Marathon Task For General Motors Fuel Cell Vehicle
Holden will showcase a leading edge, zero-emission concept vehicle developed by General Motors' German affiliate, Opel, during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Known as 'HydroGen1', the fuel cell vehicle that runs on pure hydrogen has been selected to lead the men's and women's Olympic marathons. "We think it is extremely appropriate that a vehicle that is leading the way in future fuel technology will also lead the world's best long-distance runners in this legendary Olympic contest," said Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Hanenberger. "It is a demonstration of General Motors' commitment to technological and environmental leadership and more specifically to producing vehicles which offer economical use of resources," Mr Hanenberger added.
Based on Opel's Zafira compact van (which Holden will be introducing to the Australian market early next year), HydroGen1 complements the 3,500 strong vehicle fleet Holden is supplying as Official Automotive Partner for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and as Provider to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay. In keeping with the 'Green Games' philosophy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, HydroGen1 is entirely pollutant-free, emitting only water vapour.
HydroGen1 is an advanced, road-going concept car which already meets the demands of everyday driving. Propelled by a 55kW three-phase electric motor, it is a full five-seater with a top speed of 140km/h and a range of about 400 kilometres. The electric current is generated by a fuel cell stack that consumes pure hydrogen. The stack consists of 200 individual cells arranged in series and measuring only 590 x 270x 500 millimetres (length x width x height), making it just as compact as a conventional petrol or diesel engine. Its continuous power output is 80kW and its peak output is 120kW. The liquefied hydrogen is transported in a specially insulated 75-litre tank at minus 253ºC.
HydroGen1 was developed at GM's Global Alternative Propulsion Centre (GAPC), located in Mainz-Kastel, Germany; Rochester, New York; and Warren, Michigan (USA). For the 250 specialists at GAPC, the most important future objectives include developing lighter and more compact fuel storage technologies and contributing to the development of an infrastructure that will ensure widespread availability of hydrogen. According to GAPC Co-Director Dr Erhard Schubert, "Hydrogen is most definitely the fuel of the future. A propulsion system using hydrogen fuel cells has optimum efficiency, emits nothing but water vapour, runs practically noise-free and at the same time is fun to drive."
Mammoth Ute Muster
As the self-proclaimed Ute capital of the world and current Guinness Book of Records titleholder for the largest parade of Utility vehicles ever, NSW country town Deniliquin will play host to a herd of Utes during the second annual Ute Muster to be held on 29-30 September. The Holden-sponsored Muster is once again being held as the showcase event of Deniliquin's highly successful 'Play on the Plains' festival. Hosted on the flattest natural open plain on earth, the event will see unique Australian workhorses of every make, model and description converge on the rural community for a weekend of celebrations. For all involved, the focus will be on breaking the standing record of 2,839 Utes set at last year's inaugural Muster.
The overwhelmingly successful 1999 Ute Muster shattered the previous record of 700 vehicles and drew over 12,000 people travelling from as far away as the Northern Territory, Western Australia and New Zealand to 'Ute-ilise it'. Holdens dominated the record-breaking field, accounting for over half the 2,839 entries. Owners displayed models ranging from early FJs to the ever-popular WB one tonners, HQs and late model Commodores which were among the most popular. This year Ute Muster organisers are hoping to attract over 3,000 Utes to surpass their benchmark effort and create a new world record.
Bushranger Tempers Tyre Tantrums
Bushranger, the specialists in 4WD accessories, has announced a new range of tyre care products that simplify the problems of tyre repair and care when assistance is not "just around the corner". The Bushranger Tubeless Tyre Repair Kit contains everything a handy driver needs to solve the problems of punctures when off the beaten track. Complete with directions on its use, the kit contains special tools to clean and prepare the punctured area, plus a range of plugs and sealant designed to make successful reinflation an easy option. And when you return home safely, there are replacement repair strips available in two sizes (100 mm and 180 mm) to make sure your repair kit is always completely stocked and ready for use.
