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{{More citations needed|date=March 2023}}
{{Multiple issues|unreferenced = March 2007|advert = December 2007|orphan = April 2011}}
{{Year nav topic5|2000|motoring}}

This article '''2000 in motoring''' deals with developments in the [[automotive industry]] that occurred throughout the year 2000 by various [[automobile manufacturers]], grouped by country. The [[automotive industry]] designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells [[motor vehicles]], and is one of the Earth's most important economic sectors by revenue.
'''2000 in motoring''' deals with developments in the [[automotive industry]] that occurred throughout the year 2000 by various [[automobile manufacturers]], grouped by country.


==United Kingdom==
==United Kingdom==
The big news of the year 2000 for [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] was the launch of its all-new [[Ford Mondeo|Mondeo]]. The original 1993 Mondeo was one of the best selling European cars of the 1990s thanks to its modern looks, excellent handling and competitive pricing. The new Mondeo looks set to continue this trend thanks to its distinctive styling as well as its spacious, comfortable and well-appointed interior. As with the previous Mondeo, it is an excellent car to drive and comes equipped with a good range of engines. The current line-up consists of 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder petrol units, as well a 2.0 turbo-diesel and a 2.5 V6 petrol.
[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] launched its new [[Ford Mondeo|Mondeo]] in October including 1.8 and 2.0 [[four-cylinder]] petrol units, a 2.0 turbo-diesel and a 2.5 V6 petrol with hatchback, saloon and estate models.


Meanwhile, the [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Escort]] nameplate has finally been discontinued after 33 years, four incarnations and three facelifts.
The [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Escort]] was discontinued in July while the van version would continue into 2002.


The [[Ford Galaxy|Galaxy MPV]] received a major facelift in the Summer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ford Galaxy (1995 - 2000) used car review {{!}} Car review {{!}} RAC Drive |url=https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/ford/galaxy/galaxy-1995-2000/ |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=www.rac.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
[[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] has expanded the [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] range to include a stylish new coupe and cabriolet. It has also entered the roadster market with the [[Vauxhall VX220|VX220]] ('''Opel Speedster''' on the continent), a two-seater roadster with a turbocharged 2.2 engine, a top speed of nearly 140 mph and a superb chassis derived from the [[Lotus Elise]]. The [[Vauxhall Corsa|Corsa]] supermini has finally been replaced by an all-new model after eight years. The new Corsa is a big improvement on its predecessor thanks to its upmarket interior, good range of engines, fine handling "Dynamic Safety Chassis" and competitive pricing. New to the range is a swift 1.8 GSi hot hatchback which gives Vauxhall a real competitor for the likes of the [[Citroën Saxo VTR]] and [[Peugeot 206 GTI]].


[[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]] expanded the [[Vauxhall Astra|Astra]] range to include a new [[coupe]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-10 |title=GM Media Online {{!}} Hungary {{!}} Magyarország |url=http://gm-press.com/HU/site/article.php?aid=621 |access-date=2023-03-25 |archive-date=2011-03-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310124519/http://gm-press.com/HU/site/article.php?aid=621 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Convertible|cabriolet]]. It entered the [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]] market with the [[Vauxhall VX220|VX220]] (Opel Speedster on the continent) with a [[turbocharged]] 2.0 and natural aspirated 2.2 engine and a [[chassis]] derived from the [[Lotus Elise]]. The [[Vauxhall Corsa|Corsa]] supermini was replaced by a new model in the Autumn with production again continuing in Spain.
⚫
[[BMW]] splits up and sells the [[Rover Group]] after six years of ownership. [[Land Rover]] becomes part of the Ford combine, while the all-new [[Mini (marque)|Mini]] will be produced by BMW from its launch in 2001. The original Mini finally ceased production in October, after 41 years on sale. The remainder of the company is sold to an independent group called the [[Phoenix Venture Holdings|Phoenix Consortium]] and becomes [[MG Rover]], who in 2001 will be bringing out an estate version of the [[Rover 75]] as well as three [[MG Cars|MG-badged]] sports saloons.

