Author Archive

Countdown to the all-new Lexus IS 350 – Part 1

 

  • New Lexus IS set to make its SA debut in 2013
  • Covers 1.6 million kilometres in testing
  • Driving dynamics the highest priority for new IS development

Before the all-new Lexus IS lands in South Africa in July, it has already accumulated over 1.6 million kilometres of testing and development – enough for two return trips to the moon.
At the heart of the IS development process was the desire to ensure that all IS models maintained their outstanding dynamic capabilities while increasing overall space and comfort.

Testing of the all-new IS took place on the road, track and laboratory with the IS tested to breaking point in the ice and snow of the northern hemisphere, the heat of the southern hemisphere, along with the gruelling test bed of circuits such as the Nurburgring in Germany and Fuji Speedway in Japan.
Key to attaining the “fun to drive” characteristics of the new IS was a new development process that saw driving dynamics prioritised over all other functions,explained IS Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama.

“The conventional approach to development would involve developing each of the individual aspects with ‘Fun to Drive’ as the outcome, much like a pyramid would be built by first constructing the foundation and then proceeding to build up from there,” he said.

“The problem with this approach is that there is no knowing whether it will result in achieving a ‘Fun to Drive’ experience.
“In contrast, development of the new IS flipped this process on its head.

“It called for first establishing the pleasurable driving experience users will sense as the peak of the pyramid, and then developing the individual performance elements to support it,” Mr Furuyama said.

The process resulted in the adoption of new body strengthening techniques, including laser screw weld and body bonding (25 metres of which is contained in the new IS), and a suspension system that delivers a 20 per cent increase in roll rigidity.

The last word belongs to Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing: “Get up close and personal with the third-generation IS and the bold new design direction, especially the brand’s signature spindle grille, is strikingly evident.

“The biggest surprise, though, is just how rewarding the on-the-road experience is – this is a driver’s car bar none!”

Steering wheel glitch cause of worldwide recall of 841,000 vehicles for Nissan

Nissan Motor Co Ltd will recall about 841,000 vehicles worldwide including the Micracompact car, also known as the March, as a result of a steering wheel glitch, Japan’s No.2 automaker said on Thursday.

Nissan is recalling certain models of the Micra compact car produced in Britain and Japan between 2002 and 2006, as well as the Cube, produced in Japan around the same period.

It is pulling back vehicles in Japan, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

The bolt used in the steering wheel of these cars may not have been properly tightened and at worst the steering wheel may not function, Nissan said in a statement filed to the Japanese transport ministry.

No accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported, Nissan spokeswoman Noriko Yoneyama said.

Nissan will fix the glitch by either tightening the bolts or replacing the steering wheel with a new one.

The repair will take about 40 minutes, Yoneyama said. She declined to say how much the recall will cost Nissan

[Reuters]

Also view:

Alarming number of vehicle owners not responding to vehicle recalls

 

How are Shatterprufe windscreens keeping passengers safe?

The Arrive Alive website received an accident report yesterday of a road crash crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian. Attached to this report was photos clearly showing the massive impact that such a collision could have on the windscreen/ windshield of a car. This also emphasizes the importance of correctly fitted windscreens and the need to ensure that only quality windscreens are used!

The proper manufacturing and correct fitting of windscreens are important factors to keep the passengers of a motor vehicle safe, says Bernice Bailey, marketing director of the PG Group.

Bailey warns that inferior, ill fitting windscreens will pop out in an accident situation and put passengers at risk of being flung out of the vehicle. It can aggravate injuries and increase the possibility that the vehicle roll over them and crush them in the process.

“Shatterprufe windscreens, manufactured by the PG Group inSouth Africawith the utmost precision, and using only the best materials can save your life in these circumstances. Indeed, it saves lives regularly in accidents on SA roads.”

Bailey said the PG Group is committed to the promotion of road safety inSouth Africaand pointed out a number of other disparities between inferior windscreens and Shatterprufe.

 

Virgin vinyl only

 

— Some non-original equipment (non-OE) manufacturers use recycled vinyl to bind the two glass components of a windscreen or use sub-standard glass specifications. In an accident situation, occupant’s heads can penetrate the windscreen resulting in severe lacerations to the face and head.  Shatterprufe® only uses virgin vinyl and manufacturers according to SABS and original equipment (OE) glass specifications.

