The car, not due for release until later this year, was propelled from the Swedish manufacturer’s testing tunnel towards a truck at about 30mph, but instead of the warning system bringing it to a stop, the vehicle smashed into the truck.

Press who had assembled to see the device in action did get a preview of its effectiveness earlier in the day, and Volvo claimed the crash was down to human error.

Initially launched in 2000, the S60 is a compact executive sedan, the upgraded version of which will range in price from £23,295 to £36,745.

The three engine choices include the standard 203bhp D5 diesel, or the improved T6 petrol engine, which offers 300bhp and takes the S60 from a standstill to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Volvo recently announced in its Sustainability Report that it would increase its focus on producing an eco-friendly range of cars.

The car, not due for release until later this year, was propelled from the Swedish manufacturer’s testing tunnel towards a truck at about 30mph, but instead of the warning system bringing it to a stop, the vehicle smashed into the truck.

Press who had assembled to see the device in action did get a preview of its effectiveness earlier in the day, and Volvo claimed the crash was down to human error.

Initially launched in 2000, the S60 is a compact executive sedan, the upgraded version of which will range in price from £23,295 to £36,745.

The three engine choices include the standard 203bhp D5 diesel, or the improved T6 petrol engine, which offers 300bhp and takes the S60 from a standstill to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Volvo recently announced in its Sustainability Report that it would increase its focus on producing an eco-friendly range of cars.

The practically noiseless cars could be hazardous to pedestrians, who could unwittingly step out in front of one, so regulators in the European Union are considering allowing producers to use different sounds to negate the problem.

It is thought that the sounds will be different from the standard noise an engine tends to make, and there have even been suggestions that Star Wars-style sound effects might be used.

According to the Daily Mail, research by the University of California found that electric cars got 40 per cent closer to pedestrians compared to petrol and diesel cars before they could be detected by sound.

The Toyota Prius, a hybrid car launched in 1997, saw record UK sales in February, with 538 units sold, and since then the total number of sales for the eco-friendly vehicle have exceeded 1.6 million.

The practically noiseless cars could be hazardous to pedestrians, who could unwittingly step out in front of one, so regulators in the European Union are considering allowing producers to use different sounds to negate the problem.

It is thought that the sounds will be different from the standard noise an engine tends to make, and there have even been suggestions that Star Wars-style sound effects might be used.

According to the Daily Mail, research by the University of California found that electric cars got 40 per cent closer to pedestrians compared to petrol and diesel cars before they could be detected by sound.

The Toyota Prius, a hybrid car launched in 1997, saw record UK sales in February, with 538 units sold, and since then the total number of sales for the eco-friendly vehicle have exceeded 1.6 million.

A survey by Exchange and Mart highlighted that 62 per cent of motorists think more cash is needed to get the roads to an acceptable state.

As part of its pre-election survey, the firm also found that the majority of motorists were disappointed with the Labour party’s pledge to put £285 million towards motorways improvements and expansions, suggesting it is not enough.

However, none of the main competing parties seem to be offering much more for UK road users.

"Our survey goes to show just how low morale is for British motorists," said Debra Healy, digital director of Exchange and Mart.

"For most motorists it costs too much and road conditions are poor and unsafe. The hard winter has left the roads in a terrible state and more snow and bad weather over Easter has just highlighted the problem."

She added that as none of the main parties are focusing on road users, many people looking to reduce costs on their car will be unsure who to vote for.

A survey by Exchange and Mart highlighted that 62 per cent of motorists think more cash is needed to get the roads to an acceptable state.

As part of its pre-election survey, the firm also found that the majority of motorists were disappointed with the Labour party’s pledge to put £285 million towards motorways improvements and expansions, suggesting it is not enough.

However, none of the main competing parties seem to be offering much more for UK road users.

"Our survey goes to show just how low morale is for British motorists," said Debra Healy, digital director of Exchange and Mart.

"For most motorists it costs too much and road conditions are poor and unsafe. The hard winter has left the roads in a terrible state and more snow and bad weather over Easter has just highlighted the problem."

She added that as none of the main parties are focusing on road users, many people looking to reduce costs on their car will be unsure who to vote for.

Used car specialst HonestJohn.co.uk said although they were supposed to be implemented for safety, they could end up doing more harm than good.

"I am convinced speed humps can present a real threat to road users – as well as local government budgets!" said Honest John.

As speed humps are so widespread, many motorists are driving over them so frequently that they could be damaging the suspension and tyres on their cars, the website added.

But the roads themselves may also be suffering from the installation of the humps, leading to additional costs for councils.

Drivers have previously been warned by Swinton to avoid potholes and reduce their speed to limit the damage to their cars, with the insurance provider reporting a big increase in the number of claims relating to damage incurred from potholes during February and March.

The Japanese manufacturer’s Navara Acenta King Cab will cost £19,807, while the Navara Tekna, available only in Double Cab form, will cost from £24,389 for a manual version, while the automatic will cost slightly more at £25,682.

Its Pathfinder Acenta 2.5 dCi 190 model will be available for £28,495, with Tekna models, costing over £30,000, available with either six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic.

Side and curtain airbags, ESP stability control and additional cabin storage now come as standard on the Navara Acenta, while the Navara Tekna features power fold mirrors and MP AUX input.

Additional standard features on the Pathfinder Acenta include a new centre console, and the Pathfinder Tekna now has a satnav infotainment system with a seven-inch colour touch screen.

In January, Nissan saw a 96 per cent year-on-year increase in production, up to 285,986 units.

Used car specialst HonestJohn.co.uk said although they were supposed to be implemented for safety, they could end up doing more harm than good.

"I am convinced speed humps can present a real threat to road users – as well as local government budgets!" said Honest John.

As speed humps are so widespread, many motorists are driving over them so frequently that they could be damaging the suspension and tyres on their cars, the website added.

But the roads themselves may also be suffering from the installation of the humps, leading to additional costs for councils.

Drivers have previously been warned by Swinton to avoid potholes and reduce their speed to limit the damage to their cars, with the insurance provider reporting a big increase in the number of claims relating to damage incurred from potholes during February and March.

The Japanese manufacturer’s Navara Acenta King Cab will cost £19,807, while the Navara Tekna, available only in Double Cab form, will cost from £24,389 for a manual version, while the automatic will cost slightly more at £25,682.

Its Pathfinder Acenta 2.5 dCi 190 model will be available for £28,495, with Tekna models, costing over £30,000, available with either six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic.

Side and curtain airbags, ESP stability control and additional cabin storage now come as standard on the Navara Acenta, while the Navara Tekna features power fold mirrors and MP AUX input.

Additional standard features on the Pathfinder Acenta include a new centre console, and the Pathfinder Tekna now has a satnav infotainment system with a seven-inch colour touch screen.

In January, Nissan saw a 96 per cent year-on-year increase in production, up to 285,986 units.