⚫
[[BMW]] sold the [[Rover Group]] after six years of ownership. [[Land Rover]] became part of Ford Motor Company, while the new [[Mini (marque)|Mini]] was retained to be produced by BMW with a new version to launch next year. The original Mini ceased production in October. The remainder of the company was sold to an independent group called the [[Phoenix Venture Holdings|Phoenix Consortium]] and became [[MG Rover Group]].


==Italy==
==Italy==
The all-new [[Alfa Romeo 147]] hatchback was this year's [[European Car of the Year]] winner. Based on the chassis of the 1998 winner - the [[Alfa Romeo 156|156]] - Alfa's latest offering is another very stylish creation which has a driving experience to match.
The new [[Alfa Romeo 147]] hatchback was named [[European Car of the Year]]. It is based on the chassis of the 1998 winner, the [[Alfa Romeo 156|156]]. Sales would commence in early 2001. A 3-door model arrived first with the 5-door arriving shortly afterwards. The 156 estate, called the SportWagon would also launch.


==Germany==
==Germany==
[[Audi]] has kept up its game in the compact executive sector by launching an all-new [[Audi A4|A4]]. The new car will be sold initially as a saloon and estate, with a cabriolet version due next year as a replacement for the ageing [[Audi 80|80-based]] cabriolet. Another major car launch for Audi is the [[Audi A2|A2]], which is similar in concept to the [[Mercedes-Benz A Class|Mercedes A-Class]] but is better to drive, even though it comes with 1.4 petrol and 1.4 turbo-diesel engines.
[[Audi]] launched the new [[Audi A4|A4]] in saloon and estate versions in the Autumn. Another launch was the [[Audi A2|A2]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-28 |title=Modellgeschichte - Audi A2 Museum |url=http://www.audia2museum.de/59.html |access-date=2023-03-25 |archive-date=2016-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428145151/http://www.audia2museum.de/59.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> similar in concept to the [[Mercedes-Benz A Class|Mercedes A-Class]] with a futuristic design and aluminium construction.


[[Volkswagen]] has kept its six-year-old [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]] supermini up with the best of its competitors by giving it a major facelift and fitting all models with power steering, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard. There will also be the option of a powerful 1.6 GTI model which is the fastest Polo yet, with a top speed of nearly 130 mph, but can't match the handling standards of the Saxo VTR and 206 GTI. The [[Volkswagen Sharan|Sharan]] people carrier has also received a mild facelift to keep it looking fresh.
[[Volkswagen]] gave the [[Volkswagen Polo|Polo]] supermini a facelift at the start of the year, fitting all models with [[power steering]], twin [[airbag]]s, [[anti-lock brakes]] and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard. A 1.6 GTI model was also introduced. The [[Volkswagen Sharan|Sharan]] also received a facelift, alongside the related Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra. The end of the year saw a facelifted Passat launch with a more upmarket look.


[[BMW]] has launched the final two models of its latest [[BMW 3 Series|3 Series]] range. The cabriolet and hatchback (Compact) models have followed nearly two years after the saloon, estate and coupe, and like the rest of the range offer a first rate driving experience.
[[BMW]] has launched two models this year with a new version of the latest 3-Series range, the Compact hatchback and the European launch of the X5 off-roader, having first launched in the US in September 1999. A facelifted 5-Series arrived in the Autumn.


The seven-year-old [[Mercedes-Benz C Class]] has been replaced by an all-new model which has the look of the much larger [[Mercedes-Benz S Class|S Class]]. The engine line-up and pricing are similar to the old model's, but the new car is far more stylish and even more comfortable and spacious than its predecessor. Built in [[South Africa]], its only major criticism is the lack of driver appeal and sporting prowess that has made its key rival - the BMW 3 Series - such a success.
The Mercedes-Benz C Class entered its second-generation with the look of the much larger [[Mercedes-Benz S Class|S Class]] and is built in South Africa alongside Germany. The saloon launched first while estate and coupe models would follow later.


