The FastLane News Archives - 1999

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December 1999
Alfa sending complete range to Brisbane Motor Show  -  29/12/99
Citroën's "Family Car of the Future" bound for Brisbane  -  29/12/99
Just how safe IS a Kia Sportage?  -  29/12/99
DaimlerChrysler is "most respected" vehicle manufacturer  -  24/12/99
Hyundai replaces Exce cashback with $2000 Sportzpack  -  23/12/99
Mazda confirms closure of 40 year-old dealership in WA  -  23/12/99
Hyundai says it's on target for `99, and 2000  -  23/12/99
Proton says Satria's value "excels on the bottom line"  -  22/12/99
Holden looks back on 1999  and smiles  - 22/12/99
Numerous improvements in Ford's new JH Econovan  -  22/12/99
Honda & GM agree to engine `cross-supply' deal  -  22/12/99
Happy New... Fairlane Millennium??  -  22/12/99
British police using Proton Satria GTi  squad cars  -  21/12/99
Lexus LX470 gets a safety upgrade for 2000  -  20/12/99
AU Falcon ute proving a versatile performer  -  20/12/99
Ford makes ISO14001 compulsory for all suppliers  -  .17/12/99
Cricketing great Mark Taylor to captain Ford 75th Rally  -  17/12/99
Isuzu library truck helps to spread the word  -  16/12/99
Toyota brings back the turbodiesel Hilux  -  16/12/99
Honda TRX is a crimefighter on Sydney beaches  -  16/12/99
Truck development alliance of Mitsubishi & Volvo  -  15/12/99
Ford's Ka is on the UK's "Millennium Products" list  -  15/12/99
Holden extends iD Series bodykit to Astra  -  15/12/99
New hands on the marketing reins at Proton  -  14/12/99
Suzuki Australia takes over NSW & ACT distribution  -  13/12/99
Holden confirms pricing of Rodeo LT Sport  -  10/12/99
Ford Laser gets the `millennium upgrade' treatment  -  10/12/99
Ford launches awards for Supplier Excellence  -  9/12/99
Daewoo Matiz "Australia's best value small car" : NRMA  -  9/12/99
Mazda's `spray-in'  carbody strengthener   -  8/12/99
Vision SLA : Mercedes' roadster based on A-Class  -  7/12/99
Mazda MX5 `endurance racer' concept breaks cover  -  7/12/99
Peugeot 306 cabrio a hot summer hit with Budget  -  6/12/99
Lexus gives ES300 the `millennium upgrade'  -  6/12/99
Mercedes announces seatbelt safety recall on M-Class  -  6/12/99
VFACTS November : going to the line, it's Holden, Toyota...  6/12/99
Holden maintains momentum as `99 draws to close  -  6/12/99
Honda crunches yet another sales record in November  -  6/12/99
Dream debut continues for Kia's Carnival people-mover  -  6/12/99
Nissan's Mk 3 Maxima - more power, space & safety  -  3/12/99
Mitsubishi upgrades protection in Starwagon  -  2/12/99
Saab appoints first "Approved Body Repairers"  -  2/12/99
Honda launches all-new 2000my Odyssey   2/12/99
Mercedes S-class wins `Wheels' COTY   -  2/12/99
Car of the Year rides on Conti's EcoContact tyres  -  1/12/99
Daewoo adds a Sport model to the Lanos range  -  1/12/99
Magna Solara MkII: more of the same should do nicely  -  1/12/99
Create VW's "Bug Picture" & win a New Beetle for a year  -  1/12/99
Citroën DS is awarded Design Of The Century  -  1/12/99

