Bomb Technology to Assist Air Car Production? just-auto.com Exclusive Report

    LONDON, Feb. 19 http://www.just-auto.com -- Attention has
focussed on the compressed air storage tanks for the French Motor Development
International (MDI) minicar and light commercial vehicle, which is powered by
compressed air, since its prototype debut in October 2000.
    In the report at http://just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=24174,
just-auto.com says that there has been much speculation on the compressed air
storage tanks as they need to be both strong and light.
    However, a solution may have been found -- sources close to the project
have exclusively told just-auto.com that the tanks could now be produced
cost-efficiently in South Africa using technology used to make bomb casings
and rocket fuel tanks.
    Experts from the South African independent armaments industry are expected
to be among a party of South African component suppliers heading for France
next month to meet MDI, the patent-holders of the air engine technology.
Helen Brown, CEO of Zero Pollution Motors S.A., which holds the regional
franchise for the air car, told just-auto.com, "We have found that there is a
great deal of expertise in South Africa in fabrication using composite
materials."
    Production of the air car is scheduled to start in late 2002 or early
2003.

    For the full report see:  http://just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=24174

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