Transport 

Commission calls a halt to noisy tyres

Tyre firms say targets are 'technically unfeasible"; proposal will also cover braking systems.

US, EU begin fresh ‘open skies' talks

Second phase of liberalisation talks focuses on mergers and aligning rules governing the US and EU aviation markets.

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Transport 

Maintaining standards, keeping up with demand

What is the priciest part of the railway system? The tracks themselves.

Satellites of (institutional) change

Galileo's new-found status as an EU-funded project has brought changes to the institutional structures charged with its oversight.

Road & rail 

Fast and furious on European railtracks

With motors spread along the train, the Automotrice Grande Vitesse is more spacious, consumes less energy than its predecessor and can travel 1,000 kilometres in less than three hours. But progress in much of the rail industry is far slower.

Electric renaissance

Even Big Oil expects many of the cars of the future to be fueled by electricity.

Glimpses into the future of carmaking

In November 2007 an unusual convoy of cars arrived at a disused airforce base in Victorville, California. Eleven unmanned robot cars travelled around the airbase, stopped, started and performed complex manoeuvres that test the patience of many human drivers, such as parallel parking. The event, a competition organised by the US Department of Defense, hints at the possibilities for the cars of the future.

Business 

Spain facing court over Endesa case

European Commission threatening to take Madrid to the European Court of Justice.

Do manufacturers lack drive for greener cars?

A UK expert on greener vehicles has no sympathy for foot-dragging carmakers.

Patent plan could sink if international treaty floats

Change in mood towards an international accord