ACCESORIES * Latin America - GPS use seen as exploding in

Palos Verdes,CAL,USA -Fleet Owner (USA), by Brian Straight -Dec 6, 2010: -- A new report suggests that the number of vehicles with subscription-based tracking solutions will more than double in the next four years in Latin America. Brazil, in particular, will see significant growth thanks to a new regulation, referred to as Contran 245, which will require GPS tracking devices in all vehicles sold there... The report, the 2010-11 Latin American Vehicle Tracking Systems Market Study, was prepared over the previous 15 months by C.J. Driscoll & Associates... Revenue from sales of vehicle location hardware and services is projected to grow to nearly $2.7 billion by 2014, the report noted... Vehicle sales in Brazil, which makes up nearly 50% of Latin America’s GDP, are expected to top 3.4 million units this year. But, with a high theft rate, vehicle security remains a big issue in Brazil and Latin America as a whole...

TRUCKS' PRODUCTS * UK - Onboard fuel cells set to provide auxiliary power

London,EN,UK -Transport Engineer, by John Challen -19 Nov 2010: -- Operators that run fleet vehicles requiring auxiliary power could be set to benefit from fuel cell technology, developed by Antares...  With the cell packs not expected to feature as a viable method of driving vehicles for the forseeable future, the engineering firm says it is continuing evaluations of the technology...  As such, its APU (auxiliary power unit), which weighs just 9kg, is being offered to operators that would typically use a battery charger back at the depot, or need power for long periods in the field...  The fuel comes pre-packed in cartridges, allowing refuelling while the cell is running. The cartridges come in quantities of five, 10 or 15L, and the high energy density of the fuel can operate equipment for weeks or months from a single fuel canister..  (Photo from fuelcelltoday: Image BMW APU)