Saab to test new "Alcokey" concept
Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:17 pm
I WANNA SIGN UP FOR THE TESTING OF THIS DEVICE!!! BEER ON THE COMPANY DIME? SAAB UNVEILS ALCOHOL LOCKOUT CONCEPT .... Saab is now developing a unique, miniature alcohol-sensing device which will assist drivers in observing drunk-driving laws. The Saab "Alcokey" concept includes a small mouthpiece in the car's key fob. A transponder communicates with the car's electronic control unit, keeping the engine immobilized if a breath sample from the driver is found to contain alcohol above the permitted level.The concept is intended as a convenient and inexpensive means of measuring a driver's alcohol level without the need to install more costly, fixed apparatus inside the car. Such a device could be made available as an accessory through Saab dealers and is currently under evaluation and development in response to increasing concern about drunk driving. Tests with a prototype for the Saab 9-5 model are expected to verify the reliability and accuracy of the Alcokey concept. Mounting concern about drunk driving in Sweden and many other countries has prompted Saab to develop the Alcokey concept. Companies operating large car fleets, with employees driving a great deal on business, are anxious to demonstrate their social responsibility by having an alcohol-monitoring device fitted as standard. And in some countries, it may even become mandatory to fit them.GM NEWS