Recycling is very much an in word these days because, of course, there are environmental considerations. Recycling of old cars which pollute our streets and countryside is very much on the agenda of a research group at NUI Galway.
The Computer Integrated Manufacturing Research Unit (CIMRU) is looking at the options for their disposal. Currently some 75 per cent of the weight of cars is recycled with the remaining 25 per cent sent to landfill sites.
This waste in turn accounts for 10 per cent of all hazardous waste generated yearly in the EU. According to Neil Ferguson, CIMRU project manager, the issue has become topical because a new EU directive insists that all cars must be recycled at the end of their lives.
Is there a vehicle that can reconcile both passenger and cargo loads? The Ford Dealers of Ireland say they have it with their post-registration Transit Crew van. It allows seating for up to five passengers as well as a large load area. According to Ford, it fully satisfies the Revenue Commissioners on VRT exemption, meaning the operator can save thousands of euro over a conventional minibus. "With over 80 standard configurations, the immense flexibility of Transit means the crew van can come in a shape or size to answer a particular demand," says Eddie Murphy, Ford's chairman and managing director.
"There has been a market for this type of post-registration conversion for some time but previous tax treatment has been an impediment to an earlier introduction. We see spectacular potential here."
Meriva is a new name in the Opel hierarchy. Corsa-based, it's the name of a new MPV that will be smaller than the existing Zafira. The Zafira can seat seven in three rows while the Meriva will take five in two rows. There are 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines, both petrol and diesel. Meriva goes into production at Opel's Zaragoza plant in Spain - where the Corsa is built - in early 2003. Irish sales are scheduled for March or April of 2003.
Irish prices have just been announced for Alfa Romeo's revised 156 range which includes the GTA high performance models, a more powerful 2.4 litre JTD engine and a new 2.0 direct-injection petrol engine called JTS, an acronym for Jet Thrust Stoichiometric.
On-the-road prices for the 3.2 litre GTA saloon V6 is €53,725 in manual form while with the Selespeed transmission it is €55,225. Sportwagon models, similarly engined, are €55,225 and €56,726.
The 2.0 JTS starts at €32,500 as a saloon and €36,000 as a Sportwagon. The 2.4JTD is €35,500 as a saloon and €37,000 with the Sportwagon profile. In all, there are 16 versions in the revised 156 range with on-the-road pricing from €26,500, for the 1.6 litre Twin Spark Lusso.
A Rover 45 saloon with a 1.4 litre engine developing 103 bhp, has just been launched here by MG Rover Ireland. Priced at €18,995 ex-works, the company's John Donegan sees it as a competitive match for cars like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Bora and Opel Astra. The standard specification includes an electric sunroof, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes and driver, passenger and side airbags.