing

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-1999
Vic: Anti nodding off super car gets government backing

By Andra Jackson

MELBOURNE, Dec 20 AAP - A high-tech car that can tell when a driver is about to fall
asleep and give them a nudge to keep them alert has received Victorian government backing.

Manufacturing Minister Rob Hulls today announced a $400,000 development grant for the
car, whose advance features include a medical device fitted by a sleep disorder specialist.

The car also uses petrol only if necessary so when braking, its velocity is stored
electrically as it slows down, instead of wasting energy in the form of heat as happens
with braking.

It also produces only 10 per cent of normal exhaust emissions through an engine that
is used mainly for generating electricity.

Mr Hulls said the futuristic car, known as Concept 2, was a hybrid - an amalgamation
of a petrol powered and electric car which represented the leading edge in fuel efficient
technology developments.

"It will show that we here in Victoria can compete with the rest of the world to build
energy efficient vehicles," Mr Hulls said.

It will be built by the Victorian company Radial Pacific with CSIRO involvement and
will be launched in Korea in June.

Mr Hulls said the new car's predecessor, Concept 1 had been around the world and showcased
Victoria's automotive manufacturing industry.

"This particular car has earned for Victoria and Australia, more than $730 million
worth of business," he said.

"This car has been put together by the world's best vehicle manufacturers and they
exist here in Victoria."

He said concept 2, "sends a message to the Federal Government that we here in Victoria
can compete with the best in the world."

Project Director of the car's developer Axcess Australia, David Wright, said it was
not the car that would bring the business into Victoria but its marketing and the manufacture
of components.

Sixty-seven Victorian companies had contributed components to the new car with 100
companies involved altogether.

"Our aim is to generate a car that will be affordable if it goes into mass production,"

Mr Wright said.

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KEYWORD: SUPERCAR

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