Citroen pulls a double as UK towcars
28 September 2001: Citroën’s HDi common rail diesel engine technology swept the marque to victory in two classes at this year’s Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards in the UK, with both the Xsara and the new C5 taking wins. Full Story.
Passat is named Top Used Car in UK for second year
28 September 2001: The Volkswagen Passat has claimed the UK-based magazine What Car?'s Used Car of the Year award, becoming the first car ever to take the title for two consecutive years. Full Story.
Volvo concept will lead to high-performance estate
28 September 2001: The work Volvo has done with a V70-based Performance Concept Car will help them to choose the right path for a real high-performance estate model in the future. The Volvo Performance Concept Car 2 made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month. Full Story.
28 September 2001: Kia Motor introduced its Advanced Concept Van, K.ACV, at the Frankfurt Motor Show two weeks ago - a new fusion-type concept car based on the platform of mini MPV ‘Carens’, to adapt to the changes in customer tastes. Full Story.
Citroen C-Crosser could be SUV of future
27 September 2001: The Citroen C-Crosser concept car that we saw at Frankfurt a couple of weeks ago offers an extreme illustration of what a Citroën sports utility vehicle of the future could look like. The vehicle is four wheel drive, with four wheel steering, and takes its design cues from the previous Citroën Pluriel concept car. Full Story.
Pedestrian and cyclists fatalities down
27 September 2001: A major drop in fatalities amongst pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists has been attributed by the Galway Cycling Campaign to a drop in the numbers of people cycling or walking on Irish roads.
According to GCC safety officer Shane Foran, this is a reasonable conclusion from the official figures for road deaths over the last four years, which have pedestrian deaths down by 35%, cyclist fatalities reduced by 54% and motorcyclists by 43%. Over the same period, the number of deaths of car users have increased by 19%. Full Story.
Hotter Beetle released in UK
27 September 2001: The VW Beetle has now been produced with a 2.3-litre V5 engine outputting 170bhp, which has to make it the most powerful production Bug ever rolled out. And in the UK, where it has just come available, it is actually cheaper than the equivalently-equipped VW Golf, on whose platform and running gear the Beetle is based. Full Story.
Toyota Formula 1 car in Ireland, another 'first'
26 September 2001: ‘One of the most spectacular days in Irish motoring’ is how Dr Tim Mahony, founder and chairman of Toyota Ireland, described the first public viewing outside the Frankfurt Motor Show of the Toyota Formula 1 works car. The event was held in Toyota’s Ballsbridge Motor Centre in Dublin. Full Story.
Ford introduces flagship Mondeo model
26 September 2001: Ford Ireland is expanding its Mondeo range with the introduction of a new high-end luxury model. Powered by a new 2-litre engine, the Mondeo Executive is available in 4-door, 5-door and estate bodystyles and is rolled out on 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. Full Story.
Two ways to be a two-seater concept Arosa
26 September 2001: SEAT's Arosa two-seater concepts at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, the Arosa Racer and the Arosa City Cruiser, were both designed with a clear customer profile in mind: according to the manufacturer, the Arosa Racer’s aim is to inject extra excitement into the sporty driver’s daily commute while the City Cruiser is for those city drivers who enjoy a little luxury from their cars. Full Story.
GM-Daewoo deal welcomed in Ireland
26 September 2001: Gerard O’Toole, head of a private consortium which imports Daewoo cars to Ireland, has welcomed last week's announcement of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between General Motors and Daewoo, saying it was 'a positive move that underpinned Daewoo’s status as a global player'. Full Story.
Engine in 100mpg concept will be in Yaris next year
25 September 2001: The running gear of a Toyota concept car shown at Frankfurt, aimed at achieving 100mpg, is based on the new 1.4-litre turbo-diesel engine which will be introduced in the Yaris (and in BMW's Mini) early next year. Full Story.
