31 January 2001: The number of new cars sold in the first month of the year is down on January 2000, but still substantially ahead of January 1999, setting the scene strongly for the second-best year ever in the Irish motor business.
SIMI chief executive Cyril McHugh said on RTE this morning that 34,000 new cars sold this past month is a 'very healthy' start to the 2001 market. Sales for the same month last year were 41,000, and the difference was largely due to the attraction of the first numberplate of the new millennium.
"The advent of car testing also put more cars off the road," he said, suggesting that in addition to the safety issue, the National Car Test attrition of between 50,000-100,000 old cars also has a consumer factor in 'maintaining the value' of an owner's car.
The average cost of a new car in 2000 was around £14,000. BB
Ferrari unveils its latest Formula One car
30 January 2001: Ferrari has launched its new new F2001 to defend the world championships this season. It features a number of engineering improvements and has been redesigned in the light of new regulations for.
The car was unveiled before some 700 members of the Ferrari World Club and Ferrari Clubs from all over Italy in front of the grandstands at the Fiorano track, along with world champion Michael Schumacher (above) and his teammates Rubens Barrichello and Luca Badoer.
Dignatories included Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, Sporting Director Jean Todt, Technical Director Ross Brawn, Engine Director Paolo Martinelli, and designer Rory Byrne. Among the guests of honour were Fiat Auto President Paolo Fresco and managing director Paolo Cantarella.
Michael Schumacher isn't sitting on any laurels after his achievement of last year. He wants the big win again. “I have learned that winning the championship with Ferrari is something special,” said . “My motivation is still strong. We want to keep the Number One and we will fight for this goal." BB
MG Rover calls for care by drivers and young pedestrians
30 January 2001: As the latest statistics show that 26 children aged between 0-15 were killed on Irish roads in the last 12 months, MG Rover Ireland has urged drivers and young pedestrians to be extra cautious on the roads.
Statistics from the National Safety Council show the total number of deaths for the Year 2000 at 415, an increase of two on the previous year. They also show that November was a particularly bad month with 36 fatalities, more than double the 1999 figure.
Young males between the ages of 16-25 are identified as the highest risk category. The major causes of road accidents are highlighted as drink driving, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt and lack of vigilance by pedestrians.
To reinforce its road safety message, MG Rover is re-running its Bright Sparks initiative this month to encourage children to be seen and remind road users to be more vigilant. Thousands of free reflective stickers are being given away to school children all over the country through the MG Rover dealer network.
Breda Martin (above with some participants), Public Relations Manager, MG Rover Ireland, said in re-launching Bright Sparks they are reinforcing the message that lack of visibility contributes to the number of deaths on Irish roads. In order to be safe, it is vital that young pedestrians can be clearly seen.
“The Bright Sparks campaign is appealing to schoolchildren everywhere to wear their free reflective stickers on clothing, school bags or bikes, particularly during dark winter mornings and evenings,” she added.
The initiative has been welcomed by the NSC’s Chief Executivbe, Patrick Costello. MG Rover’s Bright Sparks stickers are available from participating dealers while stocks last. TW
Multispace now has twin sliding doors
29 January 2001: All models in Citroën’s Berlingo Multispace now come with twin sliding side doors, giving greater access to the interior.
Other features in this five-seater include drivers’ airbag, central locking, electric windows and an in-dash CD player along with the latest technology in vehicle wiring, called Multiplex.
Citroën claim that pound-for-pound, the Berlingo Multispace represents a more comprehensive and attractive proposition than its rivals while still offering the practicality of a large estate car and the creature comforts of a family hatchback - all for the price of £13,175 for the 1.4 litre petrol version and £14,475 for the 1.9-litre diesel model. Metallic paint costs an extra £250.
Other improvements include better rear seat legroom and visibility, split folding rear seats, and under floor storage compartments.
Safety features include three 3-point rear seat belts, retractable head restraints for all occupants, side impact protection, height adjustable steering wheel, plus an anti-theft immobiliser and door open warning.
There are even indicators confirming that the rear seats are securely locked in place, a safety device to prevent the rear door from being opened while the car is being refuelled and automatic operation of the hazard warning lights after an accident.
The Berlingo Multispace comes with 20 different storage areas. A very large full width overhead shelf above the front seats is ideal for maps and papers and other items while expandable pockets above the rear seat side windows provide handy storage for other odds and ends. There are also storage pockets on the back of the front seats as well as in all four doors.
The Multispace’s hatchback opens to reveal a large boot space of 664 litres which can be expanded to 2,800 litres (100 cubic feet) making it bigger than the biggest estate car. This means that mountain bikes, pushchairs or camping equipment can all find space in the load carrying area, a boon for those with active family lives. TW
Renault takes aim at Eastern Europe
29 January 2001: Renault plans to boost its sales in Eastern Europe to 700,000 vehicles over the next nine years, with the help of a new model under its Rumanian Dacia brand.
The new car will include elements of the Nissan Micra (Renault took over Nissan two years ago) and the Renault Clio and will be priced in its markets at around 5,000 euros.
Renault bought 51 percent of the Romanian company in September 1999 for $50 million. The new model is scheduled to go on sale in 2004. BB
Double win for Mitsubishi
29 January 2001: German rally driver Jutta Kleinschmidt has made motor sport history in Senegal by becoming the first woman ever to win the Paris-Dakar Rally, driving a Mitsubishi Pajero. Her victory (21st January) added to Mitsubishi’s celebrations at the weekend after Finn Tommi Makinen won the Monte Carlo Rally, round one of the FIA World Rally Championship driving a Mitsubishi Lancer.
Kleinschmidt, co-driven by fellow German Andreas Schulz, won the 23rd 10,000 km Dakar rally by just two and a half minutes from fellow Mitsubishi Pajero crew Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan and Pascal Maimon of France.
Never before had such a closely fought Dakar been seen, with four different leaders during the three weeks, and no less than seven lead changes. TW
Dramatically-styled new Primera next year
26 January 2001: A completely new Nissan Primera will be launched in January of next year. The styling of the car is radically different from the version which has only changed in small cosmetic increments ever since the marque's most successful model was first introduced to replace the Bluebird.
It is aimed at seriously challenging the new Ford Mondeo, revised Volkswagen Passat and new Renault Laguna and is based strongly on the Fusion concept unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last September. It will be available in estate and saloon body styles at first, with a five-door variant coming later.
The company's stylists drew on influences from design studios in Europe and America in their preparation of the new car, which will have improved cabin room and superior dynamics compared to the current car, which is widely acknowledged as a benchmark in handling and ride comfort for the segment.
Initially there will be only two petrol units, a 115bhp 1.8-litre and a 140bhp 2.0-litre version. The 108bhp 2.2-litre TD first seen in the new Almera will be introduced in the car later, though the current VRT regulations which penalise Irish motorists for cars of over 2-litres will be a handicap in this area.
As in the current car, ddrivers may opt for a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic system, and there will be six levels of trim offered. BB
RAC report warns of drivers falling asleep
26 January 2001: Drivers are risking both their own lives, and those of fellow road users, by falling asleep at the wheel of their vehicles according to a a new report by the RAC. The report is based on British research, and suggests that a staggering four million drivers have been nodding off while driving on Britain’s roads in the past year.
The survey of over 1,300 motorists found one in seven drivers admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel in the last 12 months. Alarmingly, over a third of drivers clocking up over 20,000 miles year owned up to finding themselves dropping off while driving.
A ‘hard core’ of 6% admitted to feeling close to sleep – or even to have fallen asleep – on ten or more journeys in the past 12 months. But serial dozers are not confined to the hard core: virtually half of those who admitted to being close to sleep at the wheel said it happened as often as two or three times a year.
Robert Taylor, Director, RAC Ireland, noted that distances are clearly much greater in the UK than here, so the dangers of dozing off are perhaps not so acute. “However, Irish motorists should be aware of this issue,” he said. “With improvements to our road network comes increased risk of drivers taking on excessively long journeys - in particular, drivers undertaking return journeys in a single day, when an overnight would be advisable. Work pressures associated with the Tiger economy increase the risk of incidences here, as does our shameful drink-driving record.
‘Drivers should recognise that even if they are wide awake, those around them may not be. One of the more shocking findings of the RAC research was that many drivers are seriously fatigued on a regular basis.’
The RAC warns drivers against setting off on long journeys during the ‘post-lunch dip’ - the period of decreased alertness that strikes between 1pm and 4pm, when work performance suffers, people are apt to nod off in dimly lit meeting rooms and the likelihood of being in a car crash increases.