November 1999
Toyota Echo (Yaris) is Europe's Car Of The Year  -  26/11/99
Toyota adds new features to Echo's accessory list  -  24/11/99
Proton Satria GTi wins WHEELS' "best hot hatch of `99"  -  24/11/99
S3+S4+S8 = power & performanSSSe (Audi's S models)  -  24/11/99
First pic of Volvo's new wagon (we're sure it is!)  -  23/11/99
Grand Cherokee wins Top 4WD in RACQ/RACT awards  -  22/11/99
Mazda gives the 626 a `freshface' makeover  -  22/11/99
Honda S2000 wins Top Sports in RACQ/RACT awards  -  22/11/99
An Australian first as Honda opens its HART  -  18/11/99
Holden appoints a `resident director' to Sydney market  -  17/11/99
LandCruiser wins Top 4WD in NRMA/RACV awards  -  17/11/99
Holden sets up Barina Cabrio for a summer sellout  -  17/11/99
Daihatsu's `urban warrior' Terios adds features  -  16/11/99
Mazda'a Activehicle concept to sell as the Tribute  -  16/11/99
Ford & Mazda to share new `global' engine family  -  15/11/99
Daihatsu's Delta trucks get their own Y2K bug  -  13/11/99
Mercedes' CL55 AMG has `go' to match the `show'  -  12/11/99
Chrysler's GT Cruiser : a concept of a concept??  -  11/11/99
Ford's active role in corporate citizenship  -  11/11/99
Jeep releases new bullbar for Grand Cherokee  -  11/11/99
Mitsubishi targeted by call for environmental boycott  -  11/11/99
Holden confirms pricing of upgraded Jackaroo & Monterey  -  10/11/99
Tasmanian log hauliers get a grip with Michelin  -  10/11/99
Original KIA owners, your warranty is almost up!  10/11/99
Michelin : Boral-Bridgestone will cause no supply problem  -  9/11/99
Alfa Romeo's Millennium Spider is no bug  -  9/11/99
VFACTS: October sales down, Holden retains the YTD lead   -  8/11/99
In first month, Kia Carnival dominates People Mover sales  -  8/11/99
Volvo sales up 20%, as market falls by 13%  -  8/11/99
Honda models rule in three market segments  -  8/11/99
Kia Ceres gets heated up by technology breakthrough!  -  4/11/99
Jeep Grand Cherokee reaches magic two million  -  4/11/99
Toyota's 2000MY Celica has smaller engine, but more power  -  3/11/99
Ford Rally : the 75th anniversary homecoming  -  3/11/99
Daewoo Musso sets Guinness fuel consumption record  -  3/11/99
Pavarotti sings Audi's praises  -   1/11/99
KIA brings back value-packed Sportage FX  -  1/11/99
Astoria Honda cleans up in Technician Of The Year   -  1/11/99

October 1999
NRMA-RACV awards: Mercedes-Benz scoops a double  -  28/10/99
NRMA-RACV awards: Honda S2000 wins Best Sportscar  -  28/10/99
LandCruiser's heritage is recalled at Snowy celebrations  -  27/10/99
No leaded fuel? No problem! says Fuelstar   -  27/10/99
ACTIVEHICLE: Mazda's new 4WD concept revealed  -  27/10/99
Hyundai : Cashback boosts Excel value against newcomers  -  27/10/99
GT Radial Champiro rated as best tyre in MOTOR test  -  26/10/99
Persona XLi upgrade raises Proton's VFM factor  -  26/10/99
Bentley drivers prepare for Black Label fun  -  26/10/99
Solar cars aided by Michelin's `Energy Tyre' research  -  26/10/99
Holden Commodore turns 21 (so does Graham Penny...)  -  26/10/99
Honda ATVs go on active duty in East Timor  -  22/10/99
Mercedes Benz takes the brakes off with Sensortronic  -  22/10/99
...and is first to launch voice-command technology  -  22/10/99
Ford shines brightly for Variety Club kids   -  21/10/99
Subaru's 4-door WRX STi goes on sale   -  20/10/99
Holden design, Suzuki engineering, Chevrolet badge...  19/10/99
Perth's Ford dealers create first Retail Joint Venture   -  19/10/99
GM, Suzuki, Isuzu emphasise importance of alliance  -  19/10/99
Volvo C70 wins driving role in TV soapie   -  18/10/99
Honda's 2000 Odyssey (& weird concepts!) for Tokyo show  -  15/10/99
Peugeot 206 is fastest selling Pug ever built  -  14/10/99
Lexus upgrades pre-owned vehicle programme  -  14/10/99
Quality & value lifts for MY2K big cats (Jaguar goes VFM?) -  14/10/99
Ford pledges support for Cleanup Australia campaign  -  14/10/99
Downunder debut of Hyundai's dazzling Euro-1 concept  -  14/10/99
Falcon ute now available with gas option  -  14/10/99
HSV reveals GTS prototype for 2000  -   13/10/99
New award for environmentally responsible advertising  -  12/10/99
Proton Satria XLi boasts performance and value for money  -  12/10/99
VW distributer acquires major Sydney dealership  -  11/10/99
Customers benefit as Audi A4 gains added luxury features  -  11/10/99
VW Polo gets free alloy wheels (but be quick!)  -  8/10/99
Volvo bucks the trend: sales rise 20% as market falls 10%  -  8/10/99
`Ute Muster' at Deniliquin sets a new world record  -  8/10/99
New marketing team all fired up at Pennzoil  -  8/10/99
Mercedes Benz's flagship CL coupé to debut in Sydney  -  8/10/99
and Mercedes CLK gets a V8 wallop  -   8/10/99
Mazda MX5 ends first decade with over 7,000 sold  -  7/10/99
Daewoo launches small but serious Matiz   -  7/10/99
Hot new Integra Type-R to go trackside at Indy 300  -  7/10/99
Holden helps students to shape careers in clay modelling  -  7/10/99
Mazda rolls out another 40th Anniversary special edition  -  7/10/99
S2000 helps Honda to a sizzling September result  -  7/10/99
Ford releases Ka downunder with strong expectations  -  7/10/99
Slightly secret Citroëns seen on Sydney streets!  -  7/10/99
VFACTS: Holden & Toyota spar as buyers delay in GST confusion  -  7/10/99
Alfa Romeo sales soar as stocks catch up with demand  -  6/10/99
Solar Challenge racers gain support from Holden  -  5/10/99
Le nouveau Picasso est arrivé en Australie!  -  5/10/99
World's best fuel economy achieved by Honda Insight  -  5/10/99
Song is Daewoo's  new MD for Australia & New Zealand  -  5/10/99
AU Falcon Classic released (hmm, that didn't take long)  -  4/10/99
Mitsubishi gives Lancer & Mirage more style (& grunt!) for 2000  1/10/99
Honda celebrates the Indy300 with special editions  -  1/10/99
Mitsubishi's marketing strategy takes a new turn  -  1/10/99

