[clug] Linux and Engine Management Systems

[Chris Delfs]

Crashed Computer Traps Thai Politician
Updated 14 May 2003
  http://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2003/n051301.shtml

Thailand's Finance Minister Suchart Jaovisidha had to be rescued today 
from
inside his expensive BMW limousine after the onboard computer crashed,
leaving the vehicle immobilized.

Once the computer failed, neither the door locks, power windows nor air
conditioning systems would function, leaving the Minister and his driver
trapped inside the rapidly heating vehicle.

Despite the pair's best efforts, it took a full ten minutes before they 
were
able to summon the attention of a nearby guard who freed the two men by
smashing one of the vehicle's windows with a sledgehammer.

A report (http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/13May2003_biz12.html)
published in the Bangkok Post indicates that the vehicle was Mr 
Jaovisidha's
own BMW 520 which was being used while his state-supplied Mercedes, was
being repaired.

BMW's more up-market 7-series range uses a computer system called 
i-drive
which has Microsoft's WindowsCE at its core
(http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2002/Mar02/03-04BMWpr.asp).

Did Mr Jaovisidha narrowly miss being killed by the blue windscreen of
death?

---
Chris Delfs                             email delfs at rsc.anu.edu.au
Research School of Chemistry            Tel   +(61)(2) 6125 3496
Australian National University          Fax   +(61)(2) 6125 0750