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Due to the growing threat of terrorist acts against the participants, The Dakar Rally organizers have decided to cancel the 2008 Dakar Rally.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December, The 2008 Dakar Rally got canceled. The threat is generated by a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb. There have also been direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations.

Press Release
A.S.O. cancels the 2008 edition of the Dakar rally
After different exchanges with the French government - in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - , and based on their firm recommendations, the organisers of the Dakar have taken the decision to cancel the 2008 edition of the rally, scheduled from the 5th to the 20th of January between Lisbon and Senegal’s capital.

Based on the current international political tension and the murder of four French tourists last 24th of December linked to a branch of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb, but also and mainly the direct threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations, no other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken by A.S.O.

A.S.O.’s first responsibility is to guarantee the safety of all: that of the populations in the countries visited, of the amateur and professional competitors, of the technical assistance personnel, of the journalists, partners and rally collaborators. A.S.O. therefore reaffirms that the choice of security is not, has never been and will never be a subject of compromise at the heart of the Dakar rally.

A.S.O. condemns the terrorist menace that annihilates a year of hard work, engagement and passion for all the participants and the different actors of the world’s biggest off-road rally. Aware of the huge frustration, especially in Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, and beyond the general disappointment and the huge economical consequences in terms of direct and indirect repercussions for the countries visited, A.S.O. will continue to defend the major values of great sporting events and will carry on its engagement for a durable development through the Actions Dakar, started 5 years ago in sub-Saharan Africa with SOS Sahel International.

The Dakar is a symbol and nothing can destroy symbols. The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar. To offer, for 2009 a new adventure to all the off-road rally passionate is a challenge that A.S.O. will take on in the months to come, faithful to its engagement and its passion for sports.

The VFV (Very Fun Vehicle) concept car is a funky city car concept which uses large glass panels wherever possible in order to increase the sense of space inside the car. The VFV also a concept created by Nuno Teixiera (see also MYBUS concept).

In the event of a collision, safety of the occupants for the VFV concept car is provided by a strong tubular skeleton with built in crumple zones to reduce the force of the crash, and for side impacts toughened glass features on the lower portions of the door.

The VFV concept car also includes airbags, parking sensors, drive-by-wire, traction control systems and Electronic Stability Control. The VFV concept car powered with an electric motor.

The MYBUS concept car created by Portuguese designer Nuno Teixeira. The MYBUS concept car had been displayed at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show and won the “Outstanding Design Award” in the 2007 Michelin Challenge Design.

The MYBUS concept car featuring: electronic stability systems, smart cruise control, brake-by-wire, rear detection systems, smart wing mirrors, and Michelin “Twell” tires. The MYBUS concept car is a proposal for a passenger vehicle with an emphasis on safety, for both passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

To reduce the impact on the environment, and the danger of an explosion in case of an accident, the MYBUS concept car using an electrical power source for the energy.

Power for the MYBUS concept car is provided by batteries placed above the rear wheels, away from the most obvious impact zones. Each wheel has its own independent motor in order to improve safety, so that the onboard computer can determine the ideal power to supply them. The system reacts according to the road conditions and the type of driving, it also helps anticipate and react to an imminent accident situation. Great concept for MYBUS concept car.