THE WORLD'S FIRST PASSENGER PRIORITY TRUCK

Traditionally, pickup trucks are designed with cargo and hauling in mind. It was all about utility in the 1930s and '40s. While in recent years more attention has been given to the passengers with larger cabs, bed dimensions and payload are still key factors in any true pickup truck.

Enter the Dodge MAXXcab concept truck, the world's first Passenger Priority truck, premiering at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

DaimlerChrysler's Dodge MAXXcab is a true pickup truck - but one with cab-forward design and sedan-like ride, handling, space, comfort and luxury.

"Just as cab-forward changed the architecture of our passenger cars, Passenger Priority design might influence an entire vehicle line," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President - Product Development and Design.

"The Dodge MAXXcab is tangible proof of our ability to reach with design. Not only do we achieve truly new exterior proportions, but with MAXXcab we literally reinvent the truck interior image."

The Dodge MAXXcab concept vehicle doubles as an office-on-wheels or as a mobile daycare center, while still offering a half-ton payload and enough bedspace for weekend projects and hobby-equipment.

The bed measures 52.7" long by 56.7" wide by 24" deep - wider and deeper than today's full-size truck boxes - and comes with an integrated picnic table and chairs for the occasional spur-of-the-moment tailgate party.

FORD EQUATOR: READY FOR THE TOUGHEST ADVENTURE

Detroit, Jan. 10, 2000 - The Ford Equator concept takes "Built Ford Tough" to a new level and is ready to take on the harshest elements - whether it's rock climbing, white-water rafting or snowboarding - without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

"Equator screams adventure," says J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design. "It can take on the most rugged outdoor challenge while carrying its passengers in maximum comfort."

Equator maintains the height of the 128-inch wheelbase F-150, while adopting the width of Ford's Super Duty F-350. The one-of-a-kind structural design allows passengers more interior room, while giving the vehicle an aggressive stance.

Functionally, Equator has an off-road-racing-inspired independent suspension, featuring billet aluminum upper control arms, steel lower arms with all-new geometry for maximum travel, adjustable 32-inch coils over gas-linked shocks and custom machined steering linkage.

The bumper, fender, wheel wells and lower trim panels are made of Kevlar, which makes them resistant to stone damage and nearly indestructible.

Billet aluminum wheels with a central tire inflation system and bead locks are wrapped in specially cut off-road tires that are color-keyed to the Serengeti gold body.

The bottom of the doors is cut high, and, when a door is opened, a lower panel can be hydraulically deployed to create a step unit. In the stowed position, the panels provide a watertight barrier for the passenger compartment.

Inside, Equator features four leather-contoured bucket seats. The rear seats and bulkhead fold down, creating a cargo space that is six-feet long and five and a half feet wide.

The instrument panel addresses driver-preferred instrument location and content through the use of "clamp-on" gauges. The gauges allow users to select the exact components they want on the instrument panel as well as the exact position for each component. A centerline-mounted compass can be removed for outdoor use.

Flip-up arm rests, visor-mounted GPS technology, outside temperature monitoring instruments, overhead map lights, dual-zone climate controls, two high-volume console-mounted storage compartments and removable flooring provide ultimate feature content.

An overhead, console-mounted audio system ensures that all passengers receive premium sound. The console includes a power amplifier, CD changer, dual speakers in each door, a subwoofer in the lower console and upper-console-mounted tweeters.

CHEVY AVALANCHE FOREVER ALTERS TRUCK LANDSCAPE

Detroit, MI – January 10, 2000 - It's ready for anything, anytime, anywhere. It is a vehicle that can be called neither a pickup nor an SUV because of its unique combination of capability and spontaneous adaptability. It will forever change the truck landscape.

Chevrolet introduced its one-of-a-kind auto show version of the ground-breaking Avalanche during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. With breakthrough styling and many clever features – most notably an ingenious Convert-a-Cab™ System – Avalanche is a vehicle that transcends conventional labels.

