TRAFFICMASTER recorded pre-tax losses of £1.42 million in the first six months of 1996 but expects 'a strong balance sheet' to materialise if discussions with a number of motor manufacturers to fit its audio traffic information system as in-car original equipment come to fruition.

The losses to June 30 widened from losses of £1.36 million in the previous six months and £1.12 million in the first six months of 1995. However, the interim results do not include the sale of 100,000 Trafficmaster Oracle systems to Vauxhall to be fitted in various Vectra models.

In announcing the results, Milton Keynes-based Trafficmaster said it expected the speech-based Oracle units to be standard fit in 10% of new cars by the end of the year and 50% of new cars by the end of 1999. Negotiations are at an advanced stage with other car manufacturers.