Jeep to go ahead with 'American Hero' ads
25 September 2001: DaimlerChrysler is to go ahead with a $500m advertising campaign for its Jeep vehicles as 'American Heroes', despite concerns that it might be seen as 'tasteless' or cynically instigated as a result of the September 11 World Trade Centre terrorism. Full Story.
Hyundai Clix foreshadows daring style
25 September 2001: The Hyundai Clix 2+2 sports coupe unveiled at Frankfurt is the brainchild of Hyundai Motor Company’s European Design Centre in Frankfurt. The aim was to offer the driver and passengers the dynamic handling and excellent road holding of a sports coupe with the versatility of a pick-up or SUV – to create what they term an FAV, or 'fun activity vehicle'. Full Story.
Terrorist attacks could exacerbate Euro car sales downturn
25 September 2001: The terrorist attacks in the US could increase an expected downturn in European car sales from 1.6% next year to 2.7%, or 400,000 cars fewer. But, depending on world circumstances, a recovery is anticipated in 2003, according to car industry monitors J D Power & Associates. Full Story.
Saab upgrades 9-5 series, adds V6 td
24 September 2001: An upgrade to the Saab 9-5 series has brought with it a brand-new 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, a new 5-speed automatic gearbox option, and some subtle exterior design changes which provide a smoother front end to the model. But under the skin, some 1,200 changes to running gear and interior specification are said to make a significant overall difference to the driving experience of the car. Full Story.
Lexus SportCross, IS300, niche but expansionary
21 September 2001: A new body style and a new engine for the IS Lexus model is designed to further open up the penetration of the 12-year-old brand. Full Story.
Renault Laguna tops Auto Express safety test
20 September 2001: The Renault Laguna II came out on top of a set of safety tests carried out by Auto Express on 37 vehicles ranging from superminis to luxury saloons.
The tests were conducted at the UK Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire, where the EuroNCAP crash tests on new cars are carried out, and measured a number of safety characteristics of the cars, including average stopping distances from 40mph on wet and dry tarmac, a simulated emergency lane change, a safety equipment level check, and an assesment of each car's recall history. Full Story.
MG Rover gives new look to London Irish
18 September 2001: Pictured at the announcement of MG Rover Group's new sponsorship of the London Irish rugby union team is John Donegan, Marketing and Commercial Director, MG Rover Ireland (left) and sporting the new team shirts are Irish International and London Irish captain, Conor O'Shea (from Limerick) and fellow player, Kieron Dawson (Bangor). The visit to Cork to play Munster was London Irish's first fixture in Ireland since the game went professional six years ago, as well as the first time the club faced Irish opposition in that time.
Young drivers ask to meet National Safety Council
17 September 2001: MIJAG, the Motor Insurance Justice Action Group, have written to the National Safety Council asking for a meeting to discuss recent comments by the Council's Chairman Eddie Shaw arguing that young drivers' insurance should not be lowered. Full Story.
Toyota Formula 1 - Irish preview
17 September 2001: To celebrate Toyota's forthcoming entry into the world of Formula 1, Toyota Ireland is hosting an exclusive viewing of the new Toyota Formula 1 car. Full Story.
NOTE: Many of our pictures and comments below were taken in the fun and celebration of the Frankfurt Motor Show before we heard the dreadful news from New York late in the afternoon of Tuesday. That news changed the whole mood of Europe's largest motor event, and we publish now what we gathered this week in a very sombre frame of mind - Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan.
Peugeot shows two snazzy station wagons
15 September 2001: Peugeot introduced two new station wagon versions of its bread-and-butter cars at Frankfurt this week, which clearly show a lead in wagon styling. Full Story.
Fiat Stilo in Ireland for November launch events
15 September 2001: The new Fiat Stilo, officially launched at Frankfurt this week (above), will come to Ireland in time for January with a choice of four engines - 1.6 16v, 2.4 20v, 1.9 JTD. and a 1.2 16v ... Ireland is the only market to have this last version at launch. Full Story.
