Australian Car Guide

The [front page] carries current 4WD articles. The 4wdnews index and archive is [here (click)].

29 September 2000: Ford has withdrawn its $6.9 billion offer to buy the Korean car maker Daewoo! Other possible buyers, such as Daimler Chrysler and GM, are still hovering.

28 September - 15 October 2000: Mondial de l'automobile - International Paris Motor Show, e.g. Audi Steppenwolf, A8 L 6 W12 & TT hard-top, Mercedes Benz 2001 model year G-class 4x4 & C-class coupe, and Volvo VPCC.

27th - 30th September, 2000: 3rd Australian Four Wheel Drive Gathering held at Mt.Augustus in Western Australia, hosted by The Four Wheel Drive Club of WA [- look in the club database]. This is a bi-annual event, the first gathering was hosted by the 4WD Adventurers Club of SA in 1996, the second gathering by the Toyota Landcruiser Club of Victoria in 1998.

September 2000: 60th anniversary of the original Jeep Contract. (See Bantam and Willys.)

September 2000: Mitsubishi Pajero road test.

18 September 2000, email from the USA:

I've seen what may become the newest Landcruiser for the States. Toyota has had three Brazilian Bandeirante's delivered to an American specialty shop for modifications. These are the long wheelbase crewcab versions with the 4 cyl. diesel engines. They've decided to discard the frame and running gear. The first has been built onto a Toyota Tacoma frame and V-6 drivetrain. It is finished as a 4-door along with numerous interior creature comforts. The box has a cage over for a canvas cover along with large equipment boxes above this and the cab. Toyota's not satisfied with this so the next two are getting custom built frames to handle V-8's.

They plan to show the two new trucks at the dealer shows to see what interest they generate. With the trend in the US for the "retro" look, they believe that this may sell well. If things go as expected they may go into limited production here in the States as long as they figure out how to deal with some of the DOT requirments around emissions and crash bumpers.

- MS

15 September 2000, email from the US:

4WDs (most vehicles also come in 2WD at an average price of $1500 less)...

Jeep Wrangler SE	US$15,350 (up US$330)
Jeep Wrangler Sport	US$19,615 (up US$330)
Jeep Wrangler Sahara	US$22,895 (up US$1,680)
Jeep Cherokee SE 3dr	US$19,985 (up US$1,135)
Jeep Cherokee SE 5dr	US$21,020 (up US$1,135)
Jeep Cherokee Sport 3dr	US$21,330 (up US$140)
Jeep Cherokee Sport 5dr	US$22,365 (up US$140)
Jeep Cherokee Classic 5dr	US$23,835 (up US$140)
Jeep Cherokee Limited 5dr	US$26,100 (up US$140)
(note: The Cherokee Postal w/ right-hand drive has not been priced)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo	US$29,675 (up US$250)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd.	US$35,500 (up US$305)
Toyota Tacoma Reg. Cab	US$16,735 (up US$287)
Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab	US$18,855 (up US$527)
Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab V6	US$19,945 (up $527)

- CarorVan,   see 1/Oct' above, and 27/Aug' below.

15 September 2000: If you think Australian fuel prices are high, at 95c+/- in the city, and more out of it, spare a thought for the Brits who are paying 90 something pence, i.e. pushing au$2.50 per litre. Farmers and truckies in Britain and Europe have been preventing tankers from leaving oil refineries in protest at the high level of tax on fuel. Meanwhile the Australian dollar has dropped below 55c (US).

15 September 2000: The Australian hamlet of Walhalla in the Victorian Alps (au) has declared itself an Olympics Free Zone for the next two weeks. The clocks have been put back one hour and anyone using the `O' word will be fined.

14-17 September 2000: British Invasion X, this weekend near Stowe, Vermont, USA - Brit' cars on the wrong side of the Atlantic and the road.

13 September 2000, Global Gypsies (WA) send email:

Tour Guide of the Year Finalist Jeremy Perks, Director of Global Gypsies, has teamed up again with the RAC to lead two fully-catered, 4WD tag-along tours this spring. The first, a seven-day self-drive safari to Monkey Mia, departs on October 7.
The second safari departing on November 11 lasts nine days and traverses WA's famous Holland Track. This historical track runs between Broomehill and Coolgardie and was first opened up in 1893 as a result of the goldrush.