— Ill fitting windscreens can also pop out on impact.  This results in the airbag flying out of the window causing the passenger being crushed against the dashboard.  Shatterprufe® provides a solid area for the airbag to deploy effectively thus protecting the occupants of the vehicle from serious injury.

— Shatterprufe® windscreens and correct fitment ensure that windscreens stay in place, which prevents the roof from caving in. This safety feature assists to prevent occupants in the vehicle from being crushed. Shatterprufe® provides up to 30% of the vehicle’s strength.

 

No distortion

 

— Inferior, non-OE windscreens often are distorted, which causes eye fatigue whilst driving. Driving with a distorted windscreen during the day or night can cause optical distortion – causing objects to look closer or further away from you. Shatterprufe® windscreens are rigorously tested against distortions.

— Bailey confirmed that Shatterfrufe® and PG Glass would continue its ongoing commitment to, and education of the public regarding road safety.

Shatterprufe and PG Glass are both divisions of the PG Group.

[Photos from Emer-G-Med]

Also view:

Road Safety and Your Windscreen

 

 

 

New Methods of Vehicle Crime Emerging in Gauteng

The statement, prevention is better than cure has enormous weight where road safety is concerned. Motorists have made numerous efforts to improve their safety precautions when on the road, from seatbelts to airbags and ABS to rear park assist. Equally important is a motorist’s defence against vehicle crime, giving rise to panic buttons and safety films on windows providing anti-smash and grab tinting. While all these precautionary measures have their place and use in driver safety, it is important to remain up to date with criminal activity in your area; just as technology improves, so too do criminal MO’s.

MATRIX places exceptional value in personal safety and would like to highlight a new scheme currently being used by criminals on Gauteng roads.

It is not uncommon for motorists to drive with the vehicle windows rolled down, the warm South African sun often necessitates this; but with new criminal reports, this is now proving to be a potentially dangerous activity. Incidents of theft and even harassment are emerging from motorists in the Northern Suburbs of Gauteng – all due to open windows. Individuals approach the open window of a vehicle, lean inside and remove the car keys from the ignition; if the window is partly open, the criminals demand to be given the vehicle keys – motorists panic and duly hand the keys over.  In some instances, the assailants have become violent and although a weapon has not been present, physical action has been reported.

Motorists are then told to exit the vehicle and a bartering process begins; mobile phones, i-Pads, wallets and the like becomes a bartering tool in an attempt to regain possession of your keys. One of the most concerning factors is that reported instances take place in peak hour traffic. Motorists remain stationary due to grid locked roads or slow moving traffic, in peak travelling times, and a hasty exit is not an option.

Tips from MATRIX to ensure your safety at all times:

-       Make use of the vehicle fan or air conditioner in slow moving traffic

-       Be vigilant to activity around your vehicle

-       Unless the situation puts you in immediate danger, do not relinquish your car keys or any other items to the criminals

-       Make a noise; use your hooter and lights to attract as much attention to your vehicle as possible

-       Should you witness this situation unfolding, do not exit your vehicle but rather make use of the hooter and lights to attract attention to the scene

Also see tips on what to do in a hijack situation.

MATRIX remains right by your side and will continue to provide you with tools to empower yourself in various dangerous situations. Together we can make a difference, if there is a potential danger you would like to highlight, please contact us on communications@mixtelematics.com

Also view:

Smash and Grab and Road Safety

LLumar Window Film and Road Safety

 

Which items would you like to have in your car if you get stranded in a roadside emergency?

Items to keep in your car:

-Owner’s manual: This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car. The owner’s manual provides a ton of useful information that can get you back on the road, such as detailed images of how to change a tire and so forth.

-Old cellular phone: powered off, with a fully charged battery An old cellular phone, even without subscription, can be powered on to call emergency numbers.

-Blankets: Even if the weather is nice, you could wind up having to spend several night-time hours in your car. A blanket makes it possible for you to curl up, keep warm, and sleep.

-Bottled water: This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.

-Maps: Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.

-Jumper cables: These can enable you to get your car started with a dead battery (if a good Samaritan comes along) and also enables you to help someone out in a fix.