September 1999
Audi's delicious TT coupe goes quattro   -  30/9/99
...and the A3 sprouts two extra doors   -  30/9/99
Ford identifies the first 12 FTE dealers   -  29/9/99
JD Power ranks Daewoo Leganza in "Top 3 Appealing" cars  -  28/9/99
Volvo's sensational C70 convertible set for debut in Sydney  -  27/9/99
"World's most desirable wagons" to feature for Volvo at Sydney  -  27/9/99
VW mixes luxury with a V10 diesel for the Concept D  -  23/9/99
Ford wins Australian national safety award   -  23/9/99
Fiat launches the first "Internet-only" car  -  21/9/99
Suzuki to open a "softop summer" at Sydney Motor Show  -  21/9/99
Audi's A6 to gain extra features with MY00 release  -  21/9/99
Kia's V6 Carnival goes on sale with big future predicted  -  20/9/99
MR-Wagon : another space-saver from Suzuki  -  20/9/99
Picasso to lead Citroen display at Sydney show  -  20/9/99
It's arrived - Peugeot calculates to the power of 206  -  17/9/99
Toyota and young Australians plead for endangered sky  -  17/9/99
Alfa sending full model range to Sydney motor show  -  17/9/99
Suzuki's Grand Vitara Limited "gold plated value "  -  16/9/99
Cricket hero Mark Taylor gets first FTE T-series off the line  -  16/9/99
Hyundai moves upmarket with Grandeur saloon  -  15/9/99
Mercedes reveals concepts for future petrol engines  -  15/9/99
AMG S-55 - he hi-tech mobile office from Mercedes-Benz  -  14/9/99
Mercedes previews diesel-powered M-class at Frankfurt  -  14/9/99
Frankfurt sees Bugatti Chiron break cover  -  13/9/99
VW's Polo gets a `New millennium' look   -  13/9/99
Proton Direct - aiming to revolutionise auto sales  -  13/9/99
Fast Forward: Honda's merchandise range, not a TV show  -  13/9/99
Build manual+Subaru+steel=Hummbug!  -   12/9/99
Elite performers - Holden's Olympic Edition specials  -  10/9/99
Sales of Jaguar's S-type go beyond expectations  -  9/9/99
Holden dismisses speculation over future of engine plant  -  8/9/99
Chevy-badged Statesman/Caprice on sale in middle east  -  8/9/99
Honda confirms Integra `R' Type for sale down under  -  8/9/99
Proton unveils performance-oriented Satria GTi  -  8/9/99
Citroën Xsara goes palmtop with Windows (huh?)  -  7/9/99
Honda reveals cleaner new VTEC engine   -  6/9/99
Proton continues `Value For Money' with Persona GLi  -  6/9/99
Y2K only means great Y2K deals, says Kia   -  6/9/99
VFACTS : Toyota's lead cut back by Holden as market dips  -  6/9/99
Holden achieves its best August sales in 20 years  -  6/9/99
Honda's record sales climb continues  -  6/9/99
Nissan scores best August result since 1991  -  6/9/99
Hyundai regains `Top Importer' status  again  -  6/9/99
Alfa developing a ventilation system with no vents  -  3/9/99
Ford + Tickford = FTE = look out, HSV!  -   2/9/99
Citroen's trendsetting Picasso confirmed for Sydney motor show  -  1/9/99
Chrysler expects all-new Neon to shine brightly   -  1/9/99