"Avalanche combines the roominess of Suburban-style first- and second-row seating with the practicality of a Silverado-style cargo box," explained Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter. "It can be reconfigured to function as either a pickup or an SUV or both at the same time. We believe Avalanche represents the creation of an entirely new 'Ultimate Utility Vehicle' segment." Ritter also hinted that an equally dramatic and groundbreaking production version of the Avalanche show truck is expected in Chevrolet showrooms during the 2001 calendar year.

At the center of Avalanche's unique cargo management system is the Convert-a-Cab™ System that allows it to quickly and easily adapt to customer requirements. In its standard configuration, Avalanche offers a roomy, comfortable five-passenger cab along with a cargo box measuring 5'3" long.

When buyers require more cargo room, the reconfigurable Midgate™ folds into the interior of the cab to create a 4' x 8' cargo area to transport large items, such as plywood or drywall.

One person can reconfigure the cargo area in seconds and without tools. Furthermore, the load is protected from the elements by a standard three-piece cargo cover and lockable tailgate.

The one-of-a-kind Avalanche show truck has some clever features that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The interior is a reflection of Chevrolet's new relationship with The North Face, a company that designs and distributes technically sophisticated outerwear, tents, sleeping bags, packs and rugged footwear typically used by professional climbers, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both Chevy Trucks and The North Face have reputations for dependable, long-lasting products.

Avalanche's rugged interior utilizes premium, ballistic materials. The stylish, durable fabrics are designed to stand up to abuse from muddy bike pants and wet clothing. Water bottle holders have been sewn into seats along with dedicated connectors for North Face Summit packs.

Avalanche's unique cargo box also offers exceptional protection for items inside. The sides of the cargo box – along with the Midgate™ and tailgate – are constructed of Chevy's new PRO-TEC™ composite material. Scheduled to make its debut during the 2000 model year on Silverado, PRO-TEC will set new standards for durability.

In a cue borrowed from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, Avalanche's rear window is removable and can easily be stowed on board to create an exhilarating, open-air driving experience. In addition, this feature works in concert with the Midgate™ to accommodate taller cargo, such as a quad-wheeler or motorcycle.

FORD CONTOUR GOES TO MEXICO

Ford Motor Company produced its last Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique at the Kansas City, Missouri plant on Friday, February 4th.

Contours and Mystiques will continue to be built in Cuautitlan, Mexico, until October.

The new Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute will replace the two cars at the Kansas City plant. About 750,000 Contours and 250,000 Mystiques have been built in the United States since their debut in 1994.

2001 MAZDA TRIBUTE

Irvine, Calif., January 7, 2000 - While highly utilitarian and popular with today's buyers, most sport utility vehicles come up short on the "sport" side of the equation. As would be expected from the company that gave the world the renowned RX-7 and Miata sports cars, Mazda's new entry into this market, the 2001 Mazda Tribute, is the sports sedan of SUVs. The all-new Tribute made its world debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which ran from Jan. 8 - 17 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Tribute will go into production during the first week of May at Ford's Kansas City Assembly plant. Availability during the summer will be limited but readily available by fall.

With attributes like tuned, multi-link suspension, precise steering, car-like monocoque construction, a powerful 24-valve, 200-horsepower V6 engine (optional), and a spacious interior, the new Tribute is in a class by itself. The Tribute is more sophisticated, refined and spirited than other sport-utes, and it is available with many features normally found on luxury SUVs, like an in-dash six-disc CD changer, leather seating and six-way power driver's seat. Designed and engineered by Mazda in Japan, the new Tribute is almost half a foot (5.5 inches) longer than a Jeep¨ Cherokee, with a nearly two-inch longer wheelbase.

"The addition of the new Tribute to the Mazda lineup marks the company's resurgence as a full-line manufacturer," said Richard Beattie, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "The introduction of this exciting new vehicle, coupled with the recent successful launch of our new MPV minivan, helps us complete what has been called one of the greatest turnarounds in the automotive industry."

The 2001 Mazda Tribute is available in three trim levels - DX, LX and ES. There are two engine choices - a 200-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and a 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The Tribute is available with front-wheel drive or with an on-demand Rotary Blade Coupling four-wheel-drive system that gives it all-road, all-weather capability.

