Grand Modus to replace smaller one

When the new Renault Grand Modus arrives in Ireland in early February, it will replace the current shorter version in this market.



The planned engine is the 1.2 litre petrol, but Renault Ireland say this is under review at the moment in the light of the chages to VRT, and the car may come with a version of the 1.5 litre diesel engine.

No price has yet been set, but Renault Ireland sources say it will be 'about 500 euros' less expensive than the Nissan 'cousin' car, the Note.

Since both cars were originally launched, the Note has strongly outsold the Renault because of its extra length and consequent extra luggage space.

Renault Ireland have sold some 600 copies of the original Modus to date. A modest enough performance which they are likely to improve significantly on with the new Grand version. BB

Motor industry 'branded unfairly'

A key Irish automotive industry figure has criticised an over-emphasis on the motor business in Government regulation to cut CO2 emissions.

Dave Shannon, MD of Toyota Ireland said that the industry is well aware of its responsibilities to combat climate change, and on a global basis is working hard to do this.

"However, I think we're being branded unfairly as the main contributor to the problem," he said. "For instance, in March next year, the Irish Government will be a signator to an 'open skies' agreement with the US which will expand air traffic across the atlantic. This extra traffic will increase CO2 emissions by the equivalent of that produced by 13 million cars. I don't hear Mr Gormley saying much about this at all."

Thirteen million cars is the equivalent of the number which will be sold this year in the EU or the US marketplaces.

Mr Shannon also said the industry needed to 'fight back' against uneducated comments from news media commentators and others who often made statements about cars and the environment which were simply not true.

He said that all such comments should be immediately replied to and corrected. BB

ECOnetic improves standard components

The ECOnetic range of low-CO2 Ford cars have achieved their environmentally-friendly performance through a range of technological 'tweaks' of standard components.

Powered by versions of the company's standard diesel engines which were already low-emission, Ford designers also improved the aerodynamics of the cars and lowered their suspensions.

They have also used low-friction oils in the transmission.

The ECOnetic techniques are used in a version of the revised Focus due to go on sale in Ireland next year, which bring the CO2 emissions down to a class-leading 115g/km. BB

Jaguar power for Alfa?

Future Alfa Romeos could be based on Jaguar powertrains, even if the company is sold along with Land Rover in the near future.

Fiat Auto boss Sergio Marchionne says his company decided against making a bid for the Ford-owned couplet, because he didn't think Fiat could properly look after the development of its own brands if it took them on at this time. He said Jaguar would have suited the development of new Alfas.

But he said he didn't rule out 'cooperation' with the expected India-based buyers, Tata, subsequent to any sale. BB