Contact: Jan Barrie [9/'00]

13 September 2000: We received email of a rather fanciful experience at Busch Gardens, Florida, spring 2001 [more . . .]

12 September 2000, received by email:

Annexation of Australian Beaches.
On Friday Sept.8, Mr.Brian Gilligan, Director-General of NPWS told 500 residents of the small north coast village, Iluka, NSW, that any dissension over who owns our beaches will soon be resolved. He said that his department has been in ongoing private negotiations and it is probable that very shortly all of each beach right along the coastline, within, or adjacent to a national park, will be handed over, in their entirety, to NPWS.
Please, note that this means no longer just above high tide level, but it means all the beach. As this was said in front of Mr.Harry Woods, member for Clarence, our Shire Mayor, a Grafton Journalist and 500 others, I can only believe it is correct. Mr.Gilligan's assertion needs to be urgently clarified. Could I possible have misunderstood his meaning or is our Government quietly organising to remove our final rights to free and unencumbered use of our coastline, and our God-given beaches? Is Mr. Gilligan correct?
I was a very concerned resident at the meeting. This not just about the beaches of Iluka. This is about your beaches, near your home, all along the coast. The beaches are our birthright. They belong to me, and to you, and are not the property of any Government of the day; not the property of beaurocrats; not Mr. Carr's or Mr. Gilligan's to restrict or fence. We are Australians. Our beaches are ours.
Contact local members and their opposite numbers. Speak to your friends, and your neighbours.Stand up and be heard. Write letters. Start petitions. Act, now before it is too late.

- C. Morgan [9/'00]

We emailed NPWS to query the situation but received no reply.

September 2000: Caltex sends news of an Extended Life (XL) radiator coolant said to give drivers of passenger cars and light trucks effective engine protection for 200,000km or five years. Heavy duty on-road diesel vehicle users can expect to get 600,000km or four years' protection, according to Caltex. While baffling us with science, "carboxylate technology" is said to be the new trick.
It sounds like one of those things that it would be nice to believe in. Are there any views from budding chemists out there?

10 September 2000: Arthurs Seat Historic Hill-Climb Melbourne, Victoria (au) this Sunday the 10th.

September 2000: Daimler Chrysler wants to increase its stake in Mitsubishi Motors to between 36% and to 38%, and Katsuhiko Kawasoe has stepped down as president of Mitsubishi Motors in the wake of the faults scandal. In the meantime, Volvo which signed a commercial vehicles agreement with Mitsubishi, is getting nervous and would like to increase its share in their bus and truck joint venture.

7 September 2000 by email:

Results, European Truck Trials / Ergebnisse Montalieu (F)

Europameister / European Champion 2000:

S1: Stefan Aerts / Marian Glabus B Unimog 406

S2: Jacky Ribault / Bertrand Poupounot F Unimog 416

S3: Udo Heidenreich/ Beate Heidenreich D Unimog 2450

S4: P.Orsik / D.Kniga BY MAZ 6317

S5: Ronald Bormann / A. Budde, Rita Bormann D MAN

P1: Wolfgang Bülles / Oliver Enders D Bülles-Trial-Mog

P2: Josef Auinger / Fritz Holub A Ural 4320

Congratulations! - [Dirk] [www]

6 September 2000: With crude oil nudging $35 (US) /barrel and the Australian dollar bouncing around 56c (US), the petrol price outlook is "not good".

2 September 2000:

Nissan will show its X-trail 4x4 (right) at the Paris Motor Show, 30 September - 15 October 2000. The car has a 2-litre engine and electronic traction & brake control (ESP) - Neil Linger

The new Pathfinder? (Also see motoring [events]).

1 September 2000 by email:

Navigate different is a [new page] about GPS Navigation in Australia using an Apple PowerBook in a Jeep Wrangler. The page covers an introduction to GPS, the hardware and software used, as well as pictures of the completed installation - Ian Cossor

31 August 2000: Officially, the last day of winter - down under.

31 August 2000 If travelling inter-state: Virgin Blue begins flying in Australia. The new airline is offering an air-fare of $48 Sydney - Brisbane one way.

August 2000: Mitsubishi has recalled 600,000+ vehicles since the scandal of it deliberately concealing customer complaints broke [au...].

August 2000: Some [Irish] Land Rovers.

30 August 2000, Wednesday: "Men Down Under: Birdsville Or Bust", on ABC TV 8.30pm. "The Lads", Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey, do oz. God help us.

28 August 2000: Lavenham Rare Breeds Motor Show, Monday Bank Holiday, Lavenham, South West Suffolk [www]. And wait for it: those Fokkers (right) are Messerschmitts.

27 August 2000: Daylight saving begins earlier than usual in Vic', NSW, ACT and Tasi' - all because of some sporting event or other in Sydney next month.

