2001 Model Year
Plant Start-Up Dates

Issue 015 – July 24, 2000

CHRYSLER 300 HEMI® C

DaimlerChrysler unveiled the Chrysler 300 Hemi® C, a four-passenger V-8 rear-wheel drive convertible, at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January. "This concept car explores a direction we might take if we were to return to an all-American V-8, rear-wheel drive luxury performance car such as the famed '57 Chrysler 300 C convertible," said Tom Gale, Executive Vice President - Product Development and Design. The prototype all-aluminum 353 cubic inch (5.7-liter) pushrod V-8 engine features hemispherical combustion chambers and two spark plugs per cylinder. Its estimated power of 353 horsepower and 353 lb.-ft. of torque is delivered to the rear wheels via a robust four-speed automatic transmission.

The powerful V-8 Hemi engine has improved fuel efficiency and emissions through seamless automatic deactivation of four of the eight cylinders during highway driving and deceleration.

A hydraulically shifted lost-motion feature deactivates the valves while the motor management system interrupts ignition and fuel supply to those cylinders. The system maintains full engine performance for acceleration and overtaking.

The concept comes equipped with a driver "Infotronic" system. This unique feature includes a global positioning system, a trunk-mounted "plug-and-play" laptop computer, Internet access for real-time weather and traffic information and e-mail.

A fingerprint scanner hooked up to a tiny camera provides added security, important in any vehicle and especially in a soft top convertible. The vehicle will not function if the driver's fingerprint and picture don't match the system's information.

The Infotronic system is directed by voice commands or through its liquid crystal display in the instrument panel. Voice commands also control the vehicle's audio, climate control, diagnostics, phone and security systems and the driver's home security system.

---

2001 CORVETTE PRICED FOR MAXIMUM VALUE

New Performance-Oriented Z06 Begins at $47,500

DETROIT - July 1, 2000 - The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of Chevrolet's 2001 model year Corvettes will start at $40,475 (including $645.00 destination charge) for the Coupe, $47,000 for the Convertible and $47,500 for the all-new Z06 hardtop model when they begin arriving in dealer showrooms later this month.

"The Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for 47 years," said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet general manager. "For 2001, the Corvette lineup delivers more performance, improved agility and added refinement. When you add it all up, it's the most comprehensive price-value relationship in the High Sport segment. And the introduction of the new Z06 offers Corvette buyers the ultimate driving experience."

Continually evolving and improving over time, the standard 5.7-liter LS1 V8 of the Coupe and Convertible provide five more horsepower and increased torque for '01 while also delivering higher fuel economy ratings for most models. Performance enthusiasts opting for the Z06 - based on the former Hardtop model - will have 385 horsepower available to them from its new 5.7-liter LS6 V8.

"The Coupe and Convertible will continue to account for the bulk of Corvette sales," noted Jim Campbell, Corvette brand manager. "Our new Z06, however, will have great appeal for the extreme performance enthusiast. It's simply the quickest, best handling production Corvette ever."

Nearly 1.2-million Corvettes have been sold since the marque was introduced in 1953. Throughout its existence it has remained true to its sporty two-seater heritage. "Inclusion of a more sophisticated Active Handling system as a standard feature along with improved comfort and convenience provide additional luster to an already respected product line," noted Campbell.

Corvette's value story for 2001 includes a host of standard features that are either unavailable or extra-cost options on many of its competitors. They include Second-Generation Active Handling stability control system; traction control system; Bose speaker and amplifier system; daytime running lamps and retractable headlamps. Among the available Corvette features not offered on most competitive makes in its class are magnesium wheels; one-piece translucent removable roof panel and head-up instrumentation display.

Corvettes are built exclusively at GM's Bowling Green, Kentucky, manufacturing facility. Located directly across from the plant is the National Corvette Museum, a non-profit foundation created by Corvette customers and enthusiasts to preserve the past, present and future heritage of "America's Performance Icon."

---

AMERICA'S BEST

AutoWeek's "America's Best" Reader Poll Names Dodge Viper, Chrysler 300M and Chrysler PT Cruiser Among "Best and Brightest" for 2000 Three of Top 10 From DaimlerChrysler Corporation Auburn Hills, Mich. July 6, 2000 - AutoWeek magazine's 11th annual reader survey of American car and truck trends is out, and the results are great for DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

Leading the list from the Chrysler Group stable as a perennial favorite in AutoWeek's "America's Best" readers' poll is the Chrysler 300M performance sedan, along with the visceral Dodge Viper–America's ultimate sports car–which has made the list every year since entering production in 1992.

"AutoWeek readers are very much the most passionate readers out there, and when they speak it says volumes for the value of these cars," said AutoWeek Editor Dutch Mandel in commenting on this year's poll, published in the auto enthusiast magazine's July 3 issue. "We consider this survey to be the ultimate focus group–readers who are car-passionate to the core."