==France==
==France==
After seven years on sale, the [[Renault Laguna]] has been replaced by an all-new model which promises to be even better than its predecessor. The '''Laguna II''' is a stylish family car available as hatchback or estate ('''Sports Tourer''') with class-leading levels of interior design, space and comfort. It is one of the world's first cars to come with keyless entry, with a credit-card style pad - '''Carte Renault''' - powering the door locks and ignition. The new Laguna comes with 1.6 and 1.8 four-cylinder petrol engines as well as a 3.0 V6 petrol and a 1.9 direct-injection diesel. A 2.2 direct-injection diesel and 2.0 petrol will go on sale next year.
The Renault Laguna entered its second-generation at the end of the year and is available as a hatchback or estate (Sports Tourer) and offered with 1.6 and 1.8 four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as a 3.0 V6 petrol and a 1.9 direct-injection diesel. The Twingo received a mild update and the Espace was given a mild facelift with new trim level designations that would soon appear elsewhere in the Renault range.


Peugeot launches the 206CC, a cabriolet model that's similar in concept to the Mercedes SLK with a 2-piece hard folding roof.
⚫
==Japan==
⚫
[[Nissan]] has launched an all-new [[Nissan Almera|Almera]] family car to join the current [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] and [[Nissan Primera|Primera]] at the British [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]] plant. The new Almera is a very dull looking car, but it offers impressive ride and handling as well as good equipment levels, competitive pricing and a comfortable interior. Interestingly, it comes with a curry hook in the footwell! Power comes from adequate 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 diesel, provided by [[Renault]] and making it the first beneficiary of a venture between the two marques. There is also a practical compact MPV based on upon the Almera - the '''Almera Tino'''.


After 11 years amidst declining sales, Citroen ends production of the executive XM model with no direct replacement in June while at the same time UK sales start of the Xsara Picasso compact MPV. The Autumn sees a facelifted Xsara range launched while a Xantia replacement is also planned for 2001.
The Nissan-Renault venture's next product will be next year's replacement for the Primera. A concept car was shown this year to give buyers an idea of what the next Primera will look like, and it promises to be a far more imaginatively-styled machine than the bland current model. The next few years are also expected to see the next generation Nissan Micra and [[Renault Clio]] sharing the same mechanical design.

⚫
==Japan==
⚫
[[Nissan]] has launched a new [[Nissan Almera|Almera]] small-family car to join the current [[Nissan Micra|Micra]] and [[Nissan Primera|Primera]] at the British [[Sunderland, Tyne and Wear|Sunderland]] plant at the start of the year. Engines include 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 diesel, provided by [[Renault]]. It is offered as a 3 or 5-door hatchback and a saloon. The ageing Micra received a mild facelift to bring it in line with the rest of the Nissan range.


[[Toyota]] has departed from grand touring coupe styling on its [[Toyota MR2|MR2]] sports car after 16 years and come up with an entirely new roadster which makes it a direct competitor for the likes of the [[BMW Z3]]. It has also facelifted the world's best selling car - the [[Toyota Corolla|Corolla]] - and tidied up its previously bulbous looks as well as adding new VVTi petrol engines. The larger [[Toyota Avensis|Avensis]] has also received a similar facelift.
[[Toyota]] introduced a facelifted [[Toyota Corolla|Corolla]] as well as adding new VVTi petrol engines. The [[Toyota Avensis|Avensis]] also received similar changes and the new engines.


[[Honda]] has created a highly impressive competitor in the family car market with its latest [[Honda Civic|Civic]]. With its high roof and spacious interior, it is currently the only car in its class to offer full seating for five adults. Its 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are impressively refined and give strong performance, while equipment levels are also high. The only model currently on sale in Britain will be the five-door hatchback, with a three-door to follow later, and a four-door saloon which won't be imported to Britain. There will also be a 1.7 engined coupe and eventually a Type R version of the hatchback which promises a top speed of more than 140 mph.
[[Honda]] introduced a new [[Honda Civic|Civic]], offering 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines. The models available in Britain was the five-door hatchback and 2-door coupe from the US. A 3-door hatchback would launch later alongside a sporty Type-R model.


==See also==
==References==
{{reflist}}
* [[1999 in motoring]] - the previous year
* [[2001 in motoring]] - the next year


[[Category:Years in motoring]]
[[Category:Motoring by year]]
[[Category:2000 in transport|Motoring]]
[[Category:2000 in transport|Motoring]]

Latest revision as of 03:22, 22 October 2024

List of years in motoring
+...