New Corolla, Camry, for Ireland in December
13 September 2001: Toyota’s new Corolla will be launched in Ireland in time for the new year car sales market, according to Dave Shannon, MD of Toyota Ireland (pictured above on right with Declan O’Halloran, national sales manager, Toyota Ireland; and Steve Tormley, marketing manager, Toyota Ireland). He told irishcar.com at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the new car represents a significant enhancement in Toyota’s view of the needs of the European market. Full Story.
Irish market outturn 'around 163,000' - forecast
13 September 2001: The car market outturn in Ireland is now likely to be in the region of 163,000, according to James Wyse of Gallic Distributors, Citroen franchisees here.
He was speaking in Frankfurt after the official debut of the new Citroen C3 (above), which will come to Ireland next March. Full Story.
Nissan's new Primera buries the 'bland' epitaph
13 September 2001: Nissan’s new Primera for Europe, which was suggested in concept form at last year’s Paris Motor Show, will go on sale early next year and completely change the profile of a car which has gained much favouritism with Irish motorists. Full Story.
Smart Car grows up at Frankfurt
13 September 2001: The diminutive Smart Car, not yet available on general distribution in Ireland, is looking to growing up with its concept ‘tridion4’ four-seater car shown at Frankfurt.
And the DaimlerChrysler-owned brand is also tinkering with alternative propulsion systems, and showed a diesel/electric hybrid system. If that wasn’t enough, it is the first manufacturer to integrate a ‘Palm’ organiser with a phone in a car, called, amazingly, Smartphone. Full Story.
Threat of motor show cancellation denied
12 September 2001: Speculation that the Frankfurt Motor Show could close before it ever opens to the public, because of fears it could become a target for a terrorist attack in the wake of the Twin Towers attack in Manhattan, have been denied by the organisers. Full Story.
Stunning reveal for new Fiesta
11 September 2001: In a stunning reveal, Ford’s new Fiesta debuted behind a bar in Frankfurt last night, following an evening of entertainment from Jools Holland and his big band at a specially-constructed ‘Bluoval’ Club on the eve of the biggest European motor show of the year. Full Story.
New Cherokee will be available before year end
10 September 2001: The new Jeep Cherokee will become available in Ireland before the end of the year and is expected to significantly outsell its predecessor, which has been on the road for 18 years. Full Story.
Jaguar R concept to show future details of marque's cars
6 September 2001: Jaguar will debut a new concept car at theFrankfurt Motor Show to demonstrate how the company’s design philosophy may develop in coming years. The Jaguar R-Coupe is a four-seater coupe that reinterprets Jaguar’s core design values. Full Story.
Hydrogen-powered concept Mini to be unveiled next week
6 September 2001: A concept Mini Cooper, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 11 September, will give a glimpse into the future of fuel technology for smaller vehicles. The hydrogen powered Mini runs solely on hydrogen and shows the potential for a virtually zero emissions vehicle which still offers outstanding performance in an affordable package. Full Story.
Fiat chief warns against 'prophets of doom'
6 September 2001: Car sales for the year now look set to reach 170,000 with the release of figures for January-August showing that year-to-date sales reached 150,182 units. If the out-turn is as now expected, it will be the second-best year of car sales ever recorded. Full Story.
Volvo Performance Concept Car 2 shows future estates
6 September 2001: Volvo has given its V70 a powerful racing aura in the guise of Volvo’s Performance Concept Car 2 (PCC2) – a vision of a possible future high performance Volvo estate car. Full Story.
MG touring car makes race debut this weekend
6 September 2001: The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) 2001 this weekend will see the MG ZS EX259 making its first public appearance. The car will be driven by Anthony Reid (car 2) and Warren Hughes (car 20), drivers renowned for their prowess at Le Mans 2001. Full Story.
Fiat launches Stilo to the world motoring press
5 September 2001: Fiat’s new Stilo, launched yesterday in Barcelona to more than 1,000 motoring journalists from all over the world, will come with a range of petrol engines from 1.2-litre to 2.4-litre, and a pair of 1.9-litre turbodiesels. Full Story.