Two hours’ continuous driving is the maximum recommended by the RAC. It advises drivers to set ventilation controls so that they draw in cold fresh air, this being more effective than winding down the window. It also warns that heavy meals induce sleep.
Fiat Punto biggest selling car in Ireland
26 January 2001: The Fiat Punto was Ireland’s best selling car in 2000, retaining its position at the top of the sales league for the third consecutive year.
Official figures just released show that a total of 11,065 new Puntos were registered here during 2000, to give the Italian hatchback range a 4.9% share of what was the biggest new car market in our history.
A total of 7,569 Puntos were sold here in 1998, enough to move the car into the No 1 place in the sales league. These were the ‘old’ Puntos, the version originally launched in 1993. In 1999 the ‘New’ Punto was introduced and sales increased to 7,913. The ‘New’ Punto took over from its predecessor as the nation’s favourite car with 4.5% market share.
Now, according to the latest figures, the Punto has made a dramatic leap in sales. The increase represents a growth rate of 39.8% compared with the 32.5% growth rate experienced by the total market.
Nicola Greco, CEO of Fiat Auto Ireland, said the news of the Punto’s achievement in 2000 ‘made a remarkable year even more special’. “To have the best-selling car in the country at any time is a great honour; to hold the position for three years is probably unique; but to hold the position during the biggest and best year ever for the industry here is a really historic achievement,” he said. TW.
Famous Alfa nears end of Irish run
25 January 2001: Time is running out for Irish motoring enthusiasts to see the winner of the Irish Grand Prix in 1929. The Alfa 1750 is on display at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Ely Place, until Friday at 6pm.
Pictured above at the launch of the exhibition is Taoiseach Bertie Ahern with a modern giant of motor racing - Jean Todt, the man in charge of Ferrari's famous Formula One team. He had flown in specially to be at the announcement and, of course, to talk motoring racing past and present.
Driven by Boris Ivanowski in 1929, the 1750 was the fastest in the Eireann Cup on Saturday July 13th, 1929. Boris had driven the Alfa 1500 in the Saorstat Cup the previous day. But because his drive in the 1750 was the fastest of any driver over the two days, he was declared the winner.
The 1929 Irish International Grand Prix was the first of only three staged here. It was, as we now know, a short lived an attempt to put Ireland on the world motor racing map.
But this exhibition has started some discussion about the possibility of working towards having Grand prix racing back here at some time in the future. Jean Todt did not make light of the task ahead - a new circuit would be needed as would a lot of finance. But he emphasised it should not be viewed as an impossible dream.
Seventy-two years ago the Irish race attracted some of the most famous racing names of the time. The equivalent of today's Schumacher and Irvine included Malcolm Campbell, Guiseppe Campari and Rudolph Caracciola.
However Boris beat them all in the 1750 and took a unique place in Irish motoring history. The remarkable thing is that the car is still going and competing in special historical events around Europe. It looks remarkably well and certainly attracted a large crowd to the announcement of its 'static' lap of honour.
The exhibition is free and well worth a visit. EOC
Fisher tragedy leads to rally postponing
25 January 2001: As a mark of respect to the Fisher Family, the organising committee of this weekend's Connacht Navigation Trial, the fifth round of the EARS Motorsport National Championship, have postponed the event. The fixture has been rescheduled to take place next weekend (3/4th February)
The burial of Bertie Fisher, his son Mark and daughter Emma will take place this afternoon at Ballinamallard at 2pm. BT
Volvo headed for SUV segment
25 January 2001: The Volvo Adventure Concept Car (ACC) which made its debut at the international motor show in Detroit, is the first indication of Volvo’s future move into the SUV segment.
This concept car should be seen as a ‘thermometer’, a tool for assessing the expectations and demands the market has in an SUV from Volvo. It is NOT the exact car customers will see in showrooms when Volvo’s first SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is launched within the next two years.
Visitors to the Detroit show were able to make their views of the ACC known directly to Volvo’s SUV development team via special computer monitors. At a later stage, internet users all over the world will have the same chance to pass on their comments. TW
Upgraded Grand Vitara is rolled out here
25 January 2001: Suzuki has launched a new 5-door version of the Grand Vitara on the market.
This latest addition to the Grand Vitara range is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine which delivers 107.3 bhp @ 4,000 rpm. The ‘Drive Select 4x4’ system allows for the switching from 2WD to 4WD (high ratio) while travelling in a straight line at speeds up to 62mph.
Initially this Grand Vitara, which has a very high specification level, is available with 5-speed manual transmission with an automatic version coming on the market in April.
The recommended retail selling price is £23,265 ex-works and it comes with a 3-year/60,000 miles warranty.
The Grand Vitara range is the flagship of the Suzuki range of cars and 4WD vehicles sold in Ireland. Last year some 664 Grand Vitaras were sold here.
Suzuki’s range of 4WD vehicles in Ireland consisting of the Grand Vitara and the Jimny account for 50% of their sales. Suzuki has a 10% share of the 4x4 market and holds the number 2 spot in the car segment. TW
Pajero makes 10 awards
24 January 2001: The fully remodelled 3rd generation Mitsubishi Pajero has picked up 10 major awards across Europe since its launch in April 2000.
The awards include the German ‘Off Road’ Magazine which made the Mitsubishi Pajero its ‘Off Roader of the Year 2000’; and at the 16th Mobil Economy Run, held in Potsdam, Germany, when the 3.2-litre Direct Injection Diesel engine Pajero returned 5.91 litres per 100 kilometres, ‘proving that off-roaders can also be economical.
In the UK, a 3-5 litre V6 GDI powered SWB Pajero won the Caravan Club Magazine’s “All-Terrain Towcar of the Year 2001’ award, where the GDI’s towing capacity of 3,300 kg allowed the Pajero the honours.
Also in the UK, the Pajero picked up awards from CAP Motor Research as ‘Best Large 4x4’ 2000; from Off Road and 4WD Magazine for ‘Best Diesel 4x4’ 2001 and a commendation in the Auto Express New Car Honours in the ‘4x4 Off Roader’ category.
In the hands of a team for the Dutch De Telegraaf newspaper, the LWB DI-D was victorious in the Autovisie Cape to Cape rally. It completed the course from the North Cape of Norway to the South Cape in Spain in just 56 hours and 13 minutes, earning itself a mention in the Guinness Book of Records in the process.
In Spain, the Pajero (known there as the Montero) distinguished itself as ‘Best Off-Road Car of the Year’ by winning a joint award from the readers of Car & Driver Magazine and the Deviajes travel magazine.
The Bulgarian Union of Car Importers and Press Auto Club voted the Pajero the top 4x4 in their ‘Car of the Year’ awards. TW
Hyundai made upward progress in 2000
24 January 2001: Hyundai Cars Ireland moved up three positions on the Passenger Car Registrations table from year end 1999 to year end 2000.
Hyundai Cars moved from 12th position to 9th position with an increase of 64.6% in passenger car registrations in 2000. A total of 7,436 such vehicles were registered in 2000, compared to 4518 registered to year end 1999.
Meanwhile, internationally Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has announced a major redevelopment, which sees them become a totally autonomous motor manufacturer, fully independent and totally separate from any other member of the Hyundai Business Group.
Along with Daimler Chrysler taking 10% of the new entity, this is seen as a major step towards realising the company’s ambitions of becoming one of the top five auto manufacturers in the world. Currently HMC, Korea’s number one auto manufacturer, are ranked 8th in the world.
It also coincides with the company’s announcement of record sales for the year 2000 when total Hyundai car sales topped 1.53 million, a new one-year record for the Korean manufacturer.
In Ireland, sales for 2001 are expected to reach 10,000 units. New models introduced last year were the top of the range XG, the MPV Trajet, the new Santa Fe and the Elantra. New entrants for 2001 will include an all-terrain 4x4 and an additional mini MPV. A number of diesel engines will also be introduced. TW
Peugeot 504 goes out of production after 33 years
23 January 2001: The Peugeot 504 finally goes out of production this year. You didn't know it was still being made, did you? But it has been, in Nigeria and Kenya. However, Peugeot now feel t the car, which with its 404 predecessor literally put Africa on wheels, is no longer in sufficient demand to warrant continued production.
South American production stopped in 1999, and since then Africa remained the sole source for the model. The 404 and 504 in their saloon and station wagon forms are still popular in sub-Saharan Africa, so much so that even old non-running units have been towed out of South Africa for restoration in Zimbabwe.
