MyCar was designed by ItalDesign Giugiaro, the Italian design firm, and is produced by Innovech International, based in Hong Kong. It weighs just 770lb thanks to its plastic panels. The single cylinder two-speed (plus reverse) petrol engine comes in sizes from 50cc to 250cc, with a top speed of 28-53mph.
There are also prototype electric versions. Innovech plans to start production towards the end of the year and hopes to sell between 1,000 and 2,000 cars in Europe in the first year.
Safety devices ‘dull reactions’
Electronic safety systems designed to minimise human error could actually make drivers more dangerous by lulling them into a false sense of security.
The effect, dubbed “highway hypnosis” by researchers, is a state of mind brought about by reduced stress and drivers having little to do.
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A study at Brunel University looked at the effects of two systems: adaptive cruise control (ACC), which electronically maintains a safe distance from the car in front, and active steering (AS), which monitors the white lines in the road and adjusts the steering to keep the car in lane.
Researchers tested 44 drivers in a simulator to see how quickly they would respond to an emergency.
When both safety systems were switched on, their reaction times were considerably slower.
“If a driver has little to do the capacity to respond to unexpected events is dramatically reduced,” said Mark Young, who led the research.
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California girls take control
California’s glamorous, sunkissed alternative to the faceless parking valet is on its way to Britain.
Valet Girls Parking employs women recruited from LA’s hordes of wannabe actresses and models and is creating a storm in the traditionally male domain of valet parking.
The company now plans to bring its perfectly proportioned service here before the end of the year. “We’re definitely going to be looking into coming to the UK, probably in the spring,” said Brad Saltzman, the company president. Prospective valet girls will need “a flawless driving record and a great smile”. Although the company uniform may have to be adapted for the British weather, conceded Saltzman.
“Give a restaurant, hotel, club or any event the option of sexy and beautiful women and it always beats the other options,” he said.