Prepare For A Taurus Charge
The Sun Herald
Sunday December 11, 1994
AMERICAN passenger models won't be left behind in the rush to load the boats for Australia.
Already confirmed for sale here are the new Ford Taurus, successor to America's No 1 selling car.
The new model will break cover at the Detroit Show early next month and will reach local outlets in the first half of 1996. The Taurus is a Magna/Camry sized package with a 3.0-litre V6 engine.
On price, Ford Australia president John Ogden won't get specific.
"Let's just say," he said, "we're not bringing any models in here that can't be competitive."
Chrysler's Neon small car will arrive in Australia at much the same time -the first half of 96.
Research conducted at the Sydney Motor Show, where a Neon was test marketed, suggested Australian buyers wanted high specification cars.
Chrysler is looking to respond, with plenty of equipment and pricetags to rival the Corolla and Civic. The Neon has been a booming success in the USA in its role as a low-cost Japan-fighter.
American sources confirm that homologation for Australian Design Rule compliance is very much a part of several other forthcoming US models.
GM's early 1996 seven passenger people mover, developed in conjunction with Opel and to be built in Georgia, is one strong contender but a lengthy list of Ford and Chrysler models are in the pipeline too.
© 1994 The Sun Herald