The Peugeot 504 was launched in 1968 and went out of production in Europe in 1983 after more than 3m units had been produced. However, 504s continued to be built in Argentina, China and Nigeria. It was produced in saloon, station wagon, convertible and 4x4 versions, with the estates particularly popular in Africa as long-haul taxis. BB
Toyota Europe ends 2000 on the fast track
23 January 2001: Toyota and Lexus achieved a new sales record in Europe in 2000. With 655,600 vehicles delivered - 18,000 Lexus and 637,600 Toyota - the world's number three car manufacturer increased its sales in Europe by 11% over the previous year. This is the fourth consecutive sales record for the company and clearly confirms its position as number one Japanese make in Europe.
Sales in Europe were boosted by a range of six new Toyota models - Corolla, MR2, Avensis, Prius, RAV4 and Previa - and three new Lexus models -RX300, GS430 and LS430.
The top three bestselling models included the Yaris (195,000 units) and Yaris Verso (37,300 units), the new Corolla (121,600 units) and Avensis (116,000 units).
"We are extremely pleased with these excellent results, achieved in a highly competitive market", said Akira Imai, Chief Executive Officer and President of Toyota Motor Marketing and Engineering (TMME).
"We are confident that, with another seven new models being launched in 2001, we will maintain the strong sales momentum this year also, despite difficult market conditions and adverse currency fluctuations", Mr Imai added. BT
BMW 'can remain independent'
23 January 2001: BMW chairman Joachim Milberg says the German luxury automaker is big enough and has the right products to maintain its independence and succeed in the global auto industry. He also indicated that the Mini will play its part in keeping BMW independent.
In one of the most forthright statements on BMW's future, Mr Milberg said it was important not to confuse size and strength.
He reemphasised BMW's strategy of remaining independent at a time when the industry seems to favour size with the Renault -Nissan tie-up, the deal that created DaimlerChrysler and acquisition binges by the two largest automakers, GM and Ford.
"We must ask ourselves, however, how much longer this phase will be seen as true," he told hundreds of auto executives and reporters. "Size and strength shouldn't be confused. Absolute corporate size is of little interest to us."
He said giant automakers risk becoming unwieldy and losing their identities. BMW got caught up in the trend when it bought Rover, the money-loser dubbed the "English Patient". BMW sold Rover last year to a consortium, as well as its Land Rover division to Ford.
BMW has learned a painful lesson from trying to play in the volume segments and will focus on the premium markets, where profit margins and sales growth are higher, Milberg said.
"Our experience with Rover taught us a good strategy does not mix premium brands and mass-market brands," he said.
The premium segments of the auto industry will grow by about half worldwide over the next decade, compared to about 25 percent growth in the mass-market segments, Milberg predicted.
To that end, BMW will introduce the new Mini and will add the Rolls Royce brand to its stable in 2003, he said.
The German company also has said it plans to expand its SUV lineup from the current BMW X5 to a smaller version, and will offer an upscale small car that would sell below its popular 3 Series. No time table has been set on those vehicles, but all those moves will push BMW into the luxury end of different segments.
"We are now doing what we do best: developing, building and selling premium products. Volume per se is not the BMW Group's goal."
BMW will continue to grow around the world, and will invest about 6 percent of annual sales in research and development as well as 7 percent of sales for investment use, he said. To make itself more competitive, BMW also will develop vehicles faster, reach full capacity when launching such new models sooner and deliver them to buyers quicker.
While BMW will maintain its independence, it will form more partnerships with other companies, Milberg said. For example, BMW has an engine assembly joint venture in Brazil with DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler unit. EOC
Nissan now expected to build new Micra in Britain
22 January 2001: Nissan is expected to announce this week it will build its new Micra at Sunderland in north-east England. The company seems set to announce a £200m investment in the plant, a move which will securer 1,300 jobs. This follows a European Commission ruling that allows the British Government to invest £40 million pounds on the project.
There had been a threat that the new model would be built in France, which would have dealt a further blow to Britain's car industry and embarrassing to senior Labour figures including Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose constituency is in the north east.
The Sunderland plant employs 4,900 and is said to be the most efficient car factory in Europe. Each UK Nissan worker makes 105 cars per year and the factory has lost only one hour of output to industrial action since it opened 16 years ago. BB
Berlingo van upgraded
22 January 2001: An improved version of the Berlingo Van has been launched by Gallic Distributors in Ireland. It incorporates a rear sliding side door which makes it much more flexible to use. This option is available for an extra £350.
The Berlingo Van was last year’s best selling van in Ireland in the period January - November in the under 3-ton category, according to Gallic Distributors MD James Wyse. Figures show the Berlingo outsold Ford’s Transit 100 by 22 units in that time. “We’re very proud of this fact,” James Wyse said.
All Berlingo vans are now fitted with Multiplex wiring which means that the amount of wiring and connections in each Berlingo is reduced by 20% and this allows new complex features to be easily incorporated. These include speed sensitive intermittent screenwipers, a ‘guide-me-home’ headlamp feature which allows headlamps to remain illuminated for one minute after the engine is switched off and automatic illumination of hazard warning lights in the event of an accident.
The Citroën Berlingo Van ended the year in number one position in the 600-800 Kg van category with a sales performance of over 2,700 sales in 2000, over 600 units ahead of its nearest rival, the Seat Inca Van. This puts the Berlingo Van just 300 units behind the Ford Transit as the best selling van overall in the Irish van market, having caught and outsold the Toyota Hiace which had held the second spot for the last 20 years.
Standard equipment includes heated rear window, rear wash wipe, in-dash CD player and remote central door locking. It comes with 3.0 cubic metre load capacity and easy Europallet loading capability and yet drives like a car. According to Citroën, the Berlingo Van reflects the marque’s belief that vans should be designed for the vehicle and not the driver, to put in a hard day’s work!
Prices, ex-works, range from £9,450 to £9,850. TW
Daihatsu launches new 'B' segment car
18 January 2001: Daihatsu Ireland has launched a new car for the highly-competitive ‘B’ segment, the YRV.
Described as a ‘compact sporty wagon’, the new vehicle is powered by 1- and 1.3-litre engines and comes with a high level of specification, including central locking, dual airbags, electric mirrors and windows, and some clever touches in terms of storage.
Direct competitors include Opel’s Corsa, Toyota’s Yaris, and Fiat’s Punto. According to Daihatsu Ireland general manager Ian Bloomer (pictured above on right with chief executive Declan McCourt) the YRV is the first of a ‘new wave of distinctive Daihatsu cars styled to European Tastes.
The YRV has a styling which the makers call a ‘double wedge’, and they say it came about after extensive ‘clinicing’ in Europe, including Ireland. The engines have a similar variable valve timing technology as used in the Toyota Yaris, which is not surprising as Daihatsu is partly owned by the Japanese giant manufacturer and actually makes the engines for the Yaris.
The base engine is a 3-cylinder, outputting 58bhp, while the 1.3-litre 4-cylinder has a power output of 86bhp. A 140bhp version will be available later in the year.
Prices for the two versions are £11,858 and £13,165. BB
First Irish Grand Prix winner for show in Dublin
17 January 2001: One of the most important cars in the development of motor racing in Ireland, the Alfa 1750 which won the first ever Irish Grand Prix in 1929, is coming back to Dublin and will be on display in the City’s Royal Hibernian Academy for a week from Monday 22nd January.
The 1929 Irish International Grand Prix was the first of only three staged here in an attempt to put Ireland firmly on the world’s motor-racing map. All three events were run over a road-circuit in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Many of the most famous and glamorous names of the time were involved including Malcolm Campbell, Guiseppe Campari and Rudolph Caracciola.
A Russian driver, Boris Ivanowski, won the first Grand Prix in 1929. He competed in two races, the Saorstat Cup on Friday 12th. July and the Eireann Cup on Saturday 13th. July, winning the first in an Alfa 1500 and the second in the more powerful Alfa 1750. Because his victory in the second race was the fastest time of any driver over the two days, Ivanowski was deemed the winner of the Grand Prix, giving him and Alfa Romeo a unique place in Irish motor racing.
That gleaming red Alfa 1750 which won the Grand Prix at 76.4 mph. is still in full road-going condition and competes in special historical events around Europe. Now it will be on show in the Royal Hibernian Academy, Ely Place, Dublin (off St. Stephen’s Green West) from Monday 22nd. to Friday 26th. January and admission to the public is free. Opening hours are 10:00 AM-5: 30 PM.
