News in brief

14th August 2007

Meet the office of the future. Pictured is the Nissan NV 200 concept – a van that really will get workers moving.

Styled at the car maker’s London studio, it features a storage pod that extends from the load area and opens into an office. The front seats then swivel around on a curved rail to face a computer desk, which is mounted along the side.

The Japanese manufacturer reckons the innovative system could be adapted to owners’ needs – this concept has been kitted out for an underwater photographer! The wacky study will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

CAR INTERIORS are set to get safer thanks to an innovative new material. Alveolit foam is a lightweight energy-absorbing product that can be used in the cabin to protect occupants in the event of an impact.

Developed by Swiss company Sekisui Alveo, it can be moulded to any shape, making it ideal for use on complex dashboards and door panels. As a bonus, the covering will also reduce both noise and kerbweight.

The maker is in talks with major car firms about using the material in production vehicles.

IT'S OFFICIAL– bus drivers are the UK’s worst. Research by commercial vehicle specialist vansunited.co.uk found 62 per cent of buses failed to slow for an amber light, while nearly half refused to stop for anyone using a pedestrian crossing.However, they’re not the most verbal. This honour falls to van owners, who are twice as likely to engage in colourful language with other drivers.

Compared to other road users, they were also the least inclined to let fellow motorists out of junctions – with 24 per cent extending this courtesy.