27 August 2000, email from the US, 4WD unless otherwise specified:

Nissan Frontier King Cab 4x4: XE US$19,069 (up $209) SE US$21,219 (up $209) SC US$23,119 (new model) Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4: XE US$21,169 (up $759) SE US$23,319 (up $529) SEL US$24,919 (new model) SC US$24,569 (new model) Porsche 911 Carrera 4: Coupe US$27,765 (up $980) Cabriolet US$82,265 (up $1,100) Turbo US$111,765 (unchanged)

Chevrolet Astro AWD US$23,638 (up $353) Chevrolet Blazer 3dr US$22,745 (up $100) and up Chevrolet Blazer 4WD US$27,345 (up $100) and up Chevrolet S10 Crew Cab US$25,369 (new model) Chevrolet Suburban US$31,515 (up $185) and up Chevrolet Tahoe US$28,557 (up $12) and up Chevrolet Tracker 2dr US$16,760 (up $1,260) Chevrolet Tracker 4dr US$17,380 (up $655) Chevrolet Tracker LT 4dr US$20,975 (new model) - john Also see 14/15 August below.

27 August 2000: Bruce Garland and Harry Suzuki (right) won the car section of the Australia Safari in 25-hrs 3-mins 22-secs. Garland previously won the Safari in 1996 and again in 1999. Terry and Michael Denham were second, 40-mins and 40-secs behind. Peter Lockhart and Tim Donovan were third. Andrew Caldecott (KTM) won the bike section in 25-hrs 9-mins 41-secs. Casey McCoy (Honda) was second. Bike rider Asaji Sugahara crashed during the last stage on Mindil Beach and was taken to hospital for observation. A standard Jeep Grand Cherokee (lower right) driven by Robert Emmins and navigated by Chrysler Jeep Marketing Manager Bronwyn Humphrey won its class and finished sixth overall. 25 August 2000, Friday: Bruce Garland (Holden Jackaroo, top right) leads the cars in the Australia Safari. Andrew Caldecott (KTM) leads the bikes. Garland won the Auto' class on the 6th day, giving himself an overall lead of 39-mins and 17-secs over Terry Denham (Mitsubishi Pajero). The event finishes at at Mindil Beach, Darwin on Sunday - [www].

Garland Emmins

25 August 2000: Road traffic authorities in Victoria have complained to Ford, Nissan and Mitsubishi over recent television advertisements emphasising vehicle speed above all else, suggesting that they hinder efforts to reduce the death toll.

20-27 August 2000: The 15th Australian Safari starts in Alice Springs, ending in Darwin on the 27th.

20 August 2000: As the price of oil floats around us$32/barrel, Australian petrol prices reached $1/litre, and we are talking major metropolitan centres here, not whoop whoop.

August 2000: Aston Martin is to get a boost with new research centre and factory at Gaydon, UK.

August 2000: Firestone is in the poo,   recalling 6.5 million Wilderness AT, ATX and ATX II tyres because of safety concerns. Most of the tyres have been fitted to Ford SUVs and trucks. It is suspected that blow-outs of the tyres, manufactured in Illinois, may have been the cause of dozens of accidents involving deaths and injuries. It appears that Firestone has also been quietly settling law-suits and replacing tyres fitted in several countries.

"WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 9, 2000 -- Saying the safety of consumers is the company's first concern, today Bridgestone/ Firestone, Inc., announced a voluntary recall of all Firestone Radial ATX and Radial ATX II tires in size P235/75R15 produced in North America, including Mexico, and Wilderness AT tires in size P235/75R15 produced at the Decatur, Ill., plant. . . ."

Firestone is a subsidiary of Bridgestone [recall].

16 August 2000: The Hyundai Business Group will separate the Hyundai Motor Company. The Hyundai Motor Group will include Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Hyundai Precision Industries, Hyundai Capital Services, Hyundai Pipe, Hyundai Aerospace and two internet companies.

15 August 2000, interesting aside from the olde country:

. . . Now that the early Discoverys have become cheaper (and Land Rover UK have just dropped all prices by some 10% minimum) there are loads of them about . . .

- Tony Luckwill

and . . .

The 10% drop is mainly due to UK government pressure to reduce car prices overall to that of continental values. Ford of course being a big financial group are well able to afford the reduction. But they are also expecting to increase production levels to whopping proportions, never seen before in UK industry.
[The] new Land Rover Freelander with V6 2.5 petrol mated to a 5-speed auto' box is just out in UK and USA, probably coming your way [.au] as well. The Irish Gardai, police force, now using base model Discoverys.
A Td4 replaces the current turbo-diesel Freelander by a 2.0- litre, 16- valve, "common rail" direct injection engine. (The L-R P.R. material shows a Freudian slip: "common fail"!) Prices from £21,595 V6 3-door, £17,195 Td4 3-door S.

