2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Sebring Coupe and Sebring Sedan Shine Through at the New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 18, 2000 - Building on the hallmarks of Chrysler design leadership, agile handling, spirited performance and premium features, the new 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Sebring Coupe and Sebring Sedan shine through in the competitive marketplace. In segments filled with sameness, each of these three new 2001 Sebring cars is distinctive. Introduced today at the 2000 New York International Auto Show, the Sebring Convertible, Coupe and Sedan give the Chrysler brand a premium entry in every segment in which it competes and further expand the Chrysler brand product line.

"Each new product we’re introducing for the 2001 model year provides evidence that Chrysler has become a more contemporary brand, with a portfolio of innovative products that match the lifestyles of our customers," said Jim Holden, President, DaimlerChrysler. "These three new Sebring cars share the Chrysler brand lineage, yet each possesses unique characteristics that make them shine in their respective segment."

Be it a sedan, coupe or convertible, the Chrysler brand’s focus is to provide premium products that deliver expressive, leading-edge design, fine-tuned athletic handling and performance, and refined function that benefits the customer.

REPRINT FROM GENERAL MOTORS LETTER

(Posted on ARI’s web site with the permission of Dave Hansen)

April 19, 2000

To Our Valued Fleet Customer:

2001 Model Year Incentive Information

As the world’s largest company, General Motors is committed to continually improving the services we provide to our valued customers. One of our goals is supporting the business needs of our fleet customers by releasing important vehicle information in a timely fashion. This year, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations (FCO) is pleased to announce that our 2001 Model Year National Fleet Purchase Program (VX5) will be available on April 19, 2000, almost two months earlier than it has been provided in recent years.

The fact that GM FCO is releasing this information for the 2001 Model Year earlier than ever before demonstrates our commitment to helping fleet administrators run their businesses. Even more important, we are backing up this announcement with price assurance for the 2001 Model Year and an early order bonus.

2001 Model Year Price Assurance

Price Assurance is 2% for the 2001 Model Year. This assurance is in effect only until the release of 2001 Model Year introductory pricing; thereafter it becomes null and void. If other price assurances exist for certain models this 2% Price Assurance program does not apply. The percentage comprehends vehicle price increases because of economics and changes in destination and freight charges; it does not comprehend vehicle price increases because of any equipment adjustments. It is calculated based upon the official GM Price Schedule in effect at the conclusion of the prior Model Year; it is not calculated based upon the prior Model Year’s price protected introductory pricing. It is available only on carryover passenger cars and carryover light duty trucks in conjunction with fleet orders placed under program 01-01 (VX5) or program 01-17 (Bid Assistance). It is not available on medium duty vehicles. Further information can be found at www.gm-fleetworld.com.

Fleet Early Order Bonus

An early order bonus of $250 per unit will be offered on all orders placed prior to 6/30/00. The Fleet Early Order Bonus applies to all incentivized units eligible for the 2001 Model Year National Fleet Program (VX5). Units must have a requested Target Production Week (TPW) prior to 9/25/00. Consult program 01-01 for further details.

National Fleet Program (VX5)

The National Fleet Program (VX5) for 2001 Model Year vehicles is available and details can be found in program 01-01 or at www.gmfleet.com on the U.S. home page starting 4/19/00. Please refer to the attachment for vehicles and per unit amounts.

Order Entry

The 2001 order entry date for all models/brands except GMT800 pickups and utilities and Cadillac is April 17, 2000. GMT800 pickups and utilities may be ordered beginning on May 1, 2000. Details on Cadillac order entry will be provided shortly.

GM is committed to the fleet business and is pleased to bring this important 2001 vehicle information to you early. For complete program details, please consult your GM Fleet Account Executive or GM dealer.

Dave Hansen

General Manager

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OnStar for 2001

For the 2001 Model Year, the OnStar system will expand into a number of GM cars and trucks with the basic one-year "Safety and Security" package, factory installed, as standard equipment with the start of the 2001 production:

For more information on OnStar, log on to http://www.onstar.com

LINCOLN DISPLAYS ULTIMATE TOWN CAR AND CONCEPT LS

NEW YORK, April 19, 2000 - Lincoln features the all-new 2000 Cartier L - the ultimate Town Car - and a concept version of its ultimate driver’s car - the Lincoln LS - on the turntables at the New York International Auto Show. The Cartier L is the first factory-produced long-wheelbase Lincoln Town Car. The luxury sedan’s body is extended 6 inches at the factory, providing an additional 7.5 cubic feet of luxurious space for rear-cabin passengers.