The survey, sent to about 3,100 readers, also voted the recently introduced Chrysler PT Cruiser as one of "America's Best." The PT Cruiser went on sale earlier this year after receiving rave reviews by the automotive press around the world.

"We knew the PT Cruiser would be on this year's list from the get-go, and our readers did not disappoint us," said Mandel, adding that the PT Cruiser is a "cultural phenomenon" that could rise up in the charts in the magazine's future surveys. The Chrysler 300M made AutoWeek's "America's Best" poll for the second year running, with readers dubbing it as "America's sports sedan." Mandel noted that the 300M has been a favorite of the editors and readers alike ever since its introduction for 1999.

Also making the list every year since its introduction was the Dodge Viper, America's most potent sports car.

"Having the Viper a permanent part of this list proves once again that AutoWeek readers' passions firmly lie with sheer horsepower and torque," said Mandel. Now in its 42nd year, AutoWeek magazine, published by Crain Communications Inc., is America's largest weekly auto enthusiast magazine, with more than 340,000 readers.

---

2001 Taurus FFV On Hold

The Job #1 production of the 2001 Flex Fuel Vehicle has been rescheduled for November 6, 2000. With the exception of government fleet orders, all scheduled 2001 Taurus orders with the engine order code 992 (2V 3.0L Flex Fuel Vehicle) will be automatically changed to 99U (2V 3.0L gasoline engine). All unscheduled and new orders placed with the 992 (FFV) engine code will be put on material hold. Availability of the FFV engine is not expected until late 4th quarter.

---

GMC NAMES NEW SUV ENVOY

PALO ALTO, CA — June 30, 2000 - General Motors' GMC Division announced today its all-new midsize utility for the 2002 model year will be named the Envoy. The division also said it plans to discontinue the use of the name Jimmy after the 2001 model year.

The announcement was made at opening activities of the GMC Envoy Open, the 3rd and final leg of the USA Track & Field 2000 Golden Spike Tour. GMC Envoy is the exclusive automotive sponsor of USA Track & Field and the title sponsor of two elite track & field events. The Envoy is part of the new family of GM midsize sport utility vehicles totally redesigned for 2002.

"There's a fresh new approach to every element of this vehicle - from its distinct design to its powerful new engine; from its unexpected comfort and ride quality to the level of amenities," said Tony DiSalle, Envoy brand manager. "We felt it also deserved a fresh name that better encompasses the total essence of the vehicle to further distinguish it in the marketplace."

Debuting in the spring of 2001, the all-new GMC Envoy is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, and offers increased cargo capacity and towing ability. Envoy features distinctive interior and exterior design elements that are unique from the other GM offerings. It'll be powered by a state-of-the-art inline six cylinder engine that provides more horsepower than the V6 it replaces while being quieter and smoother. The 2002 Envoy will also offer a full complement of comfort and convenience features making it one of the most luxurious and accommodating SUVs in its class.

Manufacturing Flexibility Expected To Save DaimlerChrysler Corporation More Than $3 Billion In Product Launches Through 2004

"Rolling launch" of new minivan at Windsor Assembly Plant will decrease downtime by 80 percent and significantly reduce product loss, estimated at $500 million in savings. Sterling Heights Assembly Plant launches new sedan and adds new convertible with no volume loss, and without having to build a new production line thanks to synergies with Germany, estimated at $100 million in savings. Virtual manufacturing helps improve quality, speed and cost throughout the supply chain.

Auburn Hills, Mich., June 8, 2000 - DaimlerChrysler Corporation's ability to increase the flexibility of its manufacturing facilities will enable the company to minimize production losses and reduce downtime through "rolling launches." It is estimated that the value of avoiding this potential loss of downtime and production will favorably impact the company by more than $3 billion through the 2004 product launches. In a rolling launch, pre-production vehicles are built, tested and launched on the same assembly line where current vehicles are manufactured, steadily ramping up so that down-time and volume loss are minimized during the new product changeover.

Typically a manufacturer "loses" several weeks of production because it has to stop production to install new tooling and equipment, and begin slowly ramping up production to test its equipment and processes.

"By applying flexible systems and concepts to upcoming launches, we estimate over $3 billion of improvement over the next four years," said Gary Henson, DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President — Manufacturing. "Because of the increasing flexibility of our facilities, we're able to build pre-production vehicles in the plants, on our assembly lines much earlier. The benefits are tremendous: Flexibility enables us to produce a higher quality product, much sooner, for lower cost, less downtime and with minimal production loss. This represents huge productivity and efficiency improvements."

Not only does a more flexible facility allow a manufacturer to improve its launches, it also enables the company to adjust production volumes of different products in order to react quickly to customer demand.

