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Navman Wireless’ Qtanium 300 GPS construction fleet tracking system has won a 2011 Chicago Innovation Award set up to recognise the most innovative new products and services introduced by Chicago-area companies. The Qtanium 300 is claimed to be the first universal construction fleet tracking system, making it possible to monitor actual equipment usage and associated costs for all makes and models of construction equipment from a single application. As part of the company's flagship OnlineAVL2 fleet tracking

In a keynote speech at the XXIVth World Road Congress in Mexico yesterday, Carole Coune, secretary general of the International Transport Forum at the OECD, stressesd the role of transport for environmentally responsible development.Coune, who assumed office as the International Transport Forum's secretary general in August, said, "Transport is a critical factor in delivering green growth.

Over the last two decades, diesel engines have become more popular among European consumers, due to their higher fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emission values and fun-to-drive perception when compared to gasoline engines.

Interest is strong in Brazil’s BR-101 highway project. The tender for the project will open on 18th January 2012. According to Brazil's Land Transport Agency (ANTT), at least six groups, most Brazilian, have shown interest in the project. The stretch to be put out to tender totals 476km, of which 458km is in Espirito Santo. The ANTT states that US$1.24 billion will be invested in the BR-101, with plans to widen the highway in stages. The concession period for the road totals 25 years and the highway will fe

Siemens is currently developing intelligent transportation technology for the fast and orderly evacuation of citizens which is currently being piloted in Texas. In this project, traffic light timing systems register traffic flow and adjust the phases of red and green light accordingly.

The latest official statistics from the Italian authorities show an improving road safety situation. Italy's statistics institute Istat has data showing that road accidents decreased by 1.9% to 211,404 in 2010. Meanwhile the number of people injured dropped by 1.5% to 302,735, and fatalities were down 3.5% to 4,090. Despite having failed to achieve the 50% fatalities reduction target set in 2001, the country saved €25 billion in social costs. Accidents decreased by 1% on highways, although fatalities rose b

The planned introduction of congestion charges in Copenhagen will not have a major impact on air quality according to Kåre Press-Kristensen, traffic expert at Denmark's Ecological Council (Det Økologiske Råd).

Trimble has announced a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire SketchUp, one of the most popular 3D modelling tools in the world, from Google. The major deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. SketchUp is currently used by millions of users annually—ranging from architects to engineering and construction firms to building and design professionals—for designing, mo

The organisers of the PLANTWORX exhibition have carried out a Grand Stand Draw for exhibitors at the Heritage Motor Museum, in the UK. Following a conference hosted by the Construction Equipment Association, the organisers of PLANTWORX, over 60 guests from the construction industry witnessed the PLANTWORX Grand Stand Draw.

Mexican president Felipe Calderon spoke at the opening of the 2011 PIARC World Road Congress in capital Mexico City. Calderon highlighted key issues such as his country's major investment in infrastructure, a move designed to boost mobility and the country's economy.

Euro Auctions reports strong pre-auction registrations for its sale at Valencia in Spain on 30th September. The firm is also increasing its team in Spain with the appointment of two additional staff.

North American design company Stantec has signed a letter of intent to acquire Lexington, Kentucky, USA-based ENTRAN, a 115-person transportation consulting company that also has offices in Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; Charleston, West Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; and Nashville, Tennessee.Stantec anticipates the close of the transaction in October, 2011.

GE Capital Fleet Services has broken ground on a customer experience and learning centre that will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of electric vehicle deployment solutions and help the company's commercial customers evaluate EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles for their fleets.

click image to enlargeTurin, Italy, facility showcases construction equipment, agriculture and transport.New Holland Construction is among the global brands featured at the Fiat Industrial Village, which was inaugurated this week in Turin, Italy.

Major players will be at Hillhead 2012 where 91% of the space is allocated.With almost nine months to go, 91% of the stand space at Hillhead 2012 has already been allocated to exhibitors, including major players such as Volvo, Sandvik, Metso, Terex Group, Finning/Caterpillar, Liebherr and Bell Equipment.click image to enlargeHillhead 2012Event director Jack Berridge said demand for space over the summer had been very buoyant and the site plan had filled up very quickly.