August 2000, by email: Sales of AWDs from January 2000 to July 2000 in the US:

14 August 2000, email from the USA:   Hi again! Two new items to report:

Recently announced 2001 prices: Chrysler Town & Country LXi AWD US$33,330, up US$685. Chrysler Town & Country Limited AWD US$37,790, up US$95. Dodge Grand Caravan ES AWD US$32,850, up $1,425. Lexus RX300 US$36,200, up US$1,000. Oldsmobile Bravada US$32,335, up $US162. Pontiac Aztek US$21,995, new model. Pontiac Aztek GT US$24,995, new model.

"New Saturn SUV heads off as Miami joins the big league." It took thirty years, but the Miami Auto Show, held every fall (usually October) in sunny Miami, Florida has finally made its mark. For the first time in thirty years, the Miami Auto Show (official name: South Florida International Auto Show) will be rated Class A+ (or AA), a rank which only four other American auto shows can claim. To kick it all off, Saturn is readying up its first every SUV. The Saturn "T-Series" as it is currently called, will be part of the trio that includes the Ponitac Aztek and Buick Rendezvous. Built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, it will feature I-4 and V6 engines and the debut will be broadcasted live from Miami at Saturn's website ([www]) on 6 October. The new SUV will set new standards in safety. It won't be your typical truck. Also heading the other debuts at Miami include, but are not limited to, the new BMW 325iX, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Envoy, Mercury Mountainier, Daewoo Korando (US version, which features modified front end), Audi S4 Avant (US version), and Audi S8 (US version).

Also, here's the 2001 round up

Acura MDX: Finally Acura joins the SUV crowd (the Acura Jackaroo - I mean SLX was never really paid attention too). Built in Canada on the American Odyssey platform (American Odyssey platform is much, much larger), the seven passenger SUV follows the trend of the rest of the Acura line: Everything is standard except a $2,000 navigation system.

Audi A4: 1.8T receives a horsepower boost to 180HP (from 150). A6: Unchanged. A8: New LWB already introduced All-Road: New model features 2,7 litre V6 and choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic and SUV styling cues. On sale September. S4: New Avant model. S8: New for the US.

BMW 3-Series: New "X" AWD models available are the 325iX sedan, 325iX sport wagon, and 330iX sedan. X-Series: Production has been boosted to satisfy demand.

Buick Rendezvous: This new MPV from Buick crosses the boundary with heavy SUV styling cues and the sophisticated all-new VersaTrak system, devolped in partnership with Styr-Daimler-Punch. On sale February.

Cadillac: Escalade: A new model debuts in Miami in October with "edgier" styling following Cadillac's new theme, "the fusion of design & technology"

Chevrolet Astro: Unchanged for the 17th year in a row. Avalanche: Another vehicle that crosses the boundary. Based on the Suburban, the Avalanche combines the front of an SUV with the rear of a pick-up. On sale January. Blazer: A new model arrives mid-2001. Features include a new I-6 engine. 3dr and 5dr models will continue. S-10 Crew Cab: New model on sale in November. Suburban: Unchanged. Tahoe: Unchanged. Tahoe Classic: Discontinued. Tracker: A new LT model includes a V6 engine, formerly exclusive to the Suzuki Grand Vitara twin. A the 2dr gets some tuning up for a better ride. TrailBlazer: A 2002 redesign for the luxury version of the Blazer means a new extended wheelbase, V8 engine, and third row seating. Venture: A new face and the VersaTrak AWD system (available on the Warner Brothers Edition only at first) are the big news this year.

Chrysler: Town & Country: All-new for 2001, new features on the Mercedes-Benz of mini-vans include power sliding doors, a revised 4WD system (Steyr-Daimler Puch), a power lifting tailgate, rear seat entertianment system, Tri-Zone automatic temperature control, and more. New engines include a 3,8 litre 215HP V6 and a best-in-class 240HP 3,5 litre V6. Leather is standard on LXi and Limited models and the Mercedes-Benz Command navigation system is a delayed option. Voyager: The SWB version of the T&C is also all-new and has similar features.

Daewoo: Korando: The US version features a different grille, thanks to DaimlerChrysler. 4WD, 4-speed automatic, and a Mercedes 3,2 litre I-6 are standard, for under 20 grand. Hard-top and soft-top models too. Musso: Delayed.

Dodge: Caravan/ Grand Caravan: All-new for 2001, new features on the America's favourite MPV include power sliding doors, a revised 4WD system (Steyr-Daimler Puch), a power lifting tailgate, rear seat entertianment system, Tri-Zone automatic temperature control, and more. New engines include a 3,8 litre 215HP V6 and a best-in-class 240HP 3,5 litre V6. The Mercedes-Benz Command navigation system is a delayed option. Durango: A new R/T model was added in mid-2000.