Toyota releases pictures of new Corolla variants
5 September 2001: Toyota has released pictures of the variants of its new 9th generation Corolla, which will get its debut at Frankfurt Motor Show next week.
In addition to the 3- and 5-door liftbacks, there will be a Verso MPV, and T-Sport 'hot hatch'. Full Story.
Audi A6 is upgraded, subtly restyled
5 September 2001: New versions of Audi’s A6 and A6 Avant estate have gone on sale in Ireland with a number of subtle style changes, quattro four wheel drive standard on almost half the model range, new Multitronic and Tiptronic transmission and prices starting at £30,998 for the 2.0 litre version. Full Story.
Uniroyal Rallye 540 wins Best Tyre award
5 September 2001: Uniroyal's Rallye 540 has been awarded top place in this year's Auto Express tyre test. Full Story.
Peugeot thinks Euro
5 September 2001: Peugeot in Ireland have announced that they have successfully completed their changeover from Irish Punts to Euros, effective 1st September. The company is now doing business in Euros with their finance partner GE Capital Woodchester and the Irish Peugeot Dealer Network. Full Story.
BMW recalls new Mini over fire fear
4 September 2001: All new Minis are being recalled because of a fuel filler design fault that could cause an explosion.
Static electricity could cause a small spark when a petrol pump nozzle is inserted which could in turn ignite fuel vapour in a flash fire.
Testers found special paint used to earth the fuel filler neck was wearing off too quickly. Full Story.
Change of fortunes for Keohane
4 September 2001: A last minute change of fortunes on Sunday at Thruxton, Hampshire, saw Ireland's Michael Keohane take his fourth British F3 Scholarship victory with what was undoubtedly the best drive of his racing career. Full Story.
Rap music gets drivers hot under collar
4 September 2001: Rap music is more likely to lead to road rage than any other kind of music, according to a new survey. Indeed, tracks by Eminem are particularly likely to get drivers hot under the collar, it found. Full Story.
New Corolla for Frankfurt showing
4 September 2001: Toyota's ninth-generation Corolla (left), which will be given its first public showing in Europe at Frankfurt Motor Show in a week's time, will be launched in four different body-styles, including a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback, a saloon, an estate and for the first time also an MPV, called the Corolla Verso. Full Story.
Mazda to unveil powerful MX-5
3 September 2001: Mazda will reveal a high-performance concept of the MX-5 roadster at the Frankfurt Show on September 11.
This special MX-5 has the designation ‘MPS’ which indicates Mazda Performance Series. Full Story.
Suzuki's baby car hits four million mark
3 September 2001: The four millionth Alto has been produced at the Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Kosai Plant in Japan.
The car was first introduced to the Japanese market in 1979 and became its Number 1 selling car there. Full Story.
Irish Ferries special deals
3 September 2001: With Autumn approaching, Irish Ferries has launched a range of low-cost fares to France. Packages include a 5-day break for £149 return and a 9-day break for £219 return for a car plus four adults or two adults plus four children. Full Story.
Toyota's latest Camry has new engine
1 September 2001: A new all-aluminium 2.4-litre engine is replacing the 2.2-litre four which has been the entry motor in Toyota's Camry in the new version which is currently being launched in the US and is expected to be seen in Ireland by the end of this year. Full Story.
Many motorists move between insurers - survey
1 September 2001: Over 40 per cent of Irish motorists may have changed their motor insurers in the last three years, and over a quarter plan to change at the beginning of their next insurance year. These are indications from an RAC Ireland survey, which also suggests that more than half of respondents have not made up their minds about whether to stick with their current insurer.
The survey, carried out in conjunction with IrishCar.Com, also showed that some 43 per cent of motorists feel they are getting 'poor' or 'very poor' service for their insurance premium, while only a third believe they're getting a 'moderate' service. Just 15% reported a 'good' service. Full Story.
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