-First aid kit: This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries

-torch (and extra batteries) Similarly, a torch is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tyre.

-Written copy of emergency numbers, including your insurance company.

[Via RoadCover]

Also view:

Arrive Alive website

Is it legal to have roof lights on armed response cars of private security companies?

Question:

Our armed response company has roof lights that lens bar or lamps emit an intermittently-flashing diffused white light. We however have certain traffic officials that claim this is illegal. We have been to the metro offices and are advised that their is nothing wrong. Our problem is however that my officers are continually harassed whilst opposition companies are not. Can I draw  a copy of the act somewhere and place it on the cars or get an approval letter somewhere so as to resolve this matter?

Answer:

The correct provision is reg 176. See subreg (6). Please note it is illegal to have your direction indicators fitted higher than roof height. Some security companies fit such lights and put the hazards on when responding. That is not legal.

Please note that security companies are not considered by legislation to be an emergency service and may not exceed the speed limit or disobey road signs. Section 58 and 60 of the Act apply.

Identification lamps

Reg 176.     (1)        A bus or a goods vehicle, the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 3 500 kilograms, and which is not a motor vehicle referred to in subregulation (2), (3) or (5), may be fitted above the windscreen with two or more identification lamps and each such lamp shall—

(a)        not exceed a capacity of 21 Watts;

(b)        be visible from directly in front of the motor vehicle to which it is fitted; and

(c)        emit a green or amber light.

(2)        An ambulance, fire-fighting or rescue vehicle may be fitted with a lamp or lamps emitting an intermittently-flashing red light in any direction.

(3)        (a)        Subject to paragraph (b), no person shall operate a motor vehicle fitted with, or in or on which is displayed, a lamp or lamps emitting a blue light or capable of emitting a blue light.

(b)        The provisions of paragraph (a) does not apply to a motor vehicle operated by a member of the Service or a member of a municipal police service, both as defined in section 1 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995), or a traffic officer, or a member of the South African Defence Force authorised in terms of section 87(1)(g) of the Defence Act, 1957 (Act No. 44 of 1957) to perform police functions, in the execution of his or her duties.

(c)        A motor vehicle referred to in paragraph (b) may be fitted with a lamp or lamps emitting an intermittently-flashing—

(i)         blue light;

(ii)        blue and amber light;

(iii)       blue and red light; or

(iv)       blue, amber and red light,

in any direction which may, at the will of the driver, display the word “stop”.

(4)        A motor vehicle which is—

(a)        a vehicle employed in connection with the maintenance of public road;

(b)        engaged in the distribution and supply of electricity;

(c)        engaged in the supply of other essential public services;

(d)        operated in terms of the authority granted by the MEC in terms of section 81 of the Act;

(e)        a breakdown vehicle;

(f)         a refuse compactor vehicle;

(g)        a vehicle carrying an abnormal load and the vehicle escorting it if any,

may, but a breakdown vehicle shall, be fitted with a lamp or lamps capable of emitting an intermittently-flashing amber light in any direction: Provided that such lamp shall only be used at the place where the breakdown occurred, where the maintenance or other work or an inspection is being carried out, when such breakdown vehicle is towing a motor vehicle, or in the event of a vehicle carrying an abnormal load.

(5)        A motor vehicle used by a medical practitioner may be fitted above the windscreen with one lamp emitting an intermittently flashing red light in any direction: Provided that such light may only be used by such medical practitioner in the bona fide exercise of his or her profession.

(6)        A vehicle driven by a person while he or she is engaged in civil protection as contemplated in section 3 of the Civil Protection Act, 1977 (Act No. 67 of 1977), may be fitted with a lamp or lamps emitting an intermittently-flashing green light in any direction.

(7)        A vehicle—

(a)        owned by a body or person registered as a security officer in terms of the Security Officers Act, 1987 (Act No. 92 of 1987); and

(b)        driven by a security officer as defined in section 1 of the said Act in the course of rendering a security service, also defined in section 1 of the said Act,

may be fitted with a white lens bar containing a lamp or lamps emitting an intermittently- flashing diffused white light in any direction, and containing a notice illuminated by a white light containing the word “security” and the name of the owner of the vehicle in black letters:  Provided that the said lamp or lamps shall not be capable of emitting a rotating or strobe light.