CHRYSLER UNVEILS 2001 MINIVAN

2001 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

Detroit, MI –January 10, 2000 - DaimlerChrysler unveiled its next generation of best-selling Chrysler and Dodge minivans today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The all-new 2001 Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country will arrive in dealerships by the fall of 2000. Since creating the minivan on November 2, 1983, DaimlerChrysler has sold more than 8 million minivans, introduced nearly 50 minivan firsts and earned more than 130 awards for its impressive lineup of Chrysler and Dodge minivans.

Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country are manufactured in Windsor, Ontario; St. Louis, Missouri; and Graz, Austria.

"Between Chrysler and Dodge, we've been building the world's best-selling minivans for the past 16 years," said James P. Holden, President of DaimlerChrysler. "In addition to having the right formula from the beginning, our success can be attributed to offering the greatest selection of attractive, feature-filled minivans in the marketplace. With our all-new minivans, we're taking another giant leap in the segment we created by offering sleeker styling, enhanced powertrains, thoughtful features and, of course, even more industry and minivan firsts."

Following are "at-a-glance" new features to look for in the all-new 2001 Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country:

• Industry-first power up and power down liftgate
• Industry-first removable, powered center console
• Power dual sliding doors, allowing manual override, powered by an industry-first inside-the- door motor
• Industry-first power sliding door obstacle detection system when opening and closing
• Minivan-first engines with power over 210 horsepower, including the new 230 hp 3.5-liter engine -- the most powerful in its class
• Minivan-first pop-up rear cargo organizer
• Minivan-first three-zone automatic temperature control system
• Minivan-first split 50/50 Easy-Out Roller Seats(R)
• Minivan-first four-disc in-dash CD player
• Increased power and performance of V-6 engines
• 3.3-liter, horsepower increased to 180 horsepower from 140 horsepower
• 3.8-liter, horsepower increased to 215 horsepower from 180 horsepower
• Adjustable pedals (brake and accelerator)
• Side air bags
• Front seat belt pretensioners
• Brake/transmission interlock system
• Universal child seat anchors
• Sentry key anti-theft system

CHEVY VENTURE UNVEILS NEXT GENERATION OF FAMILY FUN

Detroit – January 9, 2000 - Chevy Venture announced today it will integrate the LEGO® PlaySeat® activity center as standard equipment in its 2000 Warner Bros. Edition minivan. As another example of Venture's commitment to providing families with an enjoyable driving experience, Chevy Venture unveiled the LEGO PlaySeat in a Warner Bros. Edition van today at a joint press conference with automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls, Inc. at the 2000 North American International Auto Show.

The Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition minivans with the standard LEGO PlaySeat should arrive in dealerships this spring.

Under terms of the agreement between Chevrolet and Johnson Controls, the LEGO PlaySeat will be available exclusively in the Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition for 12 months on a worldwide basis and for an additional six months on a North America basis. Johnson Controls and the LEGO Company formed a partnership in 1999 to create family friendly interior solutions for the automotive industry and will supply the Chevy Venture minivans with the LEGO PlaySeat.

2000 FORD WINDSTAR LIMITED
A SUPREME PACKAGE

Detroit, Jan. 10, 2000 - The 2000 Ford Windstar expands its appeal to customers and enters the growing premium minivan market by adding a Limited package to its lineup.

The 2000 Windstar Limited will be built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada and will be available to customers beginning in February.

The new Limited model will include all the standard equipment common to today's popular Windstar SEL series. In addition, the Limited will offer as standard equipment some of the features only available as options on the SEL series. These include side air bags, reverse sensing system, power adjustable pedals, floor console, Class II Trailer Tow Package and a Family Security Group with traction control and a Passive Anti-Theft System.

