News 23-05-99 Page 1

News of May 23, 1999

(the will lead you to the full article) Page 1 of 5

DaimlerChrysler's Schrempp reportedly give Smart car 3-6 months to prove itself .
Frankfurt, Germany, May 21, 1999 - According to Spiegel magazine DaimlerChrysler AG chairman Juergen Schrempp is giving the Smart car another chance for a further three to six months, but after that the Smart project will be stopped unless the number of new orders has not risen significantly, Der Spiegel magazine reported. According to an article in Spiegel magazine, Schrempp said he "will turn off the money-tap" unless orders increase dramatically in the near future.	Smart Car Photo: DaimlerChrysler
Since the launch of the car, DaimlerChrysler has taken a number of steps to improve the sales performance, including changing the management team, improving the car's performance, lowering its price and a massive advertising campaign. If these efforts do not pay off, and if unit sales for the current year are not at least 80,000, then the project will have to be stopped, Schrempp told the magazine.
The powerhouse: The new Audi V8 TDI
Audi, the pioneer of TDI engines, will be unveiling its new 3.3 litre eight-cylinder TDI, the latest highlight in an already lengthy tradition, at the 20th International Vienna Engines Symposium. It again underlines Audi's expertise in TDI technology with its 480 Newton-metres of torque across a speed range of 1800 to 3000 rpm, its power output of 165 kW (225 bhp) at 4000 rpm and its outstanding acoustic properties and refinement. With 4-valve technology, a common-rail fuel injection system, two electronically controlled VTG turbochargers and cooled charge-air and exhaust-gas recirculation, the Audi V8 TDI is the first engine in its class to meet the stringent EU III exhaust emissions limits.	The new V8 TDI Engine Photo: Audi
Ford gives first look at 2000 NASCAR Taurus

Dearborn, Mich., May 20, 1999 – Ford released an artist’s rendering of the new 2000 NASCAR Taurus race car today – nicknamed "Taurus 2k" – giving the public its first hints of the car that will make its debut at the Daytona 500 in February, 2000. The actual unveiling of the Taurus 2k race car will come later this year, to coincide with the launch of the new Taurus production car.

2000 NASCAR Ford Taurus

Ford "Taurus 2k"

Photo: Ford

"We see this as a terrific opportunity for our engineers to work with our teams and further develop what has already proven to be a very successful product on the track," Davis said. "We’re taking a lot of the lessons we learned in the short time frame we had to develop the ’98 Taurus, and adapting those lessons to the development of the 2000 Taurus. First and foremost, we’re working closely with NASCAR to ensure that the development of this Taurus fits within the parameters that they’re looking for in new race cars."

Although there hasn’t been a complete 2000 Taurus race car built yet, advance research and work is currently underway by Ford Racing Technology and three of Ford’s top teams – Penske Racing South, Roush Racing and Robert Yates Racing.

In addition, NASCAR officials were earlier given a preview look at the new 2000 model-year Taurus production car, and have been involved in development plans for Taurus 2k. Taurus had a successful year on and off the track in 1998, capturing 15 wins in its inaugural NASCAR season and seeing a four percent sales increase in the marketplace over the previous year, as it continues its reign as one of the best-selling cars in North America. Taurus sales to retail customers are up 18 percent in the first four months of 1999.

In 1999, Ford Taurus drivers have captured an additional five wins in 11 races thus far this season, with Taurus driver Dale Jarrett leading the Winston Cup point standings, and Ford leading the manufacturers’ championship over Chevrolet and Pontiac.In 1999, Ford Taurus drivers have captured an additional five wins in 11 races thus far this season, with Taurus driver Dale Jarrett leading the Winston Cup point standings, and Ford leading the manufacturers’ championship over Chevrolet and Pontiac.

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