Ford: Escape: Welcome the sixth SUV from Ford, even though it is really from Mazda. Replacing the Ford Contour (Mondeo) in the US (funny, isn't it? An SUV is repacing a sedan), the Escape is yet to go on sale and is already a hit. After all, it has everything Americans want in an SUV: Value, leather seats, 4WD, and it comes in yellow (the hottest colour in America right now). Excursion: Who cares? Explorer: An all-new 2002 model features third-row seating and many improvements to America's second favourite SUV. Explorer Sport: The 3dr version of the Explorer, now its own model, is unchanged after its 2000 redesign as a 2001 model. Explorer Sport Trac: The pick-up version of the Explorer is unchanged after its 2000 redesign as a 2001 model. Expedition: Unchanged.

GMC: Denali: New for 2001, there is now an extended wheelbase XL model. Envoy: A 2002 redesigning will give it a new name (Envoy XL), a stretched wheelbase, and third-row seating, not to mention a V8. Jimmy: Bye-bye Jimmy. Hello Envoy. The 2002 model will feature a new I-6 engine. The 3dr model is left as a Chevy-exclusive. Safari: Unchanged for 17 years running. Sonoma Crew Cab: November. Yukon/Yukon XL: Unchaged after 2000 redesign.

Honda CR-V: New luxury model added. Passport: Unchanged, but you might as well get the 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty on the identical Rodeo.

Hummer: H1: New slantback model. H2: "Hummer Lite" is new for 2002. Based on Chevy Suburban.

Hyundai: Santa Fe: Hyundai, whose sales are up 96% in the US, plans to make a huge splash with its new ute. Four cylinder and a 2,7 litre V6 are available. $17,000 for starters. $17,000 nicely equipped.

Infiniti: QX4: The 2001 model adds a navigational system, a new 3,5 litre 240HP V6, and a more stylish face.

Isuzu: Amigo: See Rodeo Sport. Axiom: Axi what? It's the newest SUV from Isuzu. An exact replica of the ZXS concept. Based on the Rodeo platform, it will not be sold outside of US shores. Rodeo: Unchanged. Rodeo Sport: A new name for the convertible and 3dr versions of the Rodeo. Trooper: Unchanged. VEHICross: Unchanged.

Jaguar: X400: Sedan and wagon models with AWD standard debut in Miami; on sale in spring.

Freightliner New truck: Not wanting to be 7quot;associated7quot; with trucks, Mercedes-Benz sell their heavy trucks and vans (like the Sprinter) in the US under the Freightliner badge. Soon, Freightliner will be introducing a new light-duty 4WD truck. Little info is known. [Wonder if it could be a Sprinter 4x4?]

Jeep Cherokee Classic: Production on the current generation Cherokee is set to expire in late 2002, but it may still soldier on if there is demand. Until then, the V6 engine is now standard. Cherokee Varsity: The new Cherokee gets "cuter", but keeps the ruggedeness that makes it a Jeep. Set to debut in the spring, it will set a new standard in small utes. Grand Cherokee: For 2001, a Mercedes-Benz 5-speed automatic is standard when you order the V8 engine. A supercharged model and a stretched wheelbase model are in the works. Wrangler: Many improvements are made in 2001 to the top. The hard-top is now lighter and the soft-top is easier to fold.

Kia Grand Sportage: No word on when the long-delayed extended wheelbase Sportage V6 will arrive. Sportage Convertible: Unchanged. Sportage Wagon: New Limited model is added.

Land Rover Defender: New model debuting in late 2002. Discovery: Unchanged. Freelander: Finally arriving in America, US Freelanders have five doors, five speeds (in automatic form), and six cylinders standard. Range Rover: The 4.0SE is replaced by the 4.6SE with no price increase. The 4.6HSE and limited edition Holland & Holland continue.

Lexus LX470: Unchanged. RX300: A new face, wheels, and tail-lights are the highlights for the 2001 model.

Lincoln: Blackwood: Lincoln's first pick-up begins production in early 2001. Navigator: The Navigational system is now available nationwide.

Mazda Tribute: Built by Ford in Kansas City, but devolped by Mazda, Mazda is calling the Tribute the "sports car of SUVs". It is already on sale and hopes to boost Mazda's sales.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 4Matic will be added on the sedan and wagon in 2002. E-Class: 4Matic continues on E320 sedan, E320 Estate, and E430 sedan. G-Wagen: Unchanged. M-Class: Navigational system now standard on all models. S-Class: 4Matic coming soon for S430 and S500.

