Volvo calls time

 has become the first major car maker to develop an alcohol immobiliser for its vehicles, bringing the 'alcolock' a step closer to the automotive mass market.

Its Alcoguard device uses wireless and fuel cell technologies to take a breath test from drivers before the engine can be started. The breath is analysed and if the blood-alcohol limit is exceeded, the engine will not start.

The car giant, which launched the device at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, claims to be the first motor manufacturer to launch a fully- integrated system.

'In the fuel cell, the ethanol molecules pass through a sensitive membrane and an electrical current is generated and then measured. A higher current means more alcohol on the driver's breath,' said David Nilsson, Alcoguard project leader.

Following analysis the results are transmitted by radio signal to the car's electronic control system. Its information unit displays messages to show the driver if the test was approved or if he or she needs to exhale longer into the unit.