A new official world speed record has been set in Sweden by a somewhat unlikely vehicle, a piece of construction equipment more commonly seen on civil engineering projects or quarry sites. The machine, a Volvo CE wheeled loader, was specially modified for the record attempt and managed to clock 103km/h along the asphalt at Sweden’s Anderstorp race track. It was driven by one of Volvo CE’s team of demonstration drivers.
The INTERMAT 2012 equipment exhibition in Paris looks to be a strong event, with 90% of the space already sold for the show. Positive growth is forecast, with worldwide growth in the construction machinery and equipment sector. The forecasts for 2011 are more favourable than for 2010 and show that the sector is recovering its dynamism, according to the organisers. Growth is anticipated to reach some 11% this year. Emerging regions such as China, India and Latin America record sustained growth. More than 200
Drivers in Hungary using the new R 67 expressway link will benefit from an unusual design feature of the road once the work is complete. Those driving at a certain speed will be able to hear the melody to the song, Route 67, by local rock band Republic. This effect will be achieved due to grooves cut into the road surface, which will generate harmonic frequencies in the tyres of vehicles driving within a certain speed range when using the link.
Police officers in the UK stopped a motorist recently when they spotted her driving with a rather unusual alternative to a safety belt. The woman was peering from between the legs of a high chair, which she had somehow managed to squeeze into the front of her car. The officers felt that this was unsafe as it obscured her view and stopped her accordingly. Why she did not opt to put the high chair in the boot (trunk) of her car is not known.