2000 in motoring deals with developments in the automotive industry that occurred throughout the year 2000 by various automobile manufacturers, grouped by country.

United Kingdom

[edit]

Ford launched its new Mondeo in October including 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder petrol units, a 2.0 turbo-diesel and a 2.5 V6 petrol with hatchback, saloon and estate models.

The Escort was discontinued in July while the van version would continue into 2002.

The Galaxy MPV received a major facelift in the Summer.[1]

Vauxhall expanded the Astra range to include a new coupe[2] and cabriolet. It entered the roadster market with the VX220 (Opel Speedster on the continent) with a turbocharged 2.0 and natural aspirated 2.2 engine and a chassis derived from the Lotus Elise. The Corsa supermini was replaced by a new model in the Autumn with production again continuing in Spain.

BMW sold the Rover Group after six years of ownership. Land Rover became part of Ford Motor Company, while the new Mini was retained to be produced by BMW with a new version to launch next year. The original Mini ceased production in October. The remainder of the company was sold to an independent group called the Phoenix Consortium and became MG Rover Group.

Italy

[edit]

The new Alfa Romeo 147 hatchback was named European Car of the Year. It is based on the chassis of the 1998 winner, the 156. Sales would commence in early 2001. A 3-door model arrived first with the 5-door arriving shortly afterwards. The 156 estate, called the SportWagon would also launch.

Germany

[edit]

Audi launched the new A4 in saloon and estate versions in the Autumn. Another launch was the A2,[3] similar in concept to the Mercedes A-Class with a futuristic design and aluminium construction.

Volkswagen gave the Polo supermini a facelift at the start of the year, fitting all models with power steering, twin airbags, anti-lock brakes and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty as standard. A 1.6 GTI model was also introduced. The Sharan also received a facelift, alongside the related Ford Galaxy and SEAT Alhambra. The end of the year saw a facelifted Passat launch with a more upmarket look.

BMW has launched two models this year with a new version of the latest 3-Series range, the Compact hatchback and the European launch of the X5 off-roader, having first launched in the US in September 1999. A facelifted 5-Series arrived in the Autumn.

The Mercedes-Benz C Class entered its second-generation with the look of the much larger S Class and is built in South Africa alongside Germany. The saloon launched first while estate and coupe models would follow later.

France

[edit]

The Renault Laguna entered its second-generation at the end of the year and is available as a hatchback or estate (Sports Tourer) and offered with 1.6 and 1.8 four-cylinder petrol engines, as well as a 3.0 V6 petrol and a 1.9 direct-injection diesel. The Twingo received a mild update and the Espace was given a mild facelift with new trim level designations that would soon appear elsewhere in the Renault range.

Peugeot launches the 206CC, a cabriolet model that's similar in concept to the Mercedes SLK with a 2-piece hard folding roof.

After 11 years amidst declining sales, Citroen ends production of the executive XM model with no direct replacement in June while at the same time UK sales start of the Xsara Picasso compact MPV. The Autumn sees a facelifted Xsara range launched while a Xantia replacement is also planned for 2001.

Japan

[edit]

Nissan has launched a new Almera small-family car to join the current Micra and Primera at the British Sunderland plant at the start of the year. Engines include 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 diesel, provided by Renault. It is offered as a 3 or 5-door hatchback and a saloon. The ageing Micra received a mild facelift to bring it in line with the rest of the Nissan range.

Toyota introduced a facelifted Corolla as well as adding new VVTi petrol engines. The Avensis also received similar changes and the new engines.

Honda introduced a new Civic, offering 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines. The models available in Britain was the five-door hatchback and 2-door coupe from the US. A 3-door hatchback would launch later alongside a sporty Type-R model.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ford Galaxy (1995 - 2000) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
  2. ^ "GM Media Online | Hungary | Magyarország". 2011-03-10. Archived from the original on 2011-03-10. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
  3. ^ "Modellgeschichte - Audi A2 Museum". 2016-04-28. Archived from the original on 2016-04-28. Retrieved 2023-03-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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