Mercury Mountaineer: New edgier styling is introduced for the new 2002 model. Third row seats are also added.

Mitsubishi Montero: The all-new 2001 model, introduced this past March, is setting sales records. Montero Sport: Unchanged.

Nissan Pathfinder: A new 240HP V6 (250 with manual trans) was added midyear. Xterra: Unchanged.

Oldsmobile Bravada: The new 2002 model has been getting mixed reviews for its styling, combining an SUV, wagon, mini-van, and sedan.

Pontiac Aztek: Pontiac's second MPV combines MPV utility with wild SUV styling. VersTrak AWD is optional. So far, critiques have been poor and sales only fair. Montana: VersaTrak AWD is added to the option lists.

Porsche 911 - The $111,675 2001 Turbo has gone on sale. A new Targa model is due soon. Cayenne-On sale 2002.

Saturn T-Series: The official name isn't known yet, but the first truck from Saturn debuts in Miami on October 6.

Subaru Forester: The 2001 model, on sale since March, features a fresh new face. Imperza: Unchanged until 2002 redesign. Legacy: Unchanged. Outback/ Outback Limited: A new L. L. Bean Edition with a Subaru 212HP H-6 is available, along with a new H-6 Limited model. Outback Sport: Unchanged until 2002 redesign.

Suzuki Grand Vitara: Unchanged. Vitara: The 2dr has some suspension changes for a better ride. XL7: The biggest Suzuki...ever! The 7-passenger XL7 4WD goes on sale in the spring.

Toyota 4Runner: Unchanged. Highlander: The poor man's Lexus RX300 features I-4 and V6 engines and FWD or AWD. On sale in late fall.  [There is talk of Toyota building some version of the RX300/ Highlander in Australia.]  LandCruiser: Unchanged. RAV4: The all-new 2001 model features more curves and rounder styling cues, and more power. Sequioa: The biggest Toyota yet, the Sequioa is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine and seats up to eight. Tacoma DoubleCab: The newest crew cab is on sale in November.

Volkswagen: EuroVan (Caravelle): Finally, a power boost! Power from the VR6 is now 204HP, compared to 140HP from the 2000 model. Jetta: 4Motion will be available in the summer, but, at first, only on the new wagon model. Passat: 4Motion might be added to the 1.8T sedan and wagon soon.

Volvo: 60-Series: The new sedans debut in Miami in October. AWD will be optional. 70-Series: The AWD Cross Country has gone on sale with 8.2 inches of ground clearence. 80-Series: AWD might be added soon.

- John

August 2000: Toyota Avalon got off to a good start in Australia's new GST era (July) with 2419 sales, apparently taking some sales from Commodore, Falcon and Magna, not hurting the Toyota Camry much.

August 2000: Mitsubishi Australia claims 974 sales of the new NM Pajero in its first full month - July - beating Toyota LandCruiser (942) & Prado (793), and Nissan Patrol (876). That's about double the sales for the old Pajero (492) in July 1999.

August 2000: Motorama 4WD Adventure Centre Beaudesert Rd., Salisbury, Brisbane (right) tel:07-3859-7222, is a "life-style" 4WD-dealership for Toyotas, somewhat like the Land Rover scheme started a couple of years back in major cities: You can buy cars (and parts & accessories) and take your purchase for a spin on a mini 4WD track without leaving the premises. The centre also includes a cinema, coffee shop and fitness centre.

12, 13 August 2000: Ford's Sydney dealers are supporting the Clean Up Sydney campaign by offering an Australian first - free "enviro-checks" and discounted "enviro-servicing" for all Ford passenger vehicles. The free check covers engine and exhaust emission controls, fuel evaporative system, fuel injection system, battery, tyres and safety items. The discounted enviro-servicing includes replacement of spark plugs and air filter, and an on-car clean and decarbonising of the fuel-injector system for au$139. [-Ford au].

August 2000: Australian motoring organisations - RACWA, RACQ, RAASA, RACT, AANT, RACV, and NRMA, have joined together to create the new Australia's Best Cars awards. The categories will be 1 best small car,  2 best mid size car <$25K,  3 best mid size car >25K,  4 best family car,  5 best people mover,  6 best sports car,  7 best luxury car <$56K,  8 best luxury car >$56K,  9 best recreational vehicle  and 10 best four wheel drive. The winners will be announced on 9 November 2000.