---

FREIGHTLINER TO BUILD AND DISTRIBUTE SPRINTER VAN

Product extends Freightliner reach into Class 2 and 3, light commercial segment PORTLAND/STUTTGART. - .June 21, 2000 - Freightliner, the leading heavy-truck manufacturer in North America, is expanding its product line into the light commercial segment with the addition of the Sprinter van. The Sprinter, currently sold by DaimlerChrysler in Europe and South America, will be built and distributed under the Freightliner name in the United States and Canada beginning the second quarter of 2001.

The Sprinter is a Class 2 and 3 van designed for a wide range of applications such as parcel and general delivery, passenger transport and shuttle, and a variety of service applications — from utility to light construction.

"We are making preparations to add the Sprinter to Freightliner's extensive line of commercial vehicle products," Freightliner President Jim Hebe said. "With the addition of the Sprinter, Freightliner becomes North America's only full-line commercial vehicle supplier."

"We expect the Sprinter to be the true enabler of e-commerce," Hebe added. "Due to new distribution logistics driven by e-commerce, we expect the Class 2 and 3 van market to grow tremendously as goods ordered over the internet are delivered directly to homes. As Freightliner always has, we are anticipating the needs of our customers by providing innovative product solutions."

The Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 and in less than five years has become the market leader in Western Europe's van segment. In 1999, the Mercedes Sprinter held more than 21 percent of the European market share.

According to Dr. Rolf Bartke, head of DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz Vans business unit, "The Sprinter will enable us to enter a completely new market segment in the U.S. and Canada. We are pleased to have Freightliner as a partner to help us make the Sprinter a success in North America as well."

Freightliner recently announced an $11.4 million, 58,000-square-foot expansion at its plant in Gaffney, S.C., for Sprinter assembly. The addition will be complete by the first quarter of 2001, with assembly start up following shortly after completion. "We expect to add more than 100 employees at our Gaffney manufacturing site for Sprinter assembly," Hebe said.

The Freightliner Sprinter will expand the Gaffney plant's product offering for the package delivery market and other light commercial applications. The plant currently builds diesel chassis for the delivery walk-in van, motorhome, school bus and shuttle bus markets. The Freightliner Sprinter will be officially introduced to the U.S. and Canadian markets later this year, with Mexico to follow.

"The Sprinter is a unique product concept that will establish a new benchmark for the light commercial van market in the NAFTA region," Hebe explained. "The Sprinter features excellent visibility for operating in busy urban and suburban environments. It is also easy to maneuver with a turning radius that is unmatched in the market."

Freightliner LLC, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is the leading heavy truck manufacturer in North America. Freightliner LLC produces and markets Class 3-8 trucks under the Freightliner, Sterling Truck Corporation , American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplates and is a DaimlerChrysler company, the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer.

---

TRUCKS
YEAR	MAKE	CYL	MODEL	LOCATION	INVOICE	REF #
00	Chevy	6	Blazer 4-Dr 4X4	Springfield, MO	$27,117	179463
00	Chevy	6	Blazer 4-Dr 4x4	Superior, WI	$25,264	170041
00	Chevy	6	Astro RWDPassenger Van	W. Haverstraw, NY	$20,355	35015
00	Chevy	8	3500 Crew Cab Dooley 4x2 P/U	Fort Worth, TX	$23,527	multiple
00	Chevy	6	Silverado 1500 Reg Cab P/U	Grand Prairie, TX	$14,353	multiple
00	Dodge	8	RAM 3500 4x4 Quad Cab	Steamboat Springs, CO	$25,406	32735
01	Dodge	8	3500 Chassis Cab Diesel	Inver Heights, MN	$22,339	68455
00	Dodge	6	Caravan SE FWD	Oklahoma City, OK	$21,213	601177
00	Dodge	8	Durango 4X4	McKees Rocks, PA	$30,407	34969
00	Ford	6	F150 4X2 P/U	Rincon, GA	$14,574	81077
00	Ford	8	F150 4X4 P/U	Gilbert, WV	$21,883	00140
00	Ford	6	Explorer XLS 4 Dr 4X2	West Palm Beach, FL	$21,983	78049A
00	Ford	8	F350 Chassis Cab 4X2	Orlando, FL	$21,147	00946S
00	Ford	8	F350 Chassis Cab 4X2	Attleboro, MA	$21,147	00945S
00	Ford	6	E350 SD Commercial Cutaway	Moreno Valley, CA	$19,716	multiple
00	Ford	6	E350 SD Commercial Cutaway	Goshen, IN	$19,716	200034
00	GMC	6	Safari RWD Passenger Van	Lexington, NC	$22,308	20064
00	Jeep	6	Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4	Montgomery, AL	$26,132	00954
00	Jeep	6	Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4	Richmond, VA	$26,330	20011
When a "stock purchase" is desired, you may consider using a vehicle from the ARI "pool" to save money and time. Call your ARI representative for details!

 

Download Pool Vehicles Word Document