August 1999
The Footy Show recruits a Combo  -  31/8/99
Audi puts its luxury A8 on a stretcher   -  30/8/99
Police Alert - somebody actually STOLE a Kia Ceres!  -  30/8/99
Sydney Rolls-Royce & Bentley becomes an entity  -  28/8/99
120 Holdens to be wrecked for a good cause   -  27/8/99
Peugeot gives first official peek at its new 607  -  26/8/99
It's here! Honda's S2000 sportster is in Australian showrooms  -  25/8/99
Kia reckons the whole world wants a Carnival  -  23/8/99
Audi targeting increased sales with increased training  -  23/8/99
Convenience is the key to Audi's new insurance product  -  20/8/99
Glamourising roadrage in TV ad? C'mon, lighten up! says Kia  -  20/8/99
Advertising effectiveness earns Daewoo a Gold Award  -  20/8/99
Soft top Suzuki Grand Vitara to launch at Sydney motor show  -   19/8/99
4WDs to go offroad in centre of Sydney   -  19/8/99
Mazda MPV-II : Now there's even a `new age' people mover...  19/8/99
Struck by thunder : Saab's 9-3 Viggen has landed  -  18/8/99
Citroën Berlingo -  a small van to carry a long load  -  16/8/99
Deals on Alfa Romeo to make an accountant smile  -  16/8/99
Proton offers serious entry-level value with `99 Satria  -  12/8/99
Ford pledges Explorer as official vehicle at Rescue 2000  -  11/8/99
Citroën's virtual reality showroom IS real  -  10/8/99
Toyota gives Prado V6 a comfort & features upgrade  -  10/8/99
HSV opens new theme store in Melbourne   -  10/8/99
Alfa boss; GST may not make cars cheaper to buy   -  9/8/99
New alloy wheels add offroad style to Toyota 4x4s  -  9/8/99
Subaru's "new vehicles for the new millennium"  -  6/8/99
The last locally-built Toyota Corolla... -  6/8/99
Alfa Romeo's 166 arrives in Australia   -  5/8/99
Strong performers keep Nissan as biggest importer  -   5/8/99
VFACTS: Holden leads July, Toyota leads the year  -  5/8/99
Holden tops July and looks forward with confidence  -  5/8/99
Mazda gets it wrong with MPV-II orders - and boasts about it  -  4/8/99
Series II Holden Vectra gets more style (and keeps its ears...)  -  4/8/99
Daewoo boss forecasts reinforced commitment in Oz  -  3/8/99
Holden appoints Megan Stooke as general manager-marketing  -  3/8/99
Ryco Filters launches aggressive new marketing campaign  -  2/8/99
Please consider restructuring : Mitsubishi says No Closure  -  2/8/99
Windscreen repair prices slashed by more than 70 percent!  -  1/8/99

July 1999
Inchcape to relinquish Australian SEAT franchise  -  28/7/99
History repeats for Mazda MX5 (sales history, that is)  -  28/7/99
Audi sets the date for unveiling of the S6   -  27/7/99
Mercedes M-Class tops the class in US crash test  -  26/7/99
Holden sends 3 millionth export engine on its way  -  26/7/99
JD Power praises Toyota for technology `flowdown'  -  22/7/99
Nissan launches all-new Civilian bus   -  21/7/99
Mercedes-Benz SLR mix of heritage and technology gets GO!  -  20/7/99
Ford launches new child safety education programme  -  20/7/99
Carnival takes Kia to second spot in Korean market  -  20/7/99
GM earns a record $1.7billion in second quarter  -  20/7/99
Nissan gives Navara DualCab a facelift (and a power lift)  -  15/7/99
October launch confirmed for the Ford Tickford Experience  -  15/7/99
Daewoo sells first 75K in record-breaking five years  -  14/7/99
24-hour on-line diagnostics platform for Peugeot Australia  -  12/7/99
Saab's new service centres come to you   -  12/7/99
KIA's `99 Sportage increases value but reduces price  -  12/7/99
Honda helps to drive Australian Business Week   -  12/7/99
Mercedes-Benz has best half-year ever in Australia  -  9/7/99
Nissan's record-shattering June yields 6.9% market share  -  7/7/99
Audi stimulates global growth with new products in new segments  -  6/7/99
June VFACTS results : Toyota takes over   (and Falcon creeps up)  -  6/7/99
Toyota builds lead to more than 6,000 units  -  6/7/99
Audi's all-time sales record equalled  -  6/7/99
Hyundai broadens its sales success   -  6/7/99
Honda's June sales establish another record  -  6/7/99
Precision Driving Team acquires a new name   -  6/7/99
VW sets a new 20year sales record in June  -  5/7/99
Daewoo announces aggressive new 4WD pricing  -  5/7/99
Side airbags standard in VW Passat & Golf GTi  -  5/7/99
Perth to be first lead-free petrol city in Australia  -  5/7/99
Audi is prompted by the GST to introduce `Guaranteed Buyback'  -  5/7/99
New range of catalysts from Fuelstar (shiny-bright ones!)  -  2/7/99
New ultra high performance tyre claimed a world leader  -  2/7/99
GTP kit adds excitement to Toyota Camry  -  1/7/99
Saab 9-5 gets a smaller (but very serious) 2.0 litre engine  -  1/7/99
Mazda 323 crashes through 1000pm barrier   -  1/7/99
Chrysler moves everything - to Melbourne!  -  1/7/99