 

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel and Associates

What is the law on stopping distance from the vehicle in front at the Stop Street or Traffic Light?

Question: 

“I would like to know what the law is regarding a safe stopping distance at a stop sign if I stop behind another car at a stop sign or robot.”

Answer:

There is no law or rule in regard to actual measurable distance. The K53 defensive driving standard requires that you maintain a clear space around your vehicle at all times. So one would leave enough space behind the other vehicle so that if that driver were to allow the vehicle to roll back due to lack of attention or driving skill, it would not bump into your own vehicle. Also, if he were to move off and you moved forward, and he then suddenly stops again because the road is not clear to move into the intersection, you should be able to stop safely behind him without bumping into that vehicle.

It basically boils down to judgement in order to maintain a safe and clear space between vehicles at all time.

Gavin Hoole
Learner’s Licence & K53
Driving Licence Test Info
www.K53.GavinHoole.ws

Ctrack Technology scrutinised at Gerotek test day and media event

Gerotek South Africa has a steadfast reputation as one of the best independent, objective consultation test facilities in the world.   This multi-disciplinary organisation based near Hartebeespoort dam set the scene for Ctrack’s field test day for its latest telematics product testing on 25 April 2013.

Under test were three categories of vehicles: small family car, crossover SUV, and sports motorcar and Ctrack’s ability to accurately detect and report various driver behaviour patterns.  Harsh acceleration, harsh cornering, harsh braking, speeding, as well as harsh bumps were monitored on each of these vehicles.  Conditions were rigid and overseen by Gerotek and senior Ctrack engineer Elardus Erasmus, coordinated by Ctrack’s Insurance Telematics Manager, Hennie Barnard.

Although this type of testing is not new to Ctrack, these tests specifically focused on a set of new algorithms and an intelligent alignment capability added to the Ctrack system. Confirming Ctrack’s confidence in their technology, these 3rd party verification tests were also witnessed by the media, who were invited to join Ctrack at Gerotek for the day.

The success of these new innovations, verified by Gerotek, again confirmed Ctrack’s dedication to produce market leading telematics solutions.  Says Deon du Rand, Ctrack’s CTO and Strategic Projects director: “By comparing Ctrack’s in-house developed technology against the highly sophisticated and accurate scientific instrumentation available at Gerotek, we ensure that Ctrack continues to deliver accurate and consistent information to its clients.”

Ctrack is committed to a never ending process of innovation to develop sophisticated driver behaviour and risk monitoring solutions, while providing significant value added features and benefits for the user and owner of the vehicle.  “The innovative and unique alignment algorithms tested today enables Ctrack to automatically align its measurements to the vehicle axis, removing the risk of human error during installation which affects the results of most other systems”, remarked du Rand.

Ctrack’s telematics solutions are used with great benefit in various industries, ranging from Insurance and Risk,  Logistics and Freight, to individual consumers using Ctrack for peace of mind and to provide SARS with business travel logs in support of their tax claims.

Bespoke telematics solutions offered by Ctrack include both driver and fleet profiling  to ensure optimal use of today’s highly sophisticated and expensive vehicles, not to mention the reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption possible through efficiencies enabled by Ctrack.

“Ctrack’s telematics, monitoring and tracking technology have surpassed most, if not all of our competitors”, says Deon du Rand.  “ We spend a lot time and resources on development and testing, and although expensive and time-consuming, it supports our commitment to our customers that our technology is state of the art and uncompromised in quality”, says du Rand.

 

View:

Insurance Telematics and Driver Behaviour Measurement with Ctrack

About Ctrack:

Ctrack is part of JSE listed DigiCore Holdings and specialises in insurance telematics, vehicle tracking and fleet management for a global client base. With more than 25 years of experience, Ctrack is recognised as a world-leading provider of advanced machine-to-machine communication and telematics solutions that adds significant value to this global base of clients.