At the time when Alfa Romeo are launching their new 147 range the 71year old 1750 is being brought back to Ireland to remind people of the company’s heritage and sporting pedigree. It will remind people of this country’s farsightedness all those years ago, investing in the most technologically advanced sport in the world and also it poses the question whether Ireland should consider reviving Grand Prix racing again. JG
Jordan launches latest Formula 1 car
16 January 2001: The Jordan Formula 1 car for the coming season was launched today with a live stream on the Internet.
The Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda EJ11 was shown to ther world’s press at Silverstone, where it will be put through its paces for the next three days. The launch can be seen here using Microsoft Windows Media Player.
Pictured with the EJ11 are drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Ricardo Zonta and Jarno Trulli. BB
Astra boosts GM, but company still loses money
16 January 2001: European production of Opel’s Astra family of cars rose 3.8 percent in 2000, with increased sales coming mainly from the Zafira compact MPV.
Output rose to 946,960 units last year from 912,517 in 1999 in plants at Bochum and Eisnech in Germany, Ellesmere Port in England, Antwerp in Belgium, Gliwice in Poland, and Grugliasco in Italy. Worldwide production of the model topped 1 million for the first time.
Some 217,715 Zafiras were built, up from 150,064 in 1999. The Zafira went on sale in the first half of 1999. On the downside, following significant fourth-quarter losses in Europe last year, General Motors plans to close an assembly plant for Vectras at Luton, England, leading to the loss of 2,000 jobs. BB
DaimlerChrysler facing breakup threat?
16 January 2001: There is strong speculation that because of the losses being incurred by Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler’s two largest shareholders could force the selling off of some of the conglomerate’s key business units, including the mercedes-Benz division.
This follows reports that the Deutsche Bank and the state of Kuwait have given D-C boss Juergen Schrempp only six months to turnaround Chrysler.
And further speculation says thyat both General Motors and Ford are already interested in the possibility of acquiring parts of DaimlerChrysler.
A spokesman for D-C described the report as ‘unfounded’. However, because of the adverse publicity over the problems with Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler's shares have fallen by almost half over the past year. Losses of $1.25 billion at Chrysler in the fourth quarter of 2000 are expected to be followed by further extensive losses this year. The Mercedes-Benz car and truck businesses are both extremely profitable.
The Jeep division of Chrysler could also be ripe for any such cherrypicking. BB
E-Class recall over airbags
16 January 2001: Mercedes-Benz has initiated a recall of about 16,255 model-year 1997 E-Class saloons in the US, manufactured between November 1996 and February 1997.
The company has found that side airbags in these vehicles could deploy inadvertently because of a ‘supplier quality problem’ in the airbag module. No serious injuries or accidents have been reported from the problem.
Replacing the side airbags take about two hours per car. as of yet, the recall is confined to the US. BB
Some surprises at Detroit auto show
15 January 2001: At the North American International Motor Show in Detroit, which officially opened to the public this past weekend, there were a number of surprises from major manufacturers.
One which wasn’t was the latest incarnation of Mazda’s rotary-engined sports car, which in concept form as the Evolv has been doing just that over some other international shows in the past year. The RX-8 (above left) is the production model, and as shown is close to what will go on sale in about two years time.
The butterfly door arrangement shows no centre pillar, which indicates there’s some serious strengthening of the car’s platform and bodyshell. It will be powered by a three-rotor non-turbo motor and the car will have a 50-50 weight distribution. A higher-output version of the engine is also contemplated, and the RX-8 has also been designed to be a 4WD in some future special version.
Chrysler revealed its next Viper (above), due to go into production in mid-2002 and will be powered by an 8.3-litre 500bhp engine. And for a first with this car, it is likely to be built in RHD. Still, Irish road tax might make it a limited seller here.
One of the surprises was Lexus, revealing a wagon version called the Sportcross, based on the 3-litre version of the IS series. It’s a 2WD despite its name, really just an estate version of the IS300, and comes with a 5-speed auto trans.
Toyota showed its Matrix (right), a vehicle shared with GM - they’ve been doing joint ventures for some years in the US - which is built on the Corolla platform and will have options of 1.6- or 1.8-litre VVTi engines and is described as a ‘convergence’ of passenger car, SUV and sports car. They had on the same stand a 1.8-powered 5-door hatch called the Vibe GT.
Volvo showed a steroidised Cross Country called an Adventure Concept Car which may be in actual production in 2003. It’s got 4WD and nobody knows what engine will power it yet except maybe a few Volvo engineers, though a Ford V8 is a likely possibility for at least the US market. BB
Ford Motor Company announces SUV safety features
15 January 2001: Ford Motor Co has announced plans to add a number of additional safety technologies to its SUVs, including advanced tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Tyre pressure technology on its SUVs and pickup trucks from Model Year 2002 will alert drivers if a tyre became under-inflated.
The Ford Explorer (above left), the top-selling SUV in the United States, has been at the centre of the Bridgestone/Firestone recall of 6.5 million tyres linked to the fatal highway death of 148 Americans.
The tyre pressure monitor features a pressure sensor inside each tyre with a transmitter that communicates with a receiving module located inside the vehicle, able to activate a warning if the tyre pressure fell too low.
Ford SUVs will also adopt front airbags that automatically adjust their deployment levels based on the severity of a crash, driver's seat position, and whether the passenger seat is occupied. The system automatically responds to different accident conditions.
Sensors able to detect if the vehicle is about to roll over will automatically deploy head-and-chest side curtain airbags, to keep passengers from being thrown from the vehicle. Ford will also offer anti-lock braking systems (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) to cut stopping distances, and the AdvanceTrac driving stability system able to adjust braking to improve handling. Both of those systems will also appear in the new Explorer. BB
Citroen Xsara van outsells competitors
15 January 2001: The Citroën Xsara Van, voted the Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2000 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association, is outselling well established competitors.
The new Xsara Van now comes with all the technical and cosmetic changes incorporated in the new Series 2 Xsara which has just been launched in Ireland. Standard specification includes ABS, four airbags, remote Central Door Locking, electric front windows, CD player, integrated front fog lights, rear spoiler, 15” wheels and a Pack Look - body coloured bumpers and side mouldings.
It comes with a price advantage over competitors which ranges from £495 to over £2,300 against rivals such as the Peugeot 306, Renault Megavan, Nissan Almera, Toyota Corolla and the VW Golf.
The marque is now the fifth biggest van distributor here for the fourth year in a row according to James Wyse (above right), MD Gallic Distributors Ltd, with 3,700 van registrations in 2000, giving it a 9.1% share of the market, up 53% on 1999. Top performer was Ford with 6,922 units, followed by Toyota, Volkswagen, and Nissan.
Overall the commercial vehicle market for last year totalled some 40,863 units, an increase of 24%. TW
Peugeot presents 607 range in Ireland
12 January 2001: Some 350 Peugeot 607 executive saloons are expected to be sold in Ireland in the coming year according to franchisee Gowan Group’s Dave McConnell. At the Irish press launch of the car yesterday, he said it is expected to attract buyers particularly because of its high specification for the money.
McConnell agreed that it is the first time in many years that Peugeot have had a real contender in the higher executive market - the previous 605 sold poorly in Irish and UK markets, and he suggested that his estimates on sales of the 607 could be ‘conservative. There has already been considerable interest from the financial services fleet car segment.
Initially available with 2.2-litre petrol and diesel powerplants and a 2.9-litre V6, the range will be expanded later with 2-litre petrol and diesel engines (only for Ireland). There are three levels of specification - Titanium, Diamond, Ebony and Ivory - each with different combinations of microcarbon, wood, leather, cloth and velour trim and materials.
The price variation for the full range is £26,705-£41,705. McConnell said there has been a very strong pre-launch interest and a number of customers have placed orders without having seen the physical car. The orders can be completely personalised in terms of specification and even with this, maximum delivery times should not exceed 12 weeks.
Specifications throughout include front, side and curtain airbags, air-conditioning, cruise control, tyre pressure detector and CD changer. Short preview drives showed the V6 (with Tiptronic automatic gearbox) to be exceptionally smooth and quiet, and the 2.2 HDI td to have exceptional low-down torque and a very smooth performance.
The full range of 607s will be available in the Spring. BB
Mazda brings back 121
12 January 2001: Mazda has reintroduced a 121 small car for 2001 in a strong revamp of its car range for Ireland. Based on the Ford Fiesta, the 121 comes in only one specification, a 5-door powered by the 1.25-litre Zetec engine, at a price of £10,850.
The specification includes central locking, front electric windows, GLX spec upholstery and a rear window wiper. The car has a 3-year 100,000 km warranty.