2000 Ford Windstar Limited

In addition to the equipment common to the SEL series, the Windstar Limited includes the following unique features offered on no other Windstar models:

• 16- by x 7-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels
• Six-disc, in-dash CD changer
• Unique exterior color of Light Parchment Gold or optional Black Clearcoat
• Unique fascia/cladding in Mineral Gray
• Chrome exterior and interior trim accents
• Color-keyed interior trim in Medium Parchment
• Leather grab handles on front-row seat backs
• Floor mats with the Limited nomenclature
• Woodgrain interior door trim panel
• TravelNote message recorder
• Tissue holder in overhead console

"The Windstar Limited creates a more upscale environment for customers looking to be pampered by their vehicle," says Townsend. "This is particularly important in the minivan segment, where customers are typically balancing the many responsibilities of work and family life. Driving their vehicle should be as relaxing an experience as possible."

FORD TO OFFER SUV ROLLOVER PROTECTION PACKAGE

Detroit, Jan. 12, 2000 - Ford Motor Company will be the first to feature rollover sensors and special curtain rollover air bags on its sport utility vehicles during the 2001 model year.

"Ford scientists and engineers have been working hard to provide our truck customers with more potentially lifesaving features," says Helen Petrauskas, vice president, Environmental and Safety Engineering. "We've looked at the most threatening current driving conditions and developed new technologies to improve the protection for our SUV drivers and their families."

During the 2001 model year, Ford will offer optional new rollover sensors and inflatable side curtains on its SUVs. This breakthrough is made possible by the latest inflatable curtain technologies as well as advanced sensors that measure the amount of horizontal vehicle "roll" or tilt. The roll information is processed by a central control module that can trigger necessary rollover curtain bags in a fraction of a second - as quickly as 130 milliseconds.

The side curtain air bags will deploy through the SUV's headliner trim, helping to protect passengers in both the front-and second-row seats. The curtain air bags are designed to remain inflated for up to six seconds - approximately the time it takes an average vehicle to roll over a few times. The new air bags will have fixed attachment points at the front and rear ends of the curtain to help prevent occupants from being thrown out of the vehicle during rollovers.

The new inflatable curtain system also will help reduce the risk of head injuries for SUV occupants involved in side impacts.

SATELLITE RADIO FOR CHRYSLER VEHICLES

Auburn Hills, MI –February 1, 2000 - DaimlerChrysler and Sirius Satellite Radio today announced an agreement to bring satellite radio to DaimlerChrysler customers in the United States beginning next year.

Sirius Radio will provide DaimlerChrysler customers with seamless coast-to-coast coverage of up to 100 channels of programming, including 50 channels of commercial-free music and up to 50 channels of news, sports and entertainment for a monthly subscription fee of $9.95.

Under the terms of the agreement, DaimlerChrysler Corporation will purchase $100 million of Sirius common stock and exclusively factory-install Sirius receivers in DaimlerChrysler cars and light trucks.

The arrangement includes all DaimlerChrysler brands sold in the United States, including Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Dodge Truck, as well as Freightliner and Sterling heavy trucks.

DaimlerChrysler and Sirius will also work together to develop innovative telematics functions using the Sirius national digital broadcasting system. These applications may include a range of wireless security, convenience and navigation services for DaimlerChrysler vehicle owners. This is a further step in DaimlerChrysler's strategy to create and develop technologies to better serve its customers.

Sirius Satellite Radio, www.siriusradio.com, is building a digital satellite radio system that will broadcast music and entertainment programming to motorists throughout the continental United States. The company has created alliances with critically acclaimed artists and on-air personalities, including Sting, Grandmaster Flash, and MC Lyte, who will have regularly scheduled programs on Sirius. Sirius has also announced agreements with some of the world's foremost creators of compelling audio information and entertainment programming, including CNBC, National Public Radio, USA Networks/SCI-FI Channel, Bloomberg and the BBC. The company has the exclusive right to carry the nationally acclaimed program "Car Talk" on satellite radio. Sirius expects to begin broadcasting nationally at the end of the fourth quarter of 2000.

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NEW JERSEY SURCHARGE
Revised 12/1/99

To recover anticipated increased costs of conducting business in New Jersey, as a result of recent legislation, General Motors announced to their dealers on October 1, 1999 that effective immediately they were revising prices of 2000 model cars and trucks. This "surcharge" is only added to invoices of vehicles that are shipped to dealers in New Jersey.

