JEEP® VARSITY CONCEPT VEHICLE

The unmistakable seven-slotted grille, ample ground clearance and - of course - four-wheel drive. It’s the Jeep Varsity, a go-anywhere, do-anything urban adventure concept vehicle from DaimlerChrysler. "We once again challenged ourselves to invent a new vehicle category," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President - Product Development and Design. "In doing so, we melded the versatility of a five-door hatchback with a unique roofline and the Grand Cherokee’s capability." "As sporty and powerful as it is, the Varsity is a true Jeep vehicle. This concept is as adventurous as the people who drive Jeep vehicles today - whether in an urban environment or off-road."

The Jeep Varsity is powered by a 3.5-liter, 300 horsepower, 255 lb.-ft. V-6 engine coupled to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and a shift-on-the-fly transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive low-range modes.

Custom independent front and rear suspension with coil-over-shock set-up and massive 19-inch wheels with P235/55R tires provide the ride and handling expected from a sports sedan. Estimated performance figures include a sprint to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.

Confidence-inspiring shapes continue in the wheels. A five-spoke design executed with faceted aluminum billets, the wheels give Varsity a sure-footed appearance.

Head and tail lamps have a precise, crafted appearance and improved light output to enhance the vehicle’s safety and security while signaling the Jeep heritage through round bezels.

Creating a fresh, more vertical interpretation of the legendary and trademarked Jeep "face," Varsity reflects design cues from both Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.

The interior mimics Varsity’s exterior design with substantial shapes, strong lines and a backbone-style center console running through the vehicle.

The symmetrical instrument panel incorporates large round gauges with tipped-out angular surfaces and yellow-green glowing backlights. Executed in heavy-duty materials, the interior suggests a rugged scuba-diving or mountaineering readiness.

Jerry M. Frick
Commercial Fleet Sales
North American Fleet, Lease & Remarketing Operations
16800 Executive Drive
Regent Court Bldg., 6N-1A
Dearborn, MI 48126

June 9, 2000

Dear Fleet Purchaser:

Subject: 2001 Model Ford Commercial Fleet Program

We are pleased to announce the 2001 Model Commercial Fleet program for eligible fleet accounts. This year we have included details on all the brands under the Ford Motor Company trustmark — Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo, Mazda and Jaguar -- and have accelerated our program announcement to help you make the most informed decisions regarding your fleet for the upcoming year. We believe this program reinforces Ford Motor Company's commitment to offer the best value in the industry.

2001 HIGHLIGHTS

Ford, Mercury and Lincoln Programs

National fleet incentives (detailed in Attachment I) have been increased on several vehicle lines for the 2001 MY, including Crown Victoria, Windstar, Grand Marquis, Villager, Expedition and Excursion. In addition, the following programs are available:

• Taurus Early Order Incentive = Taurus Value + Customer Loyalty

• Sable Early Order Incentive

• Explorer 4-door Early Order Incentive

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV's)

Jaguar Boardroom Program

Senior Executives and their spouses are eligible to purchase or lease a new Jaguar at a reduced cost through the Jaguar Boardroom Program. For the 2001 model year, a Premier Auto Group Boardroom Program (Jaguar, Volvo, Lincoln) is under development. Please contact your Ford National Account Manager for complete details.

Volvo and Mazda Fleet Incentive Programs

National fleet incentives are available on Volvo and Mazda products. See Attachment II for details.

Please review the attachments for complete program incentives

• Questions regarding these or any other fleet programs for Ford, Mercury and Lincoln can be directed to the Fleet Customer Information Center (FCIC) at 1-800-34-FLEET, or visit our Fleet Website at www.Fleet.Ford.com.
• Volvo fleet incentive questions can be directed to 1-201-767-4707. Mazda questions can be directed to 1-949-727-6431.

Sincerely,

Jerry M. Frick

Note: Please return to the main menu and click on "2001 Fleet Programs" for the complete list of Fleet Incentives from Ford and other manufacturers.

DETROIT–General Motors included the Chevrolet Triax concept vehicle in the family of advanced class vehicles. Triax is unique because the customer can select one of three propulsion options: all-wheel-drive electric, all-wheel-drive hybrid electric or two-wheel-drive internal combustion. "The beauty of the Chevrolet Triax is its flexibility," said John F. Smith Jr., GM chairman and chief executive officer. "It’s a clean-sheet design approach intended to meet the demands of customers while demonstrating GM’s resolve to remove the automobile from the environmental debate."

Triax is a showcase for GM’s leadership in developing strategic relationships and leveraging the expertise of global partners. GM teamed with Suzuki Motor Corporation, a recognized global leader in the design and manufacture of efficient small cars and motorcycles. The hybrid-electric and gasoline-engine versions of Triax feature the latest in small engine and transmission technology from Suzuki. GM and Suzuki have a relationship dating back to 1981.

