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Washington Auto Show Hosts Record Number of New Model Introductions, Concept Cars

21 December 1998

Washington Auto Show Hosts Record Number of New Model Introductions, Concept Cars

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 -- The 1999 Washington Auto Show offers
consumers their first look at a record number of new model introductions and
concept cars this year, supplementing the show's existing eight acres of new
vehicles in every make, model and price range.  The 57th annual holiday
showcase, featuring 500 new cars, light trucks, vans and sport utility
vehicles from 37 domestic and foreign manufacturers, will run from
December 26, 1998 through January 3, 1999 at the Washington Convention Center.
    More than a dozen new vehicles will make their national, regional or local
debut at the show, sharing the spotlight with a variety of concept cars for
consumers to dream about.
    New model introductions for the 1999 Washington Auto Show include the:

    *  2000 Toyota Tundra, the all-new, full-size pickup truck, built in
       Indiana.  The Tundra features a 245-hp, 4.7-liter V8 engine, but is
       also available with a V6.  Compared to Toyota's current T100, the
       Tundra has a roomier interior and four doors, along with all-new sheet
       metal and an all-new chassis.

    *  Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.  The
       Prius went on sale in December 1997 in Japan, with Toyota closely
       monitoring the performance and acceptance of this new system in the
       Japanese market.

    *  Hyundai Sonata, the largest, most-upscale sedan marketed by the Korean
       manufacturer.  The 1999 model offers new engines, transmissions and
       suspension.

    *  Lincoln LS 2000, an all-new Euro-style sedan.  The LS, Lincoln's entry
       into the luxury sport segment, will be offered in both V6 and V8
       versions.

    *  1999 Mercedes E55 AMG, based on the award-winning E-Class sedan, the
       E55 combines "blistering" performance with Mercedes-Benz refinement and
       the highest level of luxury available in any E-Class model.

    *  BMW 5 Series Sport Wagon, signaling a return of the sport wagon in a
       more exciting form.  Two models are offered for 1999: the 6-cylinder
       528i sport wagon and the V-8 540i sport wagon.

    *  1999 Ford Mustang GT.  The 1999 Mustang reflects its heritage back to
       the original of 35 years ago, but the latest evolution of this popular
       American model is improved with design, powertrain and handling
       enhancements.

    *  Jaguar S-Type, a new luxury sports sedan.  The S-Type will go on sale
       in North America in the spring of 1999 as Jaguar's first release of the
       2000 model year.

    *  Isuzu Amigo hardtop, the sport utility vehicle returns to the line-up
       with a hardtop model for 1999 featuring full interior trim.

    *  1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2000 Nissan Frontier Crewcab truck and
       2000 Dodge Neon are scheduled for an East Coast premiere at
       December 30th.

    Concept cars on display at the 1999 Washington Auto Show will include:

    *  Astro Low Rider AWD Concept Vehicle.
    *  Isuzu VehiCROSS preproduction vehicle
    *  Jeep Dakar
    *  Pontiac "Rageous."