The concept LS begins with the platform that helped LS receive Motor Trend’s coveted Car of the Year award. Lincoln designers then added features to give it a sportier look. The new features include projector headlamps, dark tinted windows, 18-inch wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes and a rear deck extension.

Each of these two lead vehicles on the Lincoln stand defines American luxury in a distinctive fashion.

"The Town Car Cartier L is designed for consumers who want an even roomier, more luxurious, full-size sedan with all the comforts and amenities Lincoln customers expect in a luxury automobile," said Lincoln President Mark Hutchins.

The half-foot of extra space means more legroom, which, coupled with interior upgrades, provides a more comfortable and relaxed ride. Other features that contribute to the Cartier L’s "ultimate" Town Car positioning include wider rear-door openings, rear heated seats, a folding armrest with storage bins, rear audio and climate controls, redundant seat controls, mood lighting and a cigar-size ashtray with illuminated lighter.

An Executive L for the livery market

Lincoln, who maintains leadership in the livery market with a commanding 85 percent market share, offers a similar version of the Cartier L, called Executive L, exclusively for fleet and livery dealers. The Town Car Executive L shares many attributes with Cartier L, including the extended wheelbase.

Lincoln began producing both versions in the first quarter of 2000 at the Wixom, Mich., Assembly Plant, home of the Lincoln LS, Continental and Town Car. Both Town Car models go on sale this spring.

Lincoln expects to build a limited number of Cartier L’s in 2000 with the ability to increase production in following years, adding to the exclusivity of the luxury sedan.

FORD PREPARES FOR NEXT GENERATION 42-VOLT SYSTEMS

Power electronics is the next big thing. Automakers are approaching the limit of what today’s 12-volt systems can handle. Next generation powertrains, as well as new technologies such as Internet access, cell phones and navigation equipment, will require manufacturers to move up to a 42-volt system. Ford engineers are preparing for the shift to 42-volt systems saying:

"The question isn’t IF the industry will shift but WHEN." With 42-volt systems, components such as brakes, transmission and steering all will be linked to a computer to react to road conditions. Higher voltage systems also will have fuel savings benefits making the IC engine more efficient by running accessories such as air-conditioners and power steering.

These electrical systems initially will be more expensive and are likely to appear in luxury cars first. Ford says 42-volt systems could begin appearing on cars as early as 2003. New release available.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER MID-SIZE CAR-BASED SUV PREMIERS AT 2000 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 19, 2000 - The world premier of the 2001 Toyota Highlander car-based, sport utility vehicle (SUV) took place today at a press conference held at the New York Auto Show.

"The thinking behind Highlander is simple," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "With more and more new buyers entering the segment from passenger cars, it makes sense to diversify our mid-size SUV offerings into two distinctly different products. Sometimes you feel like a truck, sometimes you don’t. For buyers seeking the real-deal in traditional mid-size performance, with a bias toward multi-use, we have 4Runner. For buyers demanding the image and versatility of an SUV, but who prioritize car-like ride and handling, we will have Highlander."

Highlander will ride on a platform that is similar to the popular Camry sedan, but engineered for increased ground clearance, ride height, suspension travel and off-road durability. Its overall length, width and wheelbase dimensions will be larger than 4Runner. It will also have a slight edge in interior leg and head room.

Highlander will be available in both two- and full-time four-wheel drive, powered by either a four-cylinder or 220-horsepower V6 engine, matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Both engines will carry LEV, low emission vehicle, certification. The V6 4x4 configuration is expected to be the predominant seller. Highlander will be offered in a single, well-equipped grade level. Options will include an upscale Limited Package. Highlander will have a sales target of more than 50,000 in calendar year 2001, with an annual sales volume of approximately 72,000 units.

When it arrives in about a year, Highlander will become the fifth member of Toyota’s comprehensive line-up of SUVs. With Highlander and RAV4, Toyota will be the first automotive division to market two car-based SUVs.

