In terms of reliability impact, more and more work is done in the lab, typically on a dynamometer (a device which measures force), to prove the major mechanical systems on the car.

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"We work daily to improve operational reliability by focusing on the areas we control, and working with all our partners, " spokeswoman Kate Modolo said.

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At least he's got some credible material to work with: Ford vehicles have performed well in independent quality and reliability studies.

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The GAARDIAN consortium, which completes its work this month, has developed equipment to provide real-time information about the reliability of GPS at airports or other sensitive locations using networks of probes.

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But tracking costs from one work center to another or entering shipping data for hundreds of packages before UPS arrives requires speed and reliability.

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Wind-turbine reliability, long a bugbear as frail units flew apart in heavy gusts, is also improved: they should work now close to 98% of the time.

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