9 August 2000, ? Mitsubishi Magna 4x4 ?: The word from Mitsubishi Australia is that, yes it would like to build a 4WD version of the Magna sedan and that "there is a 4WD version of Diamante in Japan, and this is ostensibly the same car is the Magna." A 4WD Diamante arrived in Adelaide today (the 9th). But, the Australian Magna has a bigger engine, different cross-members etc. so it is just an evaluation exercise at the moment.
In the meantime, a sportier front wheel drive version of the TJ Magna / KJ Verada has been released. With a 3.0 or 3.5 litre V6, and 5-speed manual or 5-speed tiptronic gearboxes, it should hold up well against the rather conservative Toyota Avalon which has a 3-litre V6 and automatic transmission only.

8 August 2000: Plenty of cross-country skiing snow (right) on Mt. St. Gwinear, north of Moe and Erica in the Victorian Alps. The last week has been warm but the snow remains good, except for some bare patches on north facing slopes in the sun. Wintery weather returned with storms on the 8th (and a mini tornado caused damage in Melbourne's northern suburbs); if temperatures are cold enough there will be more snow, otherwise rain could deplete what's there. Fingers crossed.

7 August 2000: Colin McRae has signed up to stay with the Ford Focus World Rally Car team for 2001 and 2002. He is 3rd in the championship at the moment.

28 July 2000: Mitsubishi Motors and Daimler Chrysler signed their formal alliance agreement covering "the design, development, production and distribution of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles." [...] "Daimler Chrysler will acquire a 34% equity stake for 225 billion Yen (450 yen per share) in Mitsubishi Motors through a capital increase" and "for [...] 10 years after its 34 percent equity investment Daimler Chrysler is not to increase its holding beyond 34 percent of Mitsubishi Motors stock without the approval of the Mitsubishi Motors board." Work will start on a small car for production from 2004 at NedCar (Netherlands Car B.V.).

27 July 2000: American car makers have been under fire for the poor fuel economy of the latest big SUVs, such as the enormous Ford Excursion - 10 to 15mpg! Jac Nasser, Ford chief exec', announced plans for improvements in Ford SUVs centred on better aerodynamics, the use of lighter materials, and advanced transmissions. Another approach will be new vehicles, e.g. a hybrid Escape 4x4 with petrol and electric power.

July 2000: Stories are circulating that Oka are to release a Mk-III version of their 4WD soon.

July 2000, right: The Royal Flying Doctor Service accepting a RV Troop Carrier 78-series. The 4x4 has long range fuel tanks, bull-bar, winch and diff' locks. Together with a specially equipped caravan, it will be used to bring primary health care services to remote areas of Western Australia.

July 2000, USA email: autoex' has some shots and impressions of coming cars such as the 2001 Ford Escape 4x4. [...] My guess is Ford bought Land Rover to go after Jeep and GM's Hummer. The Ford brand can compete with Dodge, Chevy and GMC here and Lincoln can go after Cadillac. I bet they'll use all the same parts underneath but try to keep the Escape for the road and the [Land Rover] Freelander off road. Motor Trend just tested the Escape in the desert against the Pajero, Navigator, Xterra, Wrangler, Suburban and others and it came out "the best on road." Escape's just a pretender to help CAFÉ (corporate average fuel economy). Now they can push the Explorer up market, & charge more-so people have to pay more to stay in the same place; General Motors pioneered it by making the Chevy longer, lower and wider every year since the mid-50's. Apparently sales of the Expedition are [not very good] - Neil Linger.

25 July 2000: News of the Ballarat 4WD Adventure Weekend 23/24 March 2001 [more . . .]

25 July 2000: Esso says that a dispute with workers may lead to a shortage of LPG in Victoria (.au) later this week. The union says it's a beat up. [-ABC TV]

July 2000, by email: The [US] Bureu of Land Management is finally requesting our input. In a four page document, they have outlined their request for "ideas and proposed solutoins from the public for improving management of the OHV program." The mailer provides four different idea sections concerning Land Use Concerns, Resource Concerns, Management Tools and Legal Considerations. I am attempting to reach as many individuals and organizations as possible to inform and solicit feedback to BLM. Please assist me by placing a link on your index page to this all to important form and spread the word far and wide. The comment period is scheduled to end on August 31, 2000. The form is located at: [BLM] - Brian Walker, Public Relations, Cascade Offroaders.

21-23 July 2000: Billing, the weekend when when all the Land Rover "anoraks" come out - at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, UK.

20 July 2000: Mitsubishi Motors (.jp) has made a major boo-boo, apparently concealing customer problem reports, which could lead to the recall of hundreds of thousands of Mitsubishi vehicles world-wide.