Ctrack’s end–to-end research, design, development, manufacturing, sales and support of customised solutions for customers is serviced by a global network of staff and team members in more than 50 countries through the Ctrack brand.  The company’s technology and manufacturing divisions design, test and manufacture a robust range of asset management and monitoring systems using Accelerometers, GPS positioning, wireless communication systems and other advanced communication and sensory technologies. The result is innovative and advanced end-to-end solutions that provide Ctrack clients with information on- and monitoring of their mobile assets to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs.

Ctrack’s operations span six continents, with over one thousand employees and more than 700,000 systems sold.

Also view:

For more on vehicle and insurance telematics also view:

What is Insurance Telematics and how will it impact on car insurance?

Vehicle Insurance Telematics

Driver Intelligence to be measured by Discovery with Discovery Insure

Outsurance activates technology to reward safe driving behaviour

Pay As You Drive and Car Insurance

Vehicle Telematics, Accident Investigation and Fleet Management

Augmented Reality through Google Coloured Glasses

Augmented Reality (AR) can be traced as far back as 1957 with the invention of Morton Helig’s Sensorama. During the decades that followed, AR was used in Manufacturing and Engineering, as well as the Airforce and broadened its horizons into the arts, in a production called Dancing in Cyberspace by Julie Martin.

That was 1994, almost ten years ago and developments since have been plentiful. Hirokazu Kato, of the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, invented the ARToolKit and this is widely acknowledged as the beginning of consumer AR and still the foundation of what is in use today. The year 2000 saw the first AR gaming event being hosted in South Australia where actual body movements advanced players in the ARQuake game. Players strapped on a computer back pack and actually walked around fighting off their gaming nemeses, no joystick needed.

AR hit Smartphones in 2008 with Wikitude, an App allowing Android users to take in the world through their mobile phone cameras and see augmentations, of nearby points of interest, on the screen. Not long after, Wikitude launched into Symbian and iPhone platforms and following this, the brand launched Wikitude Drive.

Another five years on and the techno ball keeps rolling.  In April this year, the Honda Amaze was launched in India using an augmented reality box. The same box appeared in 51 Honda showrooms and consisted of a collage of photo’s, mostly in full colour and to the untrained eye – not innovative at all. Upon viewing the box through the dealership tablet, the walls of the box seemingly disappeared to reveal the new Honda Amaze.

From launching a car to losing a car. One of the most common questions in respect of AR is, “Can it find my car?” While vehicle tracking companies recover stolen or hijacked vehicles, the onus has always been on the driver to locate their vehicle in the ten storey parking area, after dark and with a very vague ticket. The industry is certainly heading in this direction to afford this added convenience to customers.

The MATRIX iPhone App also launched in April and makes use AR in its very basic form. Although positioning the vehicle is a core function of the App, various developments are still to be made to enjoy advanced AR functionality. Critics may see development as a waste of time and dub AR as a gimmick or a fad for the moment, but considering the whistling keys, Auto Finders and the like, the demand is steadily growing. AR is not a key feature of the MATRIX App; general assistance, roadside assistance and stolen vehicle reporting remain the principal concern, but manipulating AR going forward is certainly a focal point for the future.

Techno giant Google is making major breakthroughs in the field and the latest patent of the brand, Glass, has already been approved. Google Glass will make use of AR in grouping together already existing products such as maps and street views to culminate into 3D offerings and possibly live feeds. One expectation of the product is to assist with driver navigation, incorporating Google Maps and an overlay of navigation services into the real world; that is, if the eyewear is legalised for driver use.

Consumers are certainly intrigued by AR and as such, the technology is becoming a focal point for organisations in various disciplines. Advancements are hugely exciting and consumer benefits are clear; from pin pointing vehicles to self-driven vehicles, all advancements seem to have the consumer experience in mind. Experience is subjective by nature; the fate of AR will be determined by its success in convincing consumers, as a whole, that augmentation is better than and as reliable as authenticity.

To view find out more on the MATRIX App for MATRIX iPhone and iPad users visit the MATRIX website using this link: www.MATRIX.co.za/tracking-services/MATRIX-app.

 

Top Gear Festival leaves a Legacy with an F1 in Schools initiative

Top Gear Festival endeavors to give back to the community in South Africa and has launched a number of initiatives to help students get into motoring and engineering. In 2013, a new partnership with F1 in Schools promises to build upon the success of last year’s work.

