I think this is coming from the same Australian news source as the earlier article. It's recent, and I include the whole article for context.
Still haven't found anything from any other source. Maybe our Australian members might have some insight? Nat >>> TYRE sizes are about to change. The old system of measuring wheels in imperial inches will be replaced by an all-metric scale, starting in Europe next year, which will describe a tyre's width and overall diameter in millimetres. >>> 2002 Nationwide News Pty Limited The Mercury, Hobart October 19, 2002, Saturday SECTION: ON THE ROAD; Pg. 46 LENGTH: 520 words BODY: Mashed or baked? SWEET potatoes are being used to build Toyotas. The Japanese maker is using the vegetable to develop an environmentally friendly, biodegradable plastic for cars. The first potato panels, made from starch extracted from sweet potatoes mixed with natural fibres, have been fitted to a new concept car called the ES3, above. Imperial sunset TYRE sizes are about to change. The old system of measuring wheels in imperial inches will be replaced by an all-metric scale, starting in Europe next year, which will describe a tyre's width and overall diameter in millimetres. Super bus tyre MICHELIN is developing a super-width tyre for commercial vehicles to replace dual rear wheels. The big advantage will be seen on buses: the single tyre will not take up as much room as dual wheels, winning back valuable space for passengers. Sitting pretty safe A NEW type of steering lock has been developed by Nissan in Japan. The driver's seat adjustment unit is modified so that the seat can be locked so far forward it is hard up against the steering wheel, making the car impossible to drive. Triumph from ashes IN a triumph over adversity, Triumph in England is building motorcycles again just six months after fire destroyed a third of its Hinckley factory. The famous motorcycle marque has even used the resulting spare time to upgrade equipment and improve the working environment for employees. Suzuki hard cell THE latest car company to join the fuel cell vehicle craze in the US is Suzuki. The Japanese small car company has commissioned integrated fuel systems manufacturer Quantum to supply hydrogen fuel cell storage systems. One foot in China TO launch an assault on the largely untapped Chinese automotive market, Nissan has taken a 50 per cent share in Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Co. Dongfeng was established in 1969 by the Chinese government and is one of the three largest car, truck and bus manufacturers in China. New plastic fantastic PAINTED plastic exterior body parts on cars could become a thing of the past. A report produced by consultants BRG Townsend in the US suggests new technologies, such as mould-in-colour and film insert moulding, could do away with the painting process for plastics, saving money and the environment. Opel Eau no A CONTENDER for silliest concept car at the Paris Motor Show was Opel with the Eau Rouge Combo. Named after the menacingly fast left-hand corner at the Belgian Spa racetrack, the Eau Rouge is actually a Barina Combo commercial van fitted with a 92kW 1.8-litre engine, wider tyres and racing stripes. Keeping a grip YOUR car's tyre has a contact patch with the road only about the size of your hand, even less when cornering when the patch is deformed. Several car manufacturers are testing a new road-holding system developed by Michelin which keeps the maximum of rubber on the road at all times. The system uses a revolutionary axle which enables the wheel to tilt on the inside of a bend, just like a motorcycle, to improve grip. The company says it will begin going on new models within a couple of years. LOAD-DATE: October 18, 2002
