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.
Contents
United Kingdom
Ford launched its new Mondeo, including 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder petrol units, a 2.0 turbo-diesel and a 2.5 V6 petrol.
The Escort nameplate was discontinued after 33 years.
Vauxhall expanded the Astra range to include a new coupe and cabriolet. It entered the roadster market with the VX220 (Opel Speedster on the continent) with a turbocharged 2.2 engine and a chassis derived from the Lotus Elise. The Corsa supermini was replaced by a new model after eight years.
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. 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
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.
Germany
Audi launched the new A4 in saloon and estate versions. Another launch was the A2, similar in concept to the Mercedes A-Class.
Volkswagen gave the Polo supermini a new design, 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 some design changes.
BMW has launched two models of its latest 3 Series range, the cabriolet and hatchback.
Mercedes-Benz C Class was new with the look of the much larger S Class and built in South Africa.
France
The Renault Laguna was new and available as hatchback or estate (Sports Tourer) and available 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.
Japan
Nissan has launched a new Almera family car to join the current Micra and Primera at the British Sunderland plant. Engines include 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 diesel, provided by Renault.
Toyota introduced a new MR2 sports car and facelifted the Corolla, as well as adding new VVTi petrol engines. The Avensis also received similar changes.
Honda introduced a new Civic, offering 1.4 or 1.6 petrol engines. The only model available in Britain was the five-door hatchback.