June 1999
Holden's `Heart & Soul' commercial hits the right note  -  30/6/99
Release of AU Falcon utility (Australia's most versatile ute?)  -  30/6/99
Audi dealers benefit from "the quattro experience"  -  29/6/99
Ford in model `job search' partnership with community  -  29/6/99
Subaru's WRX `Club Spec Evo3' is ready to thrill  -  28/6/99
Farewell, old friend - Holden builds the last Aussie V8  -  28/6/99
Ceres returns - Kia's little truck is back on the market  -  28/6/99
LandCruisers  help keep the Indian Pacific on the rails  -  25/6/99
Toyota wins UN environmental award   -  25/6/99
Vale; Geoff Lawson - Jaguar mourns for a great designer  -  25/6/99
Lexus' new phonecard turns e-mail into voicemail  -  24/6/99
Toyota makes more cars harder to steal - but only in WA  -  24/6/99
Ford Explorers head offroad for Variety Club charity  -  24/6/99
Nissan adds gutsy 4.2 turbodiesel to Patrol wagon lineup  -  22/6/99
Michelin tyres ranked Number 1 in USA survey  -  22/6/99
Western Australia's auto industry makes training top priority  -  22/6/99
Refuelling a Mentor on the move (the making of that KIA TV ad)  -  21/6/99
Jaguar appoints new MD, as S-Type drives record sales  -  18/6/99
A new coupé from Opel (will Holden bring it here?)  -  17/6/99
...and wagon makes three (Suzuki Balenos, that is)  -  16/6/99
Third auto-recycling documentary in production  -  11/6/99
It's for you - Ford wins Teleperformance Award  -  10/6/99
Superior style, comfort & performance for WH Statesman & Caprice  -  9/6/99
Holden replaces the Great Aussie V8, with another OHV design  -  9/6/99
Audi's dealer network expands to Brighton, Victoria  -  8/6/99
KIA Mentor finds route to a Budget car renter's heart  -  7/6/99
Audi's new A3 promo: gorgeous one day, perfect the next  -  7/6/99
VFACTS, May`99: The game continues with Holden in the lead  -  4/6/99
Honda breaks through 4% market share barrier  -  4/6/99
Ford has to hit the `Recall' button on AU Falcon  -  4/6/99
Hyundai's Excel remains strong even without Cashback  -  4/6/99
Honda and McDonalds...and will you have a HR-V with that?  -  3/6/99
Ford's 1998 results - blame currency movements and AU costs -  2/6/99
Volvo creates a Swedish ear-blaster   -  1/6/99
Series 2 VT Commodore; Holden improves a winner  -  1/6/99
Alfa Romeo confirms Oz launch in August for 166  -  1/6/99

May 1999
Ford toughens up Explorer for Oz conditions  -  31/5/99
KIA's 1999 model range is eclectic (use a dictionary like we did!)  -  31/5/99
Save $4000 on a Hyundai Sonata Classique  -  28/5/99
Young designer wins ultimate prize with Ford  -  27/5/99
Toyota commemorates its Australian genesis with Snowy  -  27/5/99
Mazda's Matsuri concept - making travel fun for kids  -  27/5/99
Ford's `Live It' campaign; the literati love it  -  26/5/99
Daihatsu brings back a Handi package for small business  -  25/5/99
July launch confirmed for Ford's LTD flagship   -  25/5/99
Kia sights on being Korea's No. 2 by 2003   -  24/5/99
Honda shatters `Once A Year Day' sale record  -  24/5/99
Holden's `Community Combos' assist Sydney charity groups  -  21/5/99
Alfa Romeo mounts cyberdisplay of SA photographer's work  -  21/5/99
Chrysler declares all its cars to be Y2K-compliant  -  17/5/99
Honda CR-Vs to carry USAToday in Sydney   -  17/5/99
Something new in underbody protection : SnazzyFlaps?!  -  12/5/99
KIA unveils new KVM-II people mover  -   11/5/99
New MD settles in at KIA Australia  -   10/5/99
Daewoo's "$2K trade-in for old bomb" offer  -  7/5/99
Honda to build its 11th US plant  -   7/5/99
Holden Barina helps Childrens' Hospital (assisted by bear...)  -  6/5/99
Michelin's 4WD tyres building a tough reputation  -  6/5/99
VFACTS April `99: sales up - or down - depending how you look at it  -  6/5/99
Holden tops the April sales charts   -  6/5/99
Hyundai's sales take off in April   -  6/5/99
Audi's TT coupe finally arrives in Oz   -  5/5/99
Mazda celebrates 40th anniversary with value-plus 626  -  4/5/99
...and does the same with the 121  -   4/5/99
Ford unveils AU utility (Gasp - it's a cab-chassis !!)  -  4/5/99