20 July 2000, .au: Western Star Truck Holdings "announced the merger of its Canadian and American truck, bus and coach operations within the Daimler-Chrysler Group." (NB. Daimler Chrysler ~ Freightliner trucks, see Canadian news 22 June. Also see Western-Star <--> Man 1 Feb'.)
And: "Daimler-Chrysler has agreed to acquire 100% of Detroit Diesel's Outstanding Stock:
Daimler-Chrysler announced today that it has entered into a definitive acquisition agreement to acquire 100% of Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC). Daimler Chrysler currently owns 21.3%, of this leading manufacturer of diesel engines for on-highway, off-highway and automotive applications."

18 July 2000: Honda Motor Co. has formally agreed to develop and supply General Motors (GM) with "up to 90,000 advanced V6 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle engines (ULEV) and automatic transmissions for five years beginning in late 2003." [...] "As part of the deal, Honda will offer OnStar, mobile communications services in Honda and Acura vehicles beginning with the 2002 Acura RL luxury sedan. OnStar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM."
The companies will cooperate but remain independent.

16 July 2000, Sunday: Austrian F1 Grand Prix (on Channel 9, 11.20pm). [M.Schumacher crashed, M.Hakkinen 1, D.Coulthard 2.]

15th & 16th July 2000: The big final - Mud Sweat and Gears, Emu Creek Bush Getaway (02-6666-1456), www (NSW, au).

14-16 July 2000: 4WD and Adventure Show, Brisbane (Qld, au) Convention Centre (right).

July 2000: The new model Toyota RAV4 4x4 is out and about.

13 July 2000: I suppose that it's quite nice for a 4x2, if you like that sort of thing, but it seems that Mazda MX5 production reached 565,779 to the end of June 2000, since its introduction in April 1989   ([*] 531,890 April 1989 - October 1999).   "This certification means that the Roadster required only ten years after the start of production to prove itself as the world's most successful sports car," said Mark Fields, President of Mazda. According to the Guinness World Record Limited, the keeper of the Records will now consider this record[*] for entry into the world's biggest selling copyright book, Guinness World Records itself" [-Mazda].
Also - [next model].

8-9 July 2000: 08.+ 09.07.00 Truck Trials, Broxhead Common (an der A 325 nahe Bordon, Hampshire) in England - dirk, www and
Wheels 'n' Tracks 4x4, Military & All-Wheel-Drive Show. Broxhead Common, Nr. Bordon, Hampshire, United Kingdom, www - Tom McGuigan, (Event Director).

5 July 2000: Oil prices have been around US$32/barrel but they may fall because Saudi Arabia has said that it will increase production. Australian petrol prices are still likely to rise in the short term.
Spare a thought for the Brits: Petrol prices hit £1 per litre in some parts and the populace are not happy.

3 July 2000: The Pikes Peak Hill Climb is run; perhaps they are all mad but surely the craziest are those riding the incredibly light and powerful Quads, such as John Stallworth's Yamaha Banshee (right). Pikes Peak: [www].  Saab are having a go in the Pikes Peak open class.
Later: Seven competitors set times in the 11-minute range: In the open wheel class Jimmy Olson 11:26.27, Barry Isaac 11:59.44, John Johnson 11:59.94 (close!); in the high tech truck and SUV class Larry Ragland (GMC Envoy) 11:17.66 (a record); in the Pikes Peak open class Per Eklund (Saab 9-3 Viggen) 11:17.66 (a record), Paul Choiniere (Hyundai Tiburon) 11:26.05, Ohasi Masaki (99 Mitsubishi) 11:49.56. The outright record holder, Rod Millen (10:04.06), blew a turbo' on his unlimited class Toyota Tacoma and failed to finish this year.

July 2000 issue of the RACV's Royal Auto has a report on car theft. Of those vehicles tested, the VW Passat V6 receives the highest rating for security (98.5) with the Audi A6 2.8 close behind (95.5). The Land Rover Discovery Td5 gets a high rating (86.5); this should be the start of a trend as electronic control moves through diesel engines, enabling them to be immobilised more easily. Small, low cost cars have the poorest ratings, but the Suzuki Grand Vitara (13) and Daihatsu Terios (16.5) 4x4s are down there too.

1 July 2000: Most Australian new-car prices fell by amounts up to about 7% because of the introduction of the GST - and e.g. Daewoo, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Proton, Saab and Suzuki, - unless a manufacturer reduced prices early, . . .

1 July 2000: . . . but petrol prices jumped around the city and, I'll bet, elsewhere. The Federal Government has been claiming that there should be a 1.5c saving to petrol companies, who deny any such thing. On the other hand, petrol often goes up at the weekend although it did not last weekend, locally at least. Is it too much of a conspiracy theory to suggest this is a little game between oil companies and Canberra?

>>>4-6/2000 News>>>

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