SUBARU INTRODUCES TWO NEW SIX-CYLINDER OUTBACK WAGON MODELS FOR 2001

Outback H6-3.0 VDC Features Advanced New Type of All-Wheel Drive; Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition Is Centerpiece of New Marketing Partnership

NEW YORK, April 20, 2000 - Subaru of America, Inc., the company that pioneered the concept of the passenger car/sport-utility hybrid vehicle and invented the World's First Sport-Utility Wagon(R), has introduced two new superbly equipped six-cylinder models to its trend-setting Outback line for 2001. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC model and the Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition debut an all-new 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine and raise the level of comfort above the Outback Limited.

The Outback H6-3.0 VDC - flagship of the Subaru model line for 2001 - introduces Variable Torque Distribution All-Wheel Drive, the most advanced All-Wheel Drive system Subaru has ever offered in the United States. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC also introduces the U.S. market's first factory installation of a premium car stereo system by McIntosh Audio. Famous for its high-end home audio equipment, McIntosh Audio brings a new level of mobile sound to the auto industry.

The 2001 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition is the first vehicle offered as part of a multi-year strategic marketing partnership between Subaru of America and the renowned retailer of active-lifestyle clothing and equipment. The agreement makes Subaru the official car of L.L.Bean and L.L.Bean the official outfitter to Subaru. The Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition embodies the outdoor spirit and sense of adventure made famous by this Maine-based outfitter. Exclusive identification and comfort features include two-tone beige/brown leather trimmed seats embossed with the L.L.Bean insignia, an "L.L.Bean Edition" badge on each front fender, and floor mats embroidered with the L.L.Bean logo.

The new Outback H6-3.0 models will compete with the Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.8, the Volkswagen Passat 4Motion wagon, and the Volvo V70 XC Cross Country.

The new aluminum six-cylinder engine that powers both new Outback H6-3.0 models features double-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The high-output powerplant produces 212 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm -- 30 percent more power than the 2.5-liter H-4 engine used in other Outback models. A variable intake manifold and a dual-stage muffler help optimize power delivery throughout the engine speed range.

Standard safety equipment in the Outback H6-3.0 models includes three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags and front seat side impact airbags.* A new dual-stage front airbag on the passenger side determines the correct deployment strength depending on the severity of an impact. The front three-point seatbelts feature electrically triggered pre-tensioners with force limiters. These work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision.

Both Outback H6-3.0 models are equipped with the Subaru 4EAT four-speed automatic transmission but feature different versions of the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC comes equipped with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive, plus a new stability system called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

The VTD system splits the power 45 percent front/55 percent rear under most conditions. The slight rear bias enhances the performance driving feel, and VTD responds to road and driving conditions to direct more power to the wheels that need it most. A new four-wheel electronic traction control system (TCS) adds an extra margin of driving safety without impeding All-Wheel Drive operation. The VDC stability system helps keep the car going where the driver is steering it by detecting and correcting understeer (front-wheel drift) or oversteer (rear-wheel drift). The system uses split-second braking on individual wheels to make corrections, and can also reduce engine power to restore stability.

The Outback H6-3.0 L.L.Bean Edition is equipped with Active All-Wheel Drive, the system currently used in other automatic transmission-equipped Subaru vehicles. An electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch can direct power to the wheels that need it even before slippage occurs.

Standard comfort equipment in the Outback H6-3.0 VDC includes automatic climate control with an ambient temperature gauge, an eight-way power driver's seat, rear-seat center armrest, plus a distinctive mahogany wood and leather steering wheel designed by Momo.

The Outback L.L.Bean Edition shares the interior comfort features of the Outback H6-3.0 VDC model, without the McIntosh Audio stereo system. The L.L.Bean Edition adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated digital compass, an air filtration system, and a standard security system.

Heavy-duty four-wheel independent raised suspension, a generous 7.3 inches of ground clearance and 225/60 R16 Firestone Wilderness tires on new-design 16-inch x 6.5-inch alloy wheels give both Outback H6-3.0 models recreational off-road capability.

2001 FORD WINDSTAR

NEW YORK, April 19, 2000 - Ford’s 2001 Windstar minivan, unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show, raises the safety stakes in the family transportation market by adding a new standard passive Personal Safety System and optional AdvanceTracTM interactive vehicle dynamics control system to its long list of safety firsts.

Windstar is the only minivan to earn five stars, the government’s highest front-crash test ratings, since 1997. Starting in 1999, Windstar - with optional side airbags - became the first vehicle in the industry to earn quadruple five-star status when new side-impact ratings were established.