April 1999
Holden reports bigger market share in `98 (but lower income)  29/4/99
Excel Sportzpack - Hyundai's alternative to  $2,000 cashback  -  29/4/99
In `99, Audi's A4 just keeps getting better  -  28/4/99
Holden appoints its new managing director  -  27/4/99
Ford confirms new specialty Tickford franchise  -  21/4/99
Honda launches S2000 super sports in Japan  -  15/4/99
Ford adds an S-pecial new model to Falcon range  -  13/4/99
Daewoo Leganza gets a 2.2 litre 16V engine lift  -  13/4/99
Toyota's one-tonne TownAce is FBT-exempt for business  -  12/4/99
KIA hopes to reignite Credos sales with lower pricing  -  12/4/99
University enters `intelligent carshare' scheme with Honda  -  12/4/99
S.Korea recovering fast - KIA GM  -   12/4/99
VFACTS: sales remain buoyant and Toyota takes the lead  -  9/4/99
Holden records best March sales in 23 years   -  8/4/99
Hyundai back to top importer, Excel   best-selling 4 cylinder  -  8/4/99
Suzuki consolidates warranty Australia-wide  -  7/4/99
KIA slashes $$$ off top-spec Mentors   -  6/4/99
Honda demolishes sales record in March   -  6/4/99
KIA's V6 Carnival people-mover confirmed for Australia  -  6/4/99
Honda legend gets CR-V Sport for family  -  1/4/99

March 1999
Mazda lifts the covers off its second generation MPV  -  31/3/99
AU Falcon gets specification changes (and a price-hike)  -  30/3/99
Award-winning rookie driver's `dream start' to the year  -  30/3/99
Honda joint venture begins building Accord in China  -  30/3/99
Yokohama's new tyre for trailers (of the semi variety, that is)  -  30/3/99
Satellite Navigation optional across entire VT Commodore range  -  29/3/99
Aussie know-how used to create innovative Honda S2000 display  -  29/3/99
KIA sets itself a target of 500,000 exports this year  -  29/3/99
Insurance costs cheaper on Mazda's current 626: NRMA  -  25/3/99
Commodore Coupe - THE V8 Supercar for the next century?  -  24/3/99
For Audi, 1998 was a very good (record) year!  -  24/3/99
FAI Rally of Canberra shapes up as an EPIC event  -  22/3/99
ToyotaNats - the tradition continues at Dubbo  -  22/3/99
Honda HR-V becomes an ambulance in Queensland  -  22/3/99
Chair shuffling at Ford: Reitzle enters and Scheele is promoted  -  22/3/99
Mitsubishi's new `baby' Pajero is claimed to be big on ability  -  19/3/99
Ford Australia president David Morgan announces retirement  -  19/3/99
...and the new Ford president is Geoffrey Polites  -  19/3/99
Mitsubishi throws the big six across its TH Magna range  -  17/3/99
Lexus' new IS200 sports sedan arrives in Oz  -  17/3/99
Pajero gets a facelift and value boost for `99  -  17/3/99
Mazda employs more women in Japan  -   17/3/99
Pro-Axle survey shows truck safety on the increase  -  17/3/99
VT Commodore recall : Holden uses the `R' word!  -  16/3/99
Rally ace urges a Yokohama tyre check for Easter safety  -  16/3/99
A luxury car for the 21st century? Citroën unveils the C6 Lignage  -  15/3/99
Honda gives Civic coupe a VTEC steroid shot  -  15/3/99
Citroën has three finalists for Car Of The Century  -  15/3/99
Alfa 156 one-upmanship - carpet on the outside!  -  15/3/99
Strong support from Citroën for the arts  -  15/3/99
NSW Rally Championship; Round 1. Mitsubishis 1-2-3-4-5!  -  14/3/99
Mazda hits Eunos 800 flagship with plushness stick  -  10/3/99
Daewoo denies involvement with Pickett `one-make series'  -  9/3/99
NRMA: Daewoo Lanos is cheapest small car to repair  -  9/3/99
New Range Rover fuels up-market competition  -  8/3/99
Discovery in `99 transforms an icon   -  8/3/99
Land Rover's workhorse Defender goes to the EXTREME  -  8/3/99
Limited edition MGF Targa Trophy is truly tantalising...  -  8/3/99
Saab's mouth-watering  9-3 Monte Carlo (not-so-mellow- yellow)  5/3/99
Major sponsorship of Ford Disovery Centre confirmed  -  5/3/99
Toyota takes its RAV-4 to the MAX...   -  5/3/99
9-5 Estate, first Saab wagon in 20 years, due here in May  -  5/3/99
VFACTS: February sales dip, but Holden sets a strong lead  -  5/3/99
Taking the Lion's share : Holden's best February sales in 22 years  -  5/3/99
NRMA; Falcon is cheapest family car to repair  -  5/3/99
Transport operator halves tyre costs on Yokohama  -  5/3/99
Kmart's Apprentice of the Year announced by Federal Minister  -  5/3/99
Honda Civic again takes `cheapest to repair' bouquet  -  4/3/99
Motorsport Awards : Mark Webber takes a double  -  3/3/99
Ford `specialty dealer' franchises are on their way  -  1/3/99
Ford showcases new styling directions at Melbourne show  -  1/3/99

February 1999
KIA takes a new tilt at the sharp end...   -  26/2/99
Alfa's award-winning 156 finally arrives in Australian showrooms  -  26/2/99
Audi launches AutoCorporate program for executive fleets  -  26/2/99
KIA's Carnival hoped to create new `people-mover' market  -  26/2/99
Honda previews its S2000 roadster at Melbourne Motor Show  -  26/2/99
Audi S4 goes on sale at Melbourne Motor Show   -  26/2/99
Honda updates its CRV for `99 with more power, more features  -  26/2/99
It's not X-rated, it's the Daewoo-Nubira X-series limited edition  -  26/2/99
Pirelli joins Michelin in development of PAX `runflat' system  -  24/2/99
Alfa Romeo wants to shine brighter in the Sunshine State  -  24/2/99
Shell AutoCare launches free trailer safety check in NSW & ACT  -  24/2/99
9-5 Griffin - Saab's new flagship is sporty, safe and well-appointed  -  23/2/99
Holden prepares a full model lineup for Melbourne Motor Show  -  23/2/99
It's the return of Holden's you-beaut SS ute  -  23/2/99
...and the Commodore Equipe returns for `99, with $3500 of value  -  23/2/99
Holden Coupe is `GO' - but wait for it, wait for it...  -  23/2/99
Mazda's Melbourne lineup - something new, something very old  -  23/2/99
Citroen appoints its Western Australian dealer  -  23/2/99
An alert from Michelin on trailer tyre safety  -  23/2/99
How to explore Europe from $26 a day - with Citroën  -  22/2/99
TV host to give new Alfa 156 its Oz competition debut  -  22/2/99
Audi TT nudges Porsche 911 out of SCOTY award after 23 years  -  22/2/99
Independent Tyre Distributors roll onto the Web  -  19/2/99
Saab's new performance car for enthusiasts - the 9-3 Viggen  -  19/2/99
Alfa 156's switchable airbag brings mother and child together  -  19/2/99
Ford is named as "most admired automotive company"  -  19/2/99
Honda extends Gold Coast Indy sponsorship, & unveils new engine  -  19/2/99
GM affiliate Opel predicts fuel-cell technology breakthrough  -  18/2/99
Ford reveals its `XR Supercar' racer   -  18/2/99
...and also uncovers the AU Fairlane  -   18/2/99
...and the 1999 Laser  -  18/2/99
Hyundai reduces Lantra models, but tops up the value  -  18/2/99
SEAT's WRC-winning Ibiza Evo2 confirmed for Melbourne Show  -  17/2/99
Nissan's Series 2 Pathfinder has new `AllMode' 4WD system  -  17/2/99
Toyota Hiluxes play it way cool in Antarctica  -  16/2/99
SEAT makes the `virtual showroom' a reality in Adelaide  -  12/2/99
Accessory pack puts muscles on new Alfa Romeo 156  -  12/2/99
Daewoo supports Olympic sailing medallist in qualifying races  -  12/2/99
Record performance worlwide in `98 reaffirms SEAT in Australia  -  10/2/99

