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Несколько сухих фактов. Согласно прогнозам «Укравтодора», в 2010 г. состояние дорог в Украине достигнет бес­пре­це­дент­ной степени разрушения — до 60% всей про­тя­жен­но­сти дорожной сети потребует ремонта либо ре­кон­струк­ци­и. Тем не менее отсутствие подвижек в вопросе вос­ста­нов­ле­ни­я путей сообщения наверняка вновь будет оправдано недо­ста­точ­ны­м финан­си­ро­ва­ни­е­м отрасли: только на погашение ранее взятых кредитов в этом году придется потратить 70% выделенных «Украв­то­до­ру» бюджетных денег.
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Hoffman Estates, IL - February 1, 2010 – I-CAR, The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced that it will premiere its newest course, Advanced Material Damage Analysis (DAM08) on March 1.

The course offers students training on how advanced materials affect collision energy management along with understanding the necessary repair considerations for such materials.

“This course was developed for anyone in the estimating or appraisal process and is an excellent course for industry professionals who may not have significant training on advanced high-strength steel, “said Jeff Peevy, I-CAR Director of Field Operations.

Peevy noted that interest in damage analysis for advanced materials continues to increase as vehicle manufacturers have been using a growing number of different materials that all contribute to vehicle safety, reduced vehicle structure weight, and improved fuel efficiency.

The Advanced Material Damage Analysis (DAM08) course will help students:

* Identify advanced materials used for vehicle construction and describe their characteristics and applications
* Explain how advanced vehicle construction materials affect collision energy management
* Understand damage analysis considerations for advanced materials
* Make repair vs. replace decisions for specific advanced materials and understand general damage analysis considerations
* Describe the effects of heat and straightening on different advanced materials
* Explain advanced materials recycled parts considerations, joining methods, corrosion protection, and refinishing considerations

Registration is currently open for classes available now for Advanced Material Damage Analysis and new classes are being added to I-CAR’s schedules daily. Information on classes scheduled in your area can be found on the I-CAR web site at www.i-car.com through the class search feature or by contacting I-CAR Customer Care at 800-422-7872.

The Audi-esque LF-Ch sporty hatchback concept prefigures a production model Lexus may sell in Europe, where it may compete with small premium cars like the Audi A3 and Mini Cooper S. Lexus has not decided whether to offer the car in the U.S.

Despite its European aspirations, the four-door hatchback was designed by Toyota’s U.S. styling center in Newport Beach, Calif.

Its exterior styling features a wide stance and arching roof. Key interior features include Lexus’ joystick-style control for audio and navigation and a blue light strip around the edge of the headliner.

In 2009 Mercedes will be fitting the new S-Class with lithium-ion hybrid batteries from Johnson Controls. That is why Mercedes and Johnson Controls are setting new standards: the S400 is the first saloon to be equipped with this forward-looking technology.

The Mercedes S400 is equipped with a mild hybrid drive with an electrical engine which will function simultaneously as a “start-stop” starter generator and as a boost support. The new hybrid battery systems from Johnson Controls are designed for use in so-called “full hybrids” and are tested successfully under the toughest conditions. “We are delighted to be working together with Daimler on such an important project,” says Mary Ann Wright, the manager responsible from Johnson Controls-Saft. “We have worked very hard together to develop an excellent hybrid battery system.” Lithium-ion hybrid batteries will in future replace the nickel metal hydride batteries used in hybrid vehicles.

Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture of the world’s largest car battery manufacturer, Johnson Controls, with Saft, the French specialist for special batteries. The lithium-ion cells are manufactured in Nersac, France and are turned into batteries in Hanover, Germany, which have their own management systems.

The current BMW X3 will have to soldier on for just over a year more until the arrival of an all-new model, previewed here in this computer-generated rendering.

Recent spy shots of BMW’s next-generation X3 prototype indicate the company may be moving the crossover’s development forward to match the competition. With the release of the newer Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW will almost certainly be a little a worried about losing its leadership position.

The rendering shows a car with completely finished headlights and tail lights, slightly expanded dimensions for added interior space and styling borrowed from the recently revealed X1 compact SUV.

In addition to the revamped exterior, a full array of gadgets and features are expected to be available for the X3 to help keep its edge against Audi and Mercedes-Benz. It’s even possible that BMW could make the night-vision heads-up display currently found in the X6 and other models available on the X3. Bi-xenon headlights with around-corner capability and new seats that feature massage functions and ventilation are also expected for the new model.

Engines will remain largely the same, with a choice of four diesels ranging from 177 to 300-horsepower for Europe, and most markets, including the U.S., getting the option of two gasoline engines rated at 231-horsepower and 306-horsepower. A new hybrid model is also tipped to be on the table, though specifications are still forthcoming.

The new X3 is expected to appear in showrooms in the second half of next year as a 2011 model, joining the smaller X1 crossover as well.