Intelligent hatch

Well, engineers at the University of Cambridge have developed a special Fiat Stilo prototype that can do exactly that.

The intelligent hatch can tell workshop staff about the state of its components in seconds. It would speed up servicing and identify parts to be recycled when the car is scrapped. Additionally, the system could pinpoint vehicles that haven't had recall work carried out.

Radio frequency tags connected to engine components hold a parts date and manufacturer. By driving over a 'reader' plate, the mechanic can identify which parts will need checking.

"When a car is being scrapped, the system would be able to tell which parts still have life in them," said Professor Duncan McFarlane, whose team is in discussions with 'a number of firms' about the technology.