Tyre inflation is also easy thanks to the tough Bushranger Power Air portable 12 Volt compressor. Designed for the harsh conditions of Australia, the fan-cooled compressor clips to the vehicle battery terminals to quickly re-inflate a tyre. The strong protective case stores a range of adaptors for inflating anything from footballs to air mattresses and also includes a built-in inflation pressure gauge, and a torch. According to Russell Foxe, managing director of Kingsley Enterprises, the distributors of Bushranger Auto Gear, correct tyre maintenance is a vital contributor to vehicle safety both on and off road. "Tyre pressure and condition are about the only factors still the responsibility of the driver alone," said Mr Foxe. "While the mechanical components usually have tell-tale warning systems, the driver retains sole responsibility for the condition of the tyres on a vehicle.
"Under inflation is just as dangerous as over inflation and all drivers should familiarise themselves with the correct pressure required for their vehicle including allowing for load and speed. It's important to remember that any emergency tyre repair is temporary. A tyre should receive professional attention from a qualified tyre specialist as soon as possible. The practice of putting a tube in a tubeless tyre should only be considered a temporary 'get you home' measure. Water contamination through the punctured area can lead to rust and corrosion of the fabric and the steel belts used in the tyre's construction. Proper repair is the only safe solution," Mr Foxe said.
The Bushranger Tubeless Tyre Repair Kit, Digital Tyre Gauge and Power Air compressor are backed by a No-Fuss, one-year warranty. All are available from leading 4WD and auto accessory outlets nationally.
Satellite Digital Radio: The Wave of the Future
What the satellite receiving dish has done for television channel options is about to happen to radio programming in the US. With Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) technology, listeners can tune in up to 100 channels of digital-quality, commercial-free programming around the clock and across the continental United States. Delphi Automotive Systems is developing receivers, antennae, and control units that will make the question "What do I want to listen to?" much more of a selection process. Not only will consumers enjoy a much broader range of listening opportunities with SDARS, they will be able to enjoy the programming with a significant reduction in interference that results from signals reflecting off of mountains or buildings, as well as the "late night radio" reduction in listening options.
The road from concept to production components hasn't been an easy one. How to make a moving car capture and process radio signals from distant satellites required innovative thinking. For example, Delphi needed to build antennae that are sensitive enough to pick up signals from a satellite 35,000km away but small enough to unobtrusively fit on the exterior of a car. Then there was the challenge of designing, building, and refining a receiver capable of amplifying as many as three separate signals to provide the best reception possible. The receiver does more than provide audio. It can decode information embedded in the SDARS signal, such as artist and song title, and convey this information to drivers using a standard radio display. Drivers will also require a way to navigate 100 channels of music and information with the controls designed for a normal radio - while keeping their eyes on the road. For the OEM's benefit, Delphi calculated the best way to link the videotape-sized SDARS receiver in the trunk to a radio controller in the cockpit.
Field testing of the satellite-repeater system will begin late in 2000 with the commencement of broadcasting set for early 2001. Reaction to SDARS displays at trade fairs such as the International Consumer Electronics Show and the Society of Automotive Engineers has been overwhelmingly positive. Also, market studies show that more than 30 percent of drivers are very interested in the service, especially frequent highway travelers like long-distance truck drivers.
Quickies
- With August domestic and export sales climbing close to 130,000, Hyundai Motor Company passed the one million units barrier for the year at the end of August - the first time the company has reached this level so early in the year. The year to date total of 1,071,440 showed a 30 per cent increase over the total of 816,411 for the same period in 1999. But then again, General Motors Corp has announced its August 2000 monthly production totalled 561,000 vehicles (295,000 cars and 266,000 trucks) in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- Australian kart racing has been given a major boost with the announcement that Ford Racing will sponsor the annual Portland Grand Prix in 2001. Continuing its support of Australia's most-junior up-and-comer motor racers which began earlier this year with the instigation of the national Ford Max Challenge karting series, the street race in the Victorian western-district town of Portland will be raced next year on February 10 and 11. Like to discuss sponsorship of your race series with Ford? Here's the contact: Stephen Copping stephen@segalmedia.com.au
- Kia is Australia's fastest growing car marque according to the official VFACTS car sales figures with the Korean car maker recording its first four figure sales month in Australia, with a massive 175 per cent increase month on month over last year.