Should Ford or DaimlerChrysler follow suit, we will announce it here in the Purchasing News.

If a vehicle is shipped to a New Jersey dealer for delivery out of the state, GM is developing a refund procedure.

The option code on the GM invoice is "R6M - New Jersey Cost Surcharge." The amount of the surcharge varies by model. It ranges from $22 on a Prizm to $227 for a Cadillac Seville. Here is the list of GM surcharges by model:

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DAIMLERCHRYSLER 2000 MODEL YEAR PURCHASE ALLOWANCES

FORD 2000 MODEL YEAR NATIONAL FLEET INCENTIVES

GENERAL MOTORS 2000 MODEL YEAR NATIONAL FLEET PURCHASE PROGRAM

MAZDA 2000 MODEL YEAR COMMERCIAL FLEET PROGRAM

NISSAN 2000 MODEL YEAR FLEET PROGRAMS

SAAB 2000 MODEL YEAR FLEET PROGRAM

SUBARU 2000 MODEL YEAR FLEET INCENTIVE PROGRAM

TOYOTA 2000 MODEL YEAR COMMERCIAL FLEET INCENTIVE INVOICE CREDIT PROGRAM

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2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Ford * General Motors * Mazda * Nissan * Saab * Subaru * Toyota

Ford Motor Company - National Fleet Incentives

On July 2, 1999, Ford announced the following National Fleet Incentives for the 2000 model year cars and trucks. Ford is combining the National Fleet Incentives with the Fleet Marketing Credits for a "Total Fleet Discount" for each vehicle line. This is to provide an accurate comparison between Ford vehicles and the facing GM products for the 2000 model year. Their national incentives have been increased to compensate for the elimination of marketing credits to fleet customers for 2000. The "Total Fleet Incentive" should avoid confusion that may exist due to the GM fleet program change.

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * General Motors * Mazda * Nissan * Saab * Subaru * Toyota

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * Ford * Mazda * Nissan * Saab * Subaru * Toyota

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * Ford * General Motors * Nissan * Saab * Subaru * Toyota

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Diamlerchrysler * Ford * General Motors * Mazda * Saab * Subaru * Toyota

Model year 2000 Fleet Program Incentives apply to all new vehicles sold and reported to Saab Cars USA, Inc. by December 31, 2000. Dealer must complete Form SF#3 and mail along with supporting documents to the Fleet Sales Dept. in Norcross. GA. For more information call Mitch. Kamon at (770) 279-6892.

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * Ford * Gerneral Motors * Mazda * Nissan * Subaru * Toyota

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * Ford * General Motors * Mazda * Nissan * Saab * Toyota

2000 Model Year Fleet Programs: Daimlerchrysler * Ford * General Motors * Mazda * Nissan * Saab * Subaru

FINAL ORDER DATES

DaimlerChrysler

January 14, 2000

TO: ALL DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION DEALERS

SUBJECT: 2000 MODEL YEAR CUTOFF DATES

In an effort to assist you and your Fleet Customers to plan remaining 2000 model year vehicle requirements, Fleet order cutoff dates have been established based on anticipated demand. While it is possible that actual orders can exceed our production capacity, we believe our forecast is satisfactory for planning purposes.

The Fleet order cutoff dates are as follows:

MODEL	FLEET ORDER CUTOFF DATE
Avenger/Sebring	Completed
Sebring Convertible	April 28, 2000
Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus	April 7, 2000
Neon	April 17, 2000
Concorde/Intrepid/LHS/300M	April 28, 2000
Voyager/Caravan/Grand Voyager/Grand Caravan	April 20, 2000
Dodge Grand Caravan AWD	January 21, 2000
Chrysler Town and Country	March 1, 2000
Grand Cherokee	April 28, 2000
Durango	April 28, 2000
Wrangler	April 20, 2000
Special Equipment: Cherokee	March 1, 2000
Cherokee	March 17, 2000