These ratings - combined with Ford’s advanced Personal Safety System, AdvanceTracTM interactive vehicle dynamics system and LATCH child safety-seat anchoring - will give 2001 Windstar customers peace of mind anytime and anywhere.

SAFETY/SECURITY FEATURES The 2001 Ford Windstar continues its "Safety First, Family Driven" philosophy with significant new as well as familiar carryover safety and security features: New Personal Safety System standard Dual-stage front inflating airbags Crash severity sensor, integrated safety-belt pretensioners, energy management retractors, safety-belt usage sensors and driver’s-seat position sensor New AdvanceTracTM interactive vehicle dynamics system available (minivan first, mid-year introduction) New low-tire warning system standard New heated signal mirrors available (minivan first)

• Industry-first strobe warning for sliding door
• Self-sealing tires now available in 16-inch tires (previously available on 15-inch sizes)
• Improved head restraints on front-row bucket seats
• Child seat restraint anchorage system standard
• ISO-Fix-style Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH (minivan first when
• introduced in August 1999)
• Structural safety
• Meets or exceeds all federal regulatory safety standards
• Side airbags available
• SecuriLockTM passive anti-theft system standard; remote keyless entry standard on all four-door models

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GM FLEET CUSTOMERS TO GET ORDER STATUS IN PALM OF THEIR HAND

NASHVILLE, TENN. - April 17, 2000 - General Motors introduced leading edge wireless technology to fleet managers today at the 2000 National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) convention that will provide real-time vehicle order status and tracking information via a wireless handheld device, such as the popular Palm line of personal data assistants (PDAs).

"In February, we launched a new Order Status web site, www.gm-fleetworld.com, that gives fleet managers personalized information on order status, vehicle tracking and a variety of other important business data," said Dave Hansen, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. "Now, our fleet customers can interface with GM-Fleetworld from the palm of their hand, anytime they want."

In addition, available select vehicle inventories can be easily checked on the site and vehicles can be reserved through an authorized GM dealer - with just a tap on the screen.

GM will be providing demonstrations of the new wireless order management system to attendees of the NAFA convention, April 16-17 at the Opryland Hotel. A national rollout of the system is planned for the third quarter.

The wireless technology was created in partnership with PTC Corporation, a leading edge Internet software and services company based in Waltham, Mass. PTC’s Info*Engine software powers the new GM Fleet Order Status and Reserved Vehicle Allocation sites.

GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, combines the fleet, sales, service and marketing of all GM divisions into one seamless organization that provides complete integrated solutions for GM fleet customers.

2001 YUKON DENALI & YUKON XL DENALI

GMC’S ULTIMATE AGILE, STYLISH AND REFINED FULL-SIZE SUVS

NEW YORK — April 19, 2000 - Hot on the heels of GMC’s market launch of its all-new Yukon and Yukon XL, GMC introduces two additional full-size sport utility vehicles that are sure to cement GMC’s reputation for professional grade trucks–upscale, refined and distinctive. The all-new 2001 Yukon Denali and the for-the-first-time Yukon XL Denali enter the market with exclusive performance and agility capabilities, unique exterior styling and a new level of premium amenities.

"In 2001, the Yukon Denali and new Yukon XL Denali will set a new standard for full-size SUV agility," said Denny O’Donnell, Yukon brand manager. "These two distinctive trucks offer a host of unique and exclusive features. Their agility is significantly enhanced by a more powerful powertrain, they are stylishly refined in appearance, and they include comfort and convenience features that make them easy to live with. But most important, they are very easy to drive and more fun to use."

MODEL LINE-UP

The 2001 Yukon Denali is available as a single, eight-passenger, all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, with a new advanced full-time AWD system and superior powertrain. It is powered by a 325-horsepower Vortec 6000 V8, which not only provides more power and better performance than the Vortec 5700 it replaces, but also more than the Vortec 6000 currently used in other GMC trucks. The engine mates to a more fuel-efficient and enhanced new 4L60-E HD (heavy duty) electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

And, for the first time, a long wheelbase Yukon XL version of the Denali is available for the North American market. It shares the shorter Yukon Denali’s powertrain, AWD system, and comfort/convenience features while providing a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating and the more spacious cargo capacity. ADVANCED ARCHITECTURE The 2001 Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali benefit from major upgrades, introduced on the all-new Yukon and Yukon XL trucks last year, that contribute to the agility and maneuverability of these SUVs.

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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: