The sharp-edged styling...
The sharp-edged styling of the old model is expected to give way to a smarter, smoother shape. It will borrow heavily from the 2004 Fluence concept, and previews a new design direction for the French firm. As you can see, the brand"s famous diamond logo will dominate the front of the car, set between flush-fitting headlamps.
New rules are expected...
New rules are expected later this year which could force car manufacturers to provide better protection against vehicle crime.
It’s anticipated that the changes will make it easier for buyers to spot cloned and stolen motors. Clever vehi÷cle marking techniques help to detect clones – yet only if cars have all parts marked.
The high cost of this prevents it, but amendments to the New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA) rules could increase the use of processes such as window etching. One company hoping to cash in on the NVSA update is Kent-based Retainagroup. Each etching it carries out features a unique code, plus a freephone number for potential future owners. They can ring the number and check the database to see if the seller is the genuine owner.
Toyota, Lexus, Saab, Mazda, Fiat and Alfa already use the system, and Retainagroup’s boss Wendy Rowe hopes more will sign up if the NVSA changes get the go-ahead. “Exact details of the amendments haven’t been made public yet, but I think it’s important to remember who we’re working for,” she said.
“You have to make systems easy for everyone to use. Putting a phone number on the windows, which anyone can see and call from their mobile within seconds, is much more sensible than the registration plate or VIN, because it’s linked to the database.”