Citroën launches new lease programme & drive-away deals  -  10/2/99
Suzuki invades the Falklands! (in a manner of speaking...)  -  10/2/99
First pics: Opel's new Speedster unveiled early !  -  10/2/99
1998 a `high' year for Holden New Zealand  -  9/2/99
Mazda builds its 500,000th MX5  -   9/2/99
Holden chief predicts greater importance for Australia's auto industry  -  8/2/99
HSV launches XU8, and limits it to six months' availability  -  8/2/99
Sprint sensation stars in Magna `run-out' campaign  -  6/2/99
Peugeot releases enhancement kits for 306 & 406  -  5/2/99
W12 supercar heads VW line-up at Melbourne Motor Show  -  5/2/99
Ford takes new aim in light commercial market with `99 Courier  -  5/2/99

...and Mazda does exactly the same with its new B-Series!  -  5/2/99
VFACTS for January: Holden takes an early narrow lead  -  5/2/99

...and claims the sales lead laurels   -  5/2/99
...but Ford claims glory in passenger car sales!  -  5/2/99
Ateco Automotive joins forces with Bob Jane T-Marts  -  4/2/99
Jaguar becomes distributor for Pirelli tyres  -  4/2/99
HSV launches `Certified Classics' programme   -  4/2/99

Honda's sales climb continues with a record January result  -  4/2/99
Toyota maintains its lead in ANCAP safety testing  -  3/2/99
New Alfa 156 to offer choice of 2 unique performance autoboxes  -  3/2/99
Nissan packs goodies into Pulsar Plus Series II, without a price hike  -  2/2/99
`Top trio' of Aussies confirmed for Porsche Supercup at Qantas GP  -  2/2/99
Chrysler begins delivering EPIC electric minivans  -  2/2/99
Audi adds the S3 to its growing list of `S' variants  -  2/2/99
NRMA says Daewoo Freecare lower motoring costs  -  2/2/99
Kia's new Carnival V6 people-mover to debut at Melbourne  -  1/2/99
Opposite Lock does major deal on locker diffs  -  1/2/99
Opposite Lock opens new store at Northern Rivers  -  1/2/99

January 1999
`Young Lion' designers illustrate Holden motorsport calendar  -  29/1/99
Barina's spunky `BG' claims silver AME award  -  29/1/99
Toyota LandCruiser celebrates Snowy Mountains anniversary  -  28/1/99
Volvo agrees to sell Volvo Cars to Ford  -  28/1/99
Honda pioneers LEVs in Oz with release of HR-V and `99 Accord  -  27/1/99

Honda HRV : details  -   27/1/99
Honda Accord : details  -   27/1/99
Holden's Astra & V6 Frontera to headline at Brisbane Motor Show  -  27/1/99

`Living legend' of Oz motor racing, Harry Firth,  is recognised in Australia Day Honours List   -  26/1/99
Holden uncovers Astra concept race car, developed by Opel  -  25/1/99
Daewoo appoints a new Customer Care manager, and goes online  -  25/1/99
Audi launches new seriously quick 132kW A4    -  25/1/99
A new marketing team gets down to work at Holden  -  22/1/99
Peugeot doubles its diesel line-up with arrival of 306 XRDT  -  21/1/99
Chrysler's `PT Cruiser' concept already confirmed for production  -  21/1/99
Alfa Romeo reports a 35% leap in sales for 1998  -  21/1/99
Suzuki's Vitara takes #1 spot in Europe - again!  -  21/1/99
Citroën's new Xsara Coupe to debut at Brisbane Motor Show  -  20/1/99
Suzuki `EasyDrive' brings corporate lease rates to private buyers  -  20/1/99
Leading innovator, Dr Arthur Bishop, honoured by auto industry  -  19/1/99
Peugeot begins to celebrate its `Big 50th' in Australia  -  19/1/99
Holden sets a new annual production record  -  19/1/99
Lifting heavy loads? Toyota's Lycoloader can save your back  -  18/1/99
Ford, Tickford and Seton create FTR, a new force in racing  -  18/1/99
Audi Australia to add some V8 punch to its A6 lineup  -  15/1/99
Suzuki's new Baleno arrives in NSW&ACT with $2500 advantage  -  15/1/99
Honda sales manager loses his hair (literally) over sales !  -  14/1/99
1998 results in another sales record for Hyundai Excel  -  12/1/99
Nissan achieves 23% sales growth and 5.6% ,market share in `98  -  8/1/99
Kia Ceres tops Light Truck market for `98  -  8/1/99
Holden scores its best results in 20 years  -  7/1/99
Honda sales soar by 46% in 1998  -   7/1/99
VFACTS: Toyota is top achiever in a record-breaking 1998  -  7/1/99
Hyundai uncovers its first 4WD, the Santa Fe concept  -  6/1/99
Mazda unveils slick new `smart concept' MPV   -  5/1/99
Two wins in a row for KIA Sportage in USA  -  4/1/99
New look, new features for Honda's 1999 Legend  -  1/1/99

 

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