This article 2001 in motoring deals with developments in the automotive industry that occurred throughout the year 2001 by various automobile manufacturers, grouped by country.
Contents
United Kingdom
One year after being sold by BMW, MG Rover launched the ZR, ZS, and ZT/ZT-T sports models. The ZR is based on the Rover 25 supermini. The ZS is based on the Rover 45 family hatchback and saloon. The ZT is based on the Rover 75 executive sedan. The ZT-T is the MG version of the Rover 75 estate.
Production of the new BMW-built MINI began.
Jaguar introduced the X-Type, a compact executive saloon with four-wheel drive that shares its underpinnings with Ford's recently launched front-wheel drive Mondeo. It also shares its 2.5 V6 engine with the Mondeo.
Land Rover has launched the third generation Range Rover with a new bodyshell.
France
The Peugeot 306 made way for the new 307 and Europe's motoring journalists voted it European Car of the Year. Production of the 306 estate and cabriolet will continue for another year until the 307-based successors are launched.
The Citroën Xantia ended production to be replaced by the new C5.
The Renault Clio supermini received a makeover.
Germany
Audi has brought out a new Cabriolet based on its recently launched A4 saloon.
Italy
The new Fiat Stilo went on sale in Europe and will be due in Britain early next year.
Japan
The new Corolla family car was launched.
Honda entered the supermini market with the Jazz.
The first major product of the Nissan-Renault venture has appeared - the Nissan Primera. It shares its underpinnings with the latest Renault Laguna.