Inside the industry with Michael McAleer.
OPEL'S INSURANCE OFFER: Opel Ireland is offering some succour to beleagured motorists trying to remortgage their houses in order to pay their car insurance. It's offering motorists a discount of up to €1,200 towards their insurance costs if they buy an Astra or Corsa before September 30th. Customers show the dealer their insurance certificate and the dealer will deduct €1,000 off the agreed price of the Corsa or €1,200 off the Astra.
HYUNDAI APPOINTMENT: Hyundai Cars Ireland has appointed a new dealer, Kingstown Stillorgan, to operate from the former MCM (Opel) premises in Stillorgan. This is the second Hyundai dealership for Kingstown Motors, which also holds a franchise in Dún Laoghaire since 1996.
DAEWOO'S NEW KALOS: Daewoo has announced that its new Kalos supermini (below) will reach our shores in September. While prices have yet to be disclosed, the Kalos will be targeted to compete with segment B models such as the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta among others. Designed by Italdesign in Turin, the Kalso will, says Daewoo, have one of the longest wheelbases in its class. Initially the Kalos will be available with a 1.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 80 bhp at 5,600 rpm, and a maximum speed of 106mph. A second engine option, a 1.2 litre, will be launched around March 2003. Daewoo expects to sell around 2,000 units here next year.
FORD'S THREE-DOOR FIESTA: The three-door version of the new Ford Fiesta range will be launched here next January. Following on from the five-door version on sale at present, it will be availabe in 1.3 litre, 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre options. Prices will be announced closer to launch.
RATHDOWN HOSTS JORDAN F1: Formula One fans will be making their way to Rathdown Motors today and tomorrow to see Jordan's F1 car. Part of a short promotional tour, Rathdown as one of the largest Honda dealers in Ireland has first call on the car. However, Jordan's may be featuring in Ford garages in future if Honda decides to end their engine deal and the team switches to Ford's Cosworth units.