Scientists, researchers, and engineers are all the backbone of any knowledge-based economy and with this in mind, seven Durban schools have taken on the challenge to test their technical skills and love for motorsport as they compete to design the ultimate Formula One1 car of the future in Top Gear Festival’s Legacy Initiative Project: the F1 In Schools Technology Challenge.

With the support of the Durban University of Technology, this multi-disciplinary challenge tasks seven teams of students to design and create a miniature version of the F1 car of the future.  This mini Formula One racer must to be made out of balsa wood and be a powered by a compressed CO2 cylinder across a 20 metre track.

The F1 in schools will take place at Top Gear Festival Durban from the 15-16 June at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, where each team will also have an exhibition stand to display their drawings and marketing campaign for their respective schools.

Festival-goers will be invited to watch the races and question the students who have participated.

The seven schools participating are:

1) Clifton College – 2 teams participating

2) George Campbell Technical School

3) Glenwood Boys High School

4) Open Air School

5) Phoenix Technical School

6) Sivananda Technical School

7) Umlazi Comtech

 

Top Gear Festival’s Legacy Initiative Project Manager, Anna Sacks, says the challenge was designed specifically to inspire students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership teamwork, media skills and financial strategy and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

“This is a fantastic programme, with the potential to educate, empower and inspire.  It does take commitment from both parties, but the end result is going to be amazing. We are looking forward to being inspired and educated by these miniature dynamo F1 creations,” said Anna.

The teams will be using 3D CAD software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race their miniature gas powered balsa wood F1 cars.

As it is a multi-disciplinary challenge the teams will be judged on a number of mediums including:

1)      Car speed

2)      The supporting evidence of their design

3)      Their verbal presentation and

4)      Their marketing display stand at the Festival

Each team has been allocated a current DUT student within the Engineering Faculty, as a mentor to assist with the technical and IT aspects of designing the F1 cars, while the Top Gear Festival team will provide training within the areas of Commercial Sponsorship and Marketing to assist students in preparing their business plan; creating a budget and raising sponsorship in order to fund their ventures.

To date the students have attended one of two workshops on how to approach potential partners or sponsors and how to develop their marketing campaign. This support will continue on a one to one basis for each of the teams until the build-up to race day at the Top Gear Festival.

A public test run opportunity will be held at the ScienCentre, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, when the teams will showcase their technological pieces in a mock race. These dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

*Tickets for the Top Gear Festival are on sale now and range from the Basic Ticket at R250 to R2 100 for an Ultimate Package. For more information on ticket prices or to book, visit www.topgearfestival.co.za or visit www.itickets.co.za to purchase tickets.

*Check out Top Gear Festival SA on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/topgearfest); Twitter(@topgearfestsa) and our website www.topgearfestival.co.za

 

About Top Gear Live

Top Gear Live is a joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Brand Events UK.
The live events offer an exciting variation on more traditional motoring events. Top Gear Festivals* include elements such as Motoring Theatre which incorporates the drama of film and theatre with the thrills and spills of stunts and special effects; Track Action including Stig power laps, head-to-head racing, supercars, drag racing and celebrity race challenges; Exhibition Areas – packed with supercars, classic motors and motoring memorabilia as well as other features.

Since 2008 Top Gear Live events have entertained over 1.75 million fans in 20 cities around the World and we are proud to be bringing this event to Durban, South Africa for the first time.
*Festival content varies by Country

About BBC Entertainment

BBC Entertainment (DStv Channel 120) showcases the very best drama, comedy and light entertainment from the BBC and leading UK production companies. BBC Entertainment airs the brand new series of Top Gear exclusively in South Africa. Top Gear is on the channel on Wednesdays at 20.00 CAT.

About BBC Worldwide 

BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has six core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, BBC Magazines, Home Entertainment and Global Brands. In 2009/10, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £145 million (operating profit before specific items) on sales of £1074 million (including Group revenue and the Group’s share of joint-ventures’ revenue).

BBC Worldwide was awarded with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in April 2009. This prestigious award for International Trade recognised the company’s substantial growth in overseas earnings and its commercial success at outstanding levels, based on 3 years’ trading results, which benefit the UK creative industries and ultimately the licence fee payer.

For more information please visit www.bbcworldwide.com

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