GM engineers developed this new vehicle platform utilizing a common lightweight body-on-frame concept with a modular chassis design that accommodates the three propulsion units. The front third of the vehicle holds the electric motor in the electric and hybrid-electric versions. The rear third of the vehicle holds the internal combustion engine in the engine-only and hybrid-electric versions, and the electric motor in the electric and hybrid-electric versions. The middle third houses the vehicle’s energy storage, gasoline for the engine and batteries for the electric motors.

"With the launch this summer of the Ford Escape, a compact sport-utility that’s nearly the same size as the current Explorer, the 2002 Explorer is expected to be repositioned a few notches upscale, with new features, a long list of standard equipment and a higher price."

CADILLAC’S CONCEPT VEHICLE IS NAMED "IMAJ"

DETROIT - Cadillac announced that their concept vehicle is called "Imaj." The name (pronounced "e-maazh", French pronunciation of "image") blends the luxury of traditional coachbuilders with 21st century technology. Under the hood of the Imaj, 425 horsepower are available on demand, courtesy of a supercharged Northstar V8. The car can switch from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive through a paddle shift. Aluminum space frame construction and aluminum suspension components help lighten the load and provide a safe, rigid chassis.

Imaj showcases some of GM’s finest communications and safety technology, with a state-of-the-art Delphi infotainment system that features LCD screens from IBM for all passengers, DVD, Bose audio, Internet access and GM’s OnStar system.

Rear view video cameras replace the mirrors, and Night Vision and radar parking obstacle alert systems provide added safety and security. Imaj also features active suspension with the next-generation StabiliTrak system, Goodyear EMT run-flat tires, Brembo brakes, and card key access.

FORD EXPANDS NATURAL GAS OFFERINGS WITH NEW E-450 CUTAWAY

DEARBORN, Mich., May 8, 2000 - Ford Motor Company announced that it is once again adding to its industry-leading alternative fuel vehicle line-up. For the 2001 model year, Ford will offer a dedicated natural gas version of the popular E-450 Cutaway Econoline van. Evolved from the "chop vans" of the 1960’s, the E-450 Cutaway is a conventional short-chassis-cab van produced without a back panel for custom commercial applications. Popular uses for E-450 Cutaways include airport shuttles and parcel delivery vehicles. The addition of the natural gas E-450 Cutaway gives customers a choice between natural gas, gasoline and diesel-powered versions of the vehicle.

"Natural gas is a great option for our customers because it is cleaner-burning and less expensive than either gasoline or diesel," said Dave Tarrant, Ford commercial truck and alternative fuel vehicle manager. "We’ve received a lot of requests from customers for a natural gas version of the E-450 Cutaway, and now we are answering those demands."

The dedicated natural gas E-450 Cutaway expands Ford’s existing dedicated natural gas vehicle lineup, which includes the Crown Victoria, F-Series pickup truck and Econoline Cargo Vans and Club Wagons. In addition, Ford offers a bi-fuel version of the F-Series pick-up truck that can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

Ford will begin taking orders for the E-450 Cutaway this summer. Production is scheduled to begin at the Lorain, Ohio assembly plant in December. Vehicle deliveries will begin in January. Ford expects to sell about 500 units in the first year of production.

Ann Arbor, MI — May 18, 2000 - For 18 years, Car and Driver has been selecting the 10Best vehicles sold in America. This year 63 nominees were selected from the nearly 300 vehicles offered on the market. They were gathered for an intensive week of objective and subjective testing after which 15 editors rated every vehicle. This year’s 10 winners are:

1. Audi A6 2.7T/A6 4.2
2. Audi TT
3. BMW 3-series
4. BMW 5-series
5. Chrysler 300M
6. Ford Focus
7. Honda Accord
8. Honda S2000
9. Porsche Boxster
10. Lexus GS300/GS400.

"The car industry is red hot and ultra-competitive. With this year’s outstanding crop of cars and trucks, our 10 Best selections were more challenging than ever," said Csaba Csere, (pronounced: Chubba Chedda), editor-in-chief of Car and Driver.

The 10 Best award is given only to those 10 models that best address the driving habits, lifestyles, and budgets of their intended buying audience while also meeting the discerning standards of Car and Driver’s enthusiastic readers.

Contenders must go on sale by the end of January 2000. Base price, including freight, dealer prep, luxury and gas-guzzling taxes, if they apply, must not exceed Car and Driver’s price cap of $61,000 for this year. The cap ensures that the list is not populated by vehicles that only Donald Trump can afford.

Members of the Car and Driver staff give vehicles making the final cut a week long test. They rate each vehicle on a scale of 0 to 100.

For updates, manufacturing reports and information regarding designer and engineering "chat room discussions" with some of this year’s 10Best winners, enthusiasts can visit: http://www.caranddriver.com .

Car Driver magazine, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., is the world’s largest circulation automotive magazine and the premier source of information for automobile enthusiasts. Content includes everything from new car previews, road tests and features to industry news and automotive humor.

2001 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SUV

The Toyota 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 lineup of SUVs. With Highlander and RAV4, Toyota will be the first automotive division to market two car-based SUVs.

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