Mazda has also introduced an upgraded 323 range with better handling and more powerful engines as well as styling tweaks, an MX-5 with a 1.6-litre engine (see earlier story this month on irishcar.com), a restyled and more powerful Xedos 9 luxury car (also covered here in December) and a Demio with ‘bull bars’ and wood-effect interior trim.
At a press event last evening, MDL Mazda Division John Coffey (below) said that the marque had suffered last year from not having a car in the 121 segment, though the larger Demio had performed exceptionally well, becoming the highest-selling mini-MPV in the country with over 800 units sold.
He said he expects the marque will achieve a 3% share of the market for 2001, and suggested that the highest-ever sales of 230,000-plus for 2000 is a ‘record we are not likely to see again’. Coffey said his expectation of the market for the current year is ‘an optimistic’ 200,000 vehicles. BB
Nissan Z-car almost ready for production
12 January 2001: One of the highlights of the Detroit Show this week was the presentation of the nearly production-ready latest version of Nissan's classic Z car, a spiritual descendent of the original Datsun 240Z that Nissan brought to America in 1969.
A 3.6-litre, 260-horsepower engine will give the Z a 0-to-60 time of less than 6 seconds when it goes on sale in mid 2002.
The Z car arrived just 21 months after Nissan agreed to be bought by Renault, saving it from bankruptcy. The car will probably be named the 350Z, for its 3.5-litre engine. It will be priced under $30,000, around a quarter more in real money terms than the original Z-car introduced in 1969.
Also at the Show, Volkswagen unveiled its concept Microbus. Designed as a modern minivan competitor with 21st-Century touches such as a video entertainment screen, the Microbus' styling still recalls the original Buses that became a symbol of the Woodstock era. The vehicle, designed in the company's Simi Valley studio in California, is intended to re-create the cult status of the first VW Bus.
At the show, General Motors outlined plans to offer high-mileage, cleaner-burning hybrid petrol-electric engines in a variety of cars, trucks, city buses and other vehicles, beginning with a new sport utility vehicle (SUV) in 2004.
The company’s new ParadiGM hybrid system will mate either a V-6 or inline four-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of electric motors and a battery pack, and will go on sale for only a slightly higher price than vehicles with traditional engines.
DaimlerChrysler AG also intends to introduce the first fuel cell buses in 2002 and the first fuel cell cars in 2004. Fuel cell vehicles generate electrical power from hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. The vehicles are more efficient and emit lower levels of air and noise pollution.
Ford also announced plans to offer a hybrid petrol-electric powered Ford Explorer in 2004 or 2005.
Meanwhile, Ford also said it would add several new safety technologies to its SUVs from 2002, including advanced tyre pressure monitoring systems which alert drivers if a tire becomes under-inflated. The Ford Explorer was at the center of the Bridgestone/Firestone recall of 6.5 million tyres linked to the highway deaths of 148 Americans.
Ford will also offer on all its Ford brand SUVs by 2005 a new side curtain air bag system, starting with the 2002 Explorer.
Other presentations at the Detroit show included the Lexus SC 430 luxury sports convertible with a retractable metal roof, expected to sell around 10,000 copies in the US. Honda unveiled a youth-oriented RS-X sports coupe, of which it will produce about 30,000 in the first year of production.
Ford introduced the 2002 Thunderbird coupe, which many in the auto industry expect to be a hot-selling retro car when it hits dealer showrooms this summer. BB
Powerful Turbo crowns Opel's Astra Range
11 January 2001: Opel has crowned its Astra range with a particularly sporty, turbocharged model which is now available at £25,090. The Coupé Turbo can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
For the Turbo, the Astra Coupé’s DSA (Dynamic Safety) sports chassis has received firmer spring and shock absorber settings, 17-inch five-spoke wheels and even stronger brakes. An Electronic Stability Programme is standard.
Also standard are sports seats, air-conditioning, an on-board computer and cruise control. Safety features include active head restraints at the front, a ‘pedal release system’, and front and side airbags.
The four-seater sports coupé was designed in cooperation with Bertone and built at the famous coachbuilder’s plant in Italy. Alongside the new Turbo, the Astra Coupé is available with a choice of two ECOTEC petrol engines: the 2.2-litre aluminium unit (in manual or automatic transmission) and the 1.8-litre. TW
Suzuki Jimny facelifted for new model year
11 January 2001: The Suzuki Jimny 4WD has been given a facelift and a bigger engine to provide more power and comfort for both city and off-road driving.
In this country, Suzuki’s range of 4-wheel drive vehicles (the Jimny and Grand Vitara) accounts for 50% of their sales.
The new power plant for the Jimny is a 16-valve 1,328cc engine with electronic multipoint fuel injection. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Jimny is fitted with Suzuki’s 'drive action' 4 x 4 system and with automatic free-wheeling hubs. A transfer box, which allows the use of high or low four-wheel drive ratios, is operated by a level behind the main transmission selector level. The driver can select the four-wheel drive whils on the move, travelling in a straight line at speeds up to 62mph/100kph.
Standard equipment on the Suzuki Jimny 1.3 includes power steering, electric front windows and door mirrors, central locking, halogen headlights, immobiliser, dual airbags and side impact protection beams.
Enhancements include a new hard cover for the spare wheel, enlarged head restraints, light-off reminder, luminated switches on the instrument panel and new seat fabric.
As with all Suzuki models it comes with a 3-year /60,000 miles warranty, a 12-year anti corrosion warranty and a 3-year roadside assistance, as standard.
The recommended retail selling price is £13,520 ex works. TW
MG Rover exceeds 200,000 sales target
11 January 2001: MG Rover Ireland has received a major boost with its British owner, MG Rover Group, announcing it has exceeded its world-wide sales target of 200,000 units for the year 2000 in their first year as an independent car maker.
According to Kevin Howe, MG Rover chief executive, this will give a boost to dealers and suppliers as well as demonstrating continued consumer confidence in the Rover and MG brands to the market.
Breda Martin, Public Relations Manager, MG Rover Ireland, said ‘the achievement comes at a significant time for the company and its seventeen strong dealer network’. “With the changeover of ownership now completed, we move forward into 2001 with a positive outlook for MG and Rover cars in Ireland.”
All MG Rover models are now built in one plant in Longbridge in Bermingham. Over £100 million has been invested since May last year at Longbridge in the product development of four additional models, Rover 75 Estate and three MG Saloon cars that will be built and launched this year.
In 2001 the MG Rover Group will build eight separate models from three different platforms for the MG and Rover brands. TW
Mazda upgrades MX-5 for 2001
10 January 2001: Mazda has improved their MX-5 sports car for the year 2001. Since its introduction in 1989 more than 580,000 units have been sold which stands as a Guinness Book of World Records record for a roadster.
The New MX-5 has retained its distinctive styling with subtle enhancements including a distinctive five-point grille, new headlamps and rear combination lamps.
Mazda has improved the engine performance, strengthened the body, fine-tuned the suspension, enhanced the safety features and improved comfort, convenience and styling while remaining true to the key elements of its original concept for creating a lightweight sports car.
The new 1.6-litre engine provides a maximum output of 110PS and comes with an improved 5-speed manual gearbox.
Enhancements include an even stronger body, created by the use of Mazda’s Advanced Impact-energy Distribution and Absorption System. ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) are now standard. Security is also improved with remote control central and double locking standard as is the immobiliser system.
The sportiness and interior is improved with the use of new high-back bucket seats for greater body support, a new centre console, white dials with amber back lighting and chrome-plated rims for the speedometer and rev-counter.
The new Mazda MX-5 is covered by a full, three year 100,000km warranty and free, twenty-four hour Euro Service. It comes with a £22,175 price tag. TW
Suzuki Baleno gets a facelift
10 January 2001: The Baleno, the largest car built by Suzuki, has undergone a facelift for 2001. The changes incorporate improvements to the external look of the car while internally passenger comfort and safety have been enhanced.
The overall specification includes dual airbags, heavier doors with side impact beams, strengthened central and rear door pillars and front seatbelt height adjusters.
Standard equipment includes power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, dual full size airbags, halogen headlights and childproof rear door locks.
Recommended retail-selling price of the Baleno 1.3 GL 4-door saloon is £12,575, ex-works. Customers can choose from a colour choice of Grove Green Metallic, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Bordeaux Red Pearl and Silky Silver Metallic.
As with all Suzuki models, this car comes with a 3-year /60,000 mile warranty. In addition, a 12-year anti perforation (corrosion) warranty and 3-year roadside assistance is also standard. TW
New Citroen Xsara range launched
10 January 2001: Citroen launched its new-look Series 2 Xsara to the press in spectacular surroundings at Malahide. The new range includes the re-styled saloon coupé, saloons and estate.
Gallic Distributors MD James Wyse (right) said the company anticipates their biggest selling version will be the Xsara 5-door, 1.4 litre VSX which has a price tag of £13,975 ex-works with optional automatic air conditioning for another £775. However, the 1.4-litre Coupé sees no price increase and is in fact cheaper than the 5-door at £13,400 ex works.
The present 1.4 litre 5-door version currently accounts for 43% of Citroen’s sales in this country. Direct competitors include the Ford Focus 1.4 Zetec, Toyota Corolla 1.4 VVTi, Opel Astra 1.4 XE GL, VW Golf 1.4 and the Nissan Almera.
The new editions include new exterior styling, additional equipment, an updated engine and improved safety features. The new-look Xsara is longer and wider than its predecessor with 15” wheels (previously 14”), and a broader track. Better styling is achieved with a new bonnet and wings, new headlights with integrated fog lamps designed to throw out 20% more light on low and high beam, a new bumper and wider grille which now sports a larger double chevron.
A more prominent Citroën badge, together with newly designed instrument displays, improved switchgear and a new high quality trim, complete the face lift.
On the safety side, the new Xsara body structure is stronger than before. ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution have been added as standard equipment on all models. The new Xsara also comes with four airbags (two front and two side), a fuel cut off device and automatic illumination of hazard lights on impact.
Other high-spec features include ‘guide me home’ headlamps which stay on for a period of time to help you find your way to the front door; a speed-controlled radio volume system which saves you fiddling with the volume controls when driving at different speeds; and an on-board computer which gives details on the distance travelled, fuel consumption, average speed and the mileage to the next fuel fill-up.
The new Xsara is also well protected against thefts and break-ins as the central door locking facility uses a high-frequency remote control system with three buttons - one for locking, one for unlocking and one for the boot.
The new Xsara range comes with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines: a new 1.6i 16V (110bhp) petrol engine replaces the 1.8i 16V model, giving 20% lower fuel consumption. This new engine comes in both Coupé and 5-door versions.
Prices for the Coupé range from £13,400 to £16,750; for the 5-door range, £13,975 to £16,4509 and for the estate range, £14,850 to £16,850. TW
Astra Cabriolet will debut at Geneva
9 January 2001: An Opel Astra Cabriolet due to make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March has been designed and will be built in Italy by the styling house Bertone. With full four-seat capacity, and high equipment levels, there will be two distinct editions - an entry-level 125bhp, 1.8-litre model and a more powerful 147bhp 2.2-litre version using the engine from the VX220 roadster.
The 2.2-litre car will accelerate from 0-60mph in only 8.5 seconds and will give rival opentops from Saab and BMW a good run for their money.
The roof mechanism is kept under a solid cover behind the rear seats. It has a three-layer construction with a heated glass rear window. Even with the roof folded the boot has 330 litres of space. As with the Opel Coupé, there will be sports seats trimmed in Alcantara, air-conditioning, and a CD-player. The 2.2-litre has a four-disc multi-changer.
ABS and front airbags are standard. There’s rollover protection with reinforced windscreen pillars and hoops behind the rear seats. BB
Used car gluts are 'bad management'
9 January 2001: If Irish car dealers find themselves in trouble because of having a too-large stock of secondhand cars, it is simply down to ‘bad management’ on their part, according to Nissan Ireland’s marketing boss Paul O’Sullivan.
“A well-managed dealership doesn’t have a secondhand car problem,” he told Irish motoring journalists this week during the launch of the Tino compact MPV (left). “Our dealers are encouraged to take the line that if a trade-in is still in stock after 60 days, it is sold into the trade and ‘written down’.”
And he pointed to the ‘Gold Standard’ used guarantee system introduced to Nissan dealerships last year as one of the ways that Nissan Ireland have been supporting their dealers in the used trade. “The old ways of doing business are gone,” he said. “If you don’t give the customer the service, you’re dead.”
O’Sullivan said that the trade is seeing a much more demanding customer, with money in their pockets and asking their dealer ‘why they should be giving them £12,000 and more’.
He noted that the ‘Retail 2000’ Nissan programme of refurbishing dealer premises was only the first phase of the company’s initiative to build a very viable dealership network. “The next investment by our dealers and ourselves will be in staff training,” he said.
O’Sullivan is bullish about the prospects for the motor industry in 2001, going rather against some recent Cassandrian forecasts of drops from 4% to much lower. “2000 was almost a third up on 1999,” he says. “Even if the doomsayers are right, 2001 has to come out as the second-best year in Ireland’s motor business history. I believe it will at least equal last year’s performance.”
What he’s really saying, given Nissan Ireland’s performance last year to come out in number three in car sales (and number four in Light Commercial Vehicle sales), is that his own company’s position, with a pretty young range of cars, is odds-on to be in the money again this year. BB
Merc C-Class estate on the way to Ireland
9 January 2001: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate is due to arrive in Ireland soon following its international launch this week at the Detroit Motor Show.
The car comes in three design and equipment lines, and has a load carrying capacity of 470 litres, increasing to 1,384 litres, depending on the position of the multifunction rear seats.
It will be available here in three petrol (C180, C200K and C240) and two diesel powered versions (C220 CDI and C270 CDI).
Irish prices are not yet available. TW
Detroit first public view of latest Porsche
9 January 2001: The new Porsche 911 will be launched this week at the Detroit Motor Show and is expected to be available in Ireland during the second half of the year.
Visually, the GT2 stands 20mm lower and can be distinguished from the 911 Turbo by its new front with enlarged air intakes and a new fixed rear spoiler.
With 462 HP (340 kw), 42 HP more than the 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 is the most powerful addition to Porsche’s current series model range.
The 911’s top speed is 196 mph (315 km/h). 0-62 mph takes 4.1 seconds.
This model has the innovative Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes (PCCB) as standard. TW
Big LPG increase forecast in UK
9 January 2001: Motoring forecasters in the Uk are suggesting there will be an 'explosion' (unfortunate term?) in the numbers of LPG/petrol bi-fuel car and light commercial units from the present 16,000.
Both Vauxhall and Ford offer factory-fitted units for new cars and there are many market conversions from a number of independent operators. According to the Automotive News wire the total number of dual and bi-fuel liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas cars and vans on British roads will increase to more than 60,000 following the recent rises in petrol and diesel prices and the fuel queues prompted by perceived shortages. Vauxhall is the UK market leader in LPG bi-fuel vehicles
According to conversion contractors LPG Systems, dramatic growth is likely, with signs of a ‘massive' increase in interest from fleets. The refuelling infrastructure is becoming less of a problem for operators now that there are 500 sites up and running and others are being installed at the rate of one a day across the country.
The current price of LPG in the UK is about 40p per litre, compared with 80ppl for petrol or diesel. LPG has always been a very minority fuel option in Ireland, despite occasional institutional support for its usage. BB
Nissan launches Tino on Irish market
8 January 2001: Nissan has launched its Almera-based Tino medium-sized MPV on the Irish market at a price of £18,805. The car puts them into a segment that is fast-growing and increasingly competitive and dominated by the Renault Scenic and Opel Zafira.
Nissan are planning to sell 350 units this year into a market niche which has total sales of over 8,000, some half of which are in the size class at which the Tino is aimed.
Initially it comes with the 1.8-litre engine already used in the Primera and Almera, and which is one of the cleanest in the class. “If the Government ever decided to tax cars on emissions, this engine would make us even more competitive,” Nissan Ireland’s Paul O’Sullivan said when the car was shown to the Irish motoring press at the weekend.
The Tino is also available with a 2-litre engine using the Nissan CVT automatic gearbox, and - depending on sales and demand - the company may bring in a 1.6-litre version ‘down the road’.
In a market area where seating flexibility seems to be a competitive sport among manufacturers, Nissan are claiming a class lead in this respect, with a paossible 24 different seat configurations from the standard five seats. There are also over 20 different storage areas, including sliding boxes under the front seats and lift-out baskets under the rear passenger area floor.
The 144bhp engine has very good low-end pulling characteristics and car return up to 44.8mpg, according to the company.
Dual airbags and ABS are standard, and the ‘double-click’ anti-hijack remote locking system is also a feature.
Paul O’Sullivan says the MPV segment is expected to double in unit sales to 3% of the total market over the next five years. BB
First View of the Tino from Brian Byrne
First Active reduces car loan rates
8 January 2001: First Active Car Loan are reducing their car lending rates from today. The new variable rate will be 9.20% APR, down from 9.49% APR, and 10.25% APR, down from 10.50% APR for fixed rate loans.
First Active's variable rate car loan allows customers to reduce their total, add lump sums, take repayment breaks whilst saving on interest at the same time. Customers can also opt for a fixed rate loan.
Aidan Magennis, Head of Marketing and E-business, First Active, said the rate reduction reinforces First Active's commitment to being on eof the lowest car finance providers in the market. “Our car loan is a straightforward competitive personal loan,” he noted, announcing the reduction. “The customer has the benefit of being the owner of their new car from the day of purchase and not at the stage of the final payment. The customer pays back the amount borrowed plus the interest. There are no balloon payments or up front deposits."
In addition to this rate reduction, First Active has also introduced a phone-based service for Car Loans - 1850 678910. This service allows the customer the convenience of making a full application over the telephone and complements the choice of face to face interaction with the branch network. BT
MGF gets power boost and new versions
8 January 2001: The MG Rover MGF is getting a power increase from 143bhp to 160bhp in a version which will be badged ‘Trophy’. The company will also introduce a 1.6-litre entry-level model to broaden the roadster's appeal.
The Trophy features uprated suspension and new brakes and the 0-60mph performance is expected to be less than seven seconds. A lowered ride height, new spoilers front and rear, plus unique alloy wheels are part of the package, and new colours will also be available in the series.
The 16-valve 1.6-litre MGF is to be aimed directly at Mazda’s MX-5 1.6i, and it will produce 108bhp and a 0-60mph in under 10 seconds. The cars will be available in March.
High-performance MG-badged editions of the Rover 25 and 45 are also expected to debut this year, following the recent announcement of a high-powered MG saloon based on the Rover 75. TW
Mercedes-Benz celebrates its centenary
8 January 2001: Mercedes, one of the most famous names in motoring history, celebrated its 100th anniversary in December 2000.
The origin of the name, which later became Mercedes-Benz, can be traced back to a Leipzig-born businessman Emil Jellinek, a keen automobile enthusiast then living in Nice.
Jellinek had bought his first Daimler car in 1897. On 2 April 1900 he approached Daimler management and their chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach asking that they build a car that would incorporate a new, fast, lightweight and safe construction. That same day, Jellinek made a second proposal - that the new car should be called after his ten-year-old daughter, Mercedes.
The first Mercedes was supplied on 22 December 1900. Two years later, in September 1902, a trademark was taken out on the name ‘Mercedes’.
Twenty-fours years later, Daimler merged with Benz & Cie creating a union between the companies founded by the two inventors of the car, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz, which resulted in the formation of the company Daimler-Benz and the creation of the name Mercedes-Benz. TW
Significant drop expected in 2001 new car sales
6 January 2001: While a roundup of current motor business opinion suggests a 4% decline in Irish new car sales forecasts for the year 2001, at least one distributor thinks the drop could be a good deal more than that.
“I’ve talked to dealers around the country, and everybody is being very cautious,” James Wyse (right), managing directorof Gallic Distributors Ltd, said at the press launch of the Series 2 Citroen Xsara this week. He said the overhang of secondhand cars in the market from the last couple of years of bumper sales is going to slow down new sales, and he believes there will be ‘great value’ for customers in secondhand sales.
“I’m not being pessimistic, but it is really a case of which of us in the industry is going to ‘lift off the gas’ in our estimates,” he added. “That’s not to say we’re correct in our forecasts ... in recent years we’ve got it wrong, usually by underestimating demand.”
A 4% drop would mean 10,000 units less sold, bringing the out-turn to 220,000 cars for 2001, compared to the 230,000 sold in 2000. But even a larger drop wouldn’t cause much difficulty for major marques, as sales last year were themselves up 32% on 1999, itself a record year.
Dealers with large inventories of used cars may have to take a hit, though, as the turn of the year makes them another year ‘older’ and less easy to move. In a continuing growth of new car sales, the investment in used can be overlooked, but not for much longer. We can expect definite efforts to convert this stock in the first months of 2001, even at the expense of the relatively easy ‘sell’ of a new car.
If it is likely to be a good year for somebody looking for a decent used car, the obverse is that somebody looking for a good price on a trade-in won’t do as well as they would have this time last year. The trade in imports of used vehicles, at the rate of some 2,700 a month during last year, may well also come under pressure, and there’s the possibility that the resale value of the almost 35,000 such cars imported in 2000 will drop significantly. BB
Liberty freed to public view this weekend
6 January 2001: The newest Jeep, the Liberty, is being officially launched to the world this weekend at the Detroit Motor Show. It will replace the Cherokee in Europe, but the much-loved US icon 4WD will continue to be sold in the US alongside its new stablemate.
The Liberty is due to cross the pond sometime towards the end of this year, and will have three new engines - a 2.4 four and 3.7 V6 petrol and a 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
The styling inside and out is much more curvily dramatic than the square-edge Cherokee, so much so that it may well force an earlier than expected revamp of the recently facelifted Grand Cherokee.
In Ireland, it’s likely the 2.5-litre TD will be the main engine, but those who want to go the petrol route will find the new V6 a much more satisfying proposition than the very very old 4-litre straight six which has been the standard-bearer for yonks.
It outputs 210bhp and from all accounts is very free-revving, and well matched to a more responsive and smoother automatic box. Criticisms by those who’ve driven it suggest, though, that is not completely refined at the higher end of the rev range. However, how many drivers allow their engines to rev real high anyway?
The Jeep franchise in Ireland sold over 200 units out of a total of some 25,000 4x4 cars sold in Ireland last year. In addition, more than 120 light commercial Cherokees were sold in the van side of the market. Though there are a lot of new and upgraded contenders in the segment - Mazda’s Tribute and the forthcoming Ford Escape (Maverick here) - it is likely that the lifestyle buyers will be very happy to trade their euros for dollars when the Liberty is let free here. TW
Jaguar gives F-Type roadster go-ahead
5 January 2001: Jaguar's F-Type roadster should go on sale in Europe and the US in 2003 according to the company’s chairman, Dr Wolfgang Reitzle. At the Los Angeles International Auto Show he said there has been "overwhelmingly positive reaction across the globe" to the car when it was shown in concept form on the international motor show circuit, but it will take us around three years to deliver the F-Type roadster program to market.
The F-Type will reflect past Jaguar roadsters such as XK120 and E-Type and will be a "more affordable" complement to the XK Series. The introduction will extend Jaguar’s product range to five distinct models – three sedans and two sports car models.
Jonathan Browning, Jaguar’s Managing Director, said Jaguar will launch 15 new or significantly revised products and powertrains over the next 36 months. This number does NOT include the F-Type.
The decision to take F-Type production coincides with the 40th anniversary of Jaguar's E-Type, unveiled at the Geneva show in March, 1961. TW
Next Alfa Spider will use GM platform
5 January 2001: Fiat will base its next Alfa Romeo Spider on General Motors' future Vectra/Omega platform instead of one of its own platforms, according to reports in Europe. The car was originally planned to debut in 2003, but the new option could delay this by a year.
In 2000, GM agreed to acquire 20 percent of Fiat Auto and Fiat bought 5.1 percent of GM. The companies are now jointly developing new products for global markets.
According to component suppliers, the Spider will arrive in 2004 in Europe and 2005 in the US. Meanwhile, the Fiat Bravo/Brava replacement in October will be built on the platform originally planned to be shared with the Spider.
GM's global Epsilon platform is to be used for the next Vectra and Omega cars and will also be the foundation for Fiat's 2003 New Large project, the successor to the Croma as well as for the next-generation Alfa 156 sedan and Sportwagon, due in 2004.
GM will also use Epsilon for future large Saabs. BB
Lexus was last year's top luxury brand in US
5 January 2001: Toyota's Lexus brand was the top-selling luxury brand in the US in 2000.
The Japanese beat Mercedes-Benz by just 423 units after Lexus set an all-time sales record in 2000 of 206,037 units, an increase of 10.8% in the year. The gain came in a year of record sales by most premium brands, with the introduction of the LS 430 (left) and the IS 300 compact sport sedan.
Lexus sport utility sales of 104,596 units were up 17.2%. The RX 300 remained the top-selling Lexus in the US with 2000 sales of 89,864, an increase of 22.3%.
Lexus pre-owned business also experienced a record-setting year, up 4% over 1999. Mercedes-Benz USA's generated sales of 205,614 in 2000, the highest in the company's history, led by the M-Class SUV which recorded its highest year with 52,764 vehicles sold, up 16.7%. A significant portion of the 2000 volume came from the all-new C-Class with increases in the model of 34,600.
'Zero-Zero' growth brought biggest-ever sales
4 January 2001: Toyota Ireland was the best-selling car marque in Ireland last year, with 25,871 vehicles sold. The company’s sales increased over 1999 by 33.2%, ahead of the industry growth rate of 32.2%.
Dave Shannon, Managing Director of Toyota Ireland, said sales of Yaris (left), the Irish and European Car of the Year in 2000, were central to their success,
A total of 230,854 new cars were registered in Ireland for 2000, an increase of 32.5% over 1999 when 174,236 new cars took to our roads. “A ‘zero-zero boom’ was widely predicted by forecasters inside and outside our industry and the year certainly lived up to our hopes and our expectations,” Fiat Auto Ireland CEO Nicola Greco (right) said this week. “It was created as more young and people than ever before took to the road and as older cars were being scrapped before they become dangerous bangers, to be replaced by more fuel efficient, more environmentally friendly, safer new cars.”
The Top Ten sellers for the year were Toyota 25,871 (11.2% market share), Ford 25,323 (11.0%), Nissan 24,191 (10.5%), VW 22,911 (9.9%), Opel 21,766 (9.4%), Fiat 17,245 (7.5%), Renault 14,194 (6.2%), Peugeot 9,894 (4.3%), Daewoo 6,778 (2.9%), Seat 6,238 (2.7%).
In the Elite Brands sector too there were strong signs of the buoyancy of the economy. The Top Five Elite Brand sellers were Mercedes-Benz 4,219 (1.8%), BMW 4,006 (1.7%), Alfa Romeo 2,651 (1.2%), Audi 2,265 (1.0%), Volvo 2,013, (0.9%).
Meanwhile, 45,993 commercial vehicles were registered in the year 2000, an increase of 19.6% over the previous 12 months. With 11.7% of the combined market, Ford took first place in total vehicle sales, ahead of Toyota (11.1%) and Nissan (10.3%). Ford sold 6,981 commercial vehicles, with Toyota selling 4,875, Nissan 4,367, and VW 4,571.
Eddie Nolan (right) Chairman and Managing Director, Henry Ford & Son Limited, said yesterday that 2001 holds much promise for both the overall industry and for Ford in particular. “In the light of the ongoing strong economy, business should remain buoyant, with the small VAT decrease and more favourable fuel prices helping things along. We ourselves welcome the first Ford Mondeo onto the road this month and expectations are for bumper sales of this car throughout the year. The full Transit range, too, will bear fruit over the coming months. TW
Transit wins International Van of the Year award
3 January 2001: The all-new Ford Transit range has won the International Van of the Year 2001 title. The accolade completes a double for Transit, which was voted Semperit Irish Van of the Year 2001 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association last November.
The independent 20-member panel of the International Van of the Year organisation selected Ford Transit as its clear choice for the 2001 award. The Transit scored 112 points out of a maximum 133 points that can be given to a single candidate in the voting.
The Transit not only celebrated its 35th anniversary and 4 millionth production milestone in 2000, but the year also marked the debut of an all-new design for Ford’s commercial vehicle flagship.
The latest generation offers both front-drive and rear-drive configurations from a single architecture. In addition to traditional rear-drive, two-tonne applications, the next-generation Transit can be configured as a low-floor, front-drive, one-tonne vehicle. This allows it to meet the needs of the two distinct segments of the medium commercial van market.
The two models share over 95% of their components and the range includes versions in three wheelbases, including a new medium wheelbase unit, four load lengths and three roof heights. The engines have outputs of 75PS, 85PS 90PS, 100PS and 120PS and have payloads of up to 3,500kg GVW.
"We are proud to have been awarded the International Van of the Year title for Ford Transit, to add to the Semperit Irish Van of the Year title and ‘Best Van 2000’ award from Irish Van and Truck magazine,” said Eddie Nolan, chairman and managing director of Henry Ford and Sons, Cork. “But the new Transit story is never ending, and you can be assured that we have more Transit news in the pipeline for 2001."
The trophy for the International Van of the Year will be presented to Ford of Europe at the opening of the Brussels Commercial Vehicle Show on January 12, 2001. BB
Suzuki adds petrol versions to Grand Vitara range
3 January 2001: Suzuki has extended its Grand Vitara range - the flagship of the Suzuki range of cars and 4WD vehicles - with the introduction for the first time on the Irish market of two petrol engine variants. The new models which consist of a 3-door 1.6 litre and a 5-door 2.0 litre, complement the existing Grand Vitara 5-door 2.0 turbo diesel model.
The new drive select 4x4 allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD while on the move.
Suzuki’s range of 4-wheel drive vehicles consists of Grand Vitara and Jimny which account for 50% of their sales. With a 10% share of the 4x4 market, Suzuki holds the number 2 spot in the car segment.
The introduction of the petrol engine versions of the Grand Vitara has allowed Suzuki the chance to give the range a bit of a facelift. The front has been redesigned to make it more attractive with a new grille and bumper. The rear bumper and spare wheel cover are also new. Inside, changes include new head restraints, a seat lifter mechanism and lumbar support to the driver’s seat.
Standard equipment includes power steering, dual airbags, electric windows and mirrors, radio/CD player, central door locking, tinted glass, roof rails, and 5-speed manual transmissions. Customers can choose from the colour range of Black Metallic, Cats Eye Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic or Grove Green Metallic.
The retail selling prices of the 3-door Grand Vitara 1.6 is £17,325 with the 5-door 2.0 litre at £21,535 (all prices are ex works). The newcomers, as with all Suzuki models, come with a 3-year /60,000 mile warranty. Also standard is a 12-year anti perforation (corrosion) warranty and 3-years roadside assistance. TW
MG Le Mans car design revealed
3 January 2001: The MG Rover Group has revealed the first design drawing of the MG Le Mans car that will compete in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June 2001.
Entry into Le Mans is one part of a wide motorsport programme the MG Rover Group is pursuing for the MG brand.
The car was designed by Peter Stevens, MG Rover Group design director. Lola Cars International, MG Rover’s partner in the project, utilised a state-of-the-art wind tunnel to finalise the car’s design characteristics. Lola Cars International is renowned for race car design and development and won at Le Mans in 2000.
David Bowes, managing director of Lola Cars International said this is the most technically advanced sportscar project Lola has ever managed and is their fourth sports racing car project.
Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group director of product development said a return to le Mans is an important step in developing the brand and company image. He also forecast there will be other MG motorsports projects this year. He said: “The technical challenges of motorsport will be of great advantage to my team as we roll out new MG road cars over the next few years.” TW
irishcar.com Buyers' Guide now online
2 January 2001: The most comprehensive Buyers’ Guide to cars in Ireland is now online on irishcar.com
Compiled by Irish Independent Motoring Editor Eddie Cunningham, the guide includes details and commentary on virtually every car on sale in the State, and has the advantage over print media guides in that it will be updated in ‘realtime’, as new and upgraded models come on the market.
Used in conjunction with the irishcar.com prices guide and our daily-growing resource of independent car reviews, as well as our tips on doing the best deal, the Buyer’s Guide is a MUST first stop for anyone interested in buying a car in the coming months.
In addition, our links to advertisers’ own sites from the irishcar.com pages make it easy for you to get further information on marques and models of choice, including requests for brochures.
Over the coming weeks, the irishcar.com Buyers’ Guide will be further developed to provide detailed specifications on each model discussed, with hotlinks to latest prices as they become known and to reviews from a wide range of Ireland’s top motoring journalists.
The irishcar.com Buyers’ Guide - like the complete site - is a dynamic and evolving resource. Come back regularly to keep ahead of the gridlock of static motoring information. BB
Skoda introduces Fabia estate
2 January 2001: Skoda in Ireland have extended their model range by introducing the new Fabia estate (Combi).
The car is longer than the hatchback on which it is based, and with the rear seats reclined there's 1,225 litres of cargo capacity. The Fabia Combi comes in similar specifications to the hatchback and has roof rails and, clevery detail, an umbrella rack behind the rear seat.
The top of the line 'Elegance' spec Fabia Combi versions have alloy wheels. Prices start at £10,682 for the 1.4-litre 'Classic' and go as far as £17,780 for the TDi Elegance in 100bhp form. TW
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