2001 Model Year
Plant Start-Up Dates

Issue 017 – August 21, 2000

"The Ford Explorer redefined the sport utility segment and pioneered the way for the entire industry when it was introduced in 1990. For more than 10 years running, Explorer has been the best- selling SUV in the world. But we’re not resting our laurels. The all-new Explorer for the 2002 model year continues to innovate with technological improvements in safety, roominess, ride and comfort; all intended to lead the industry into the future." -Jim O’Connor, Ford Division President

Product Features

• All-new vehicle with improved package, ride, comfort, safety and design
• 2.5-inch wider stance and 2-inch longer wheelbase than prior model for improved appearance, handling and roominess but maintaining the same vehicle length and height
• 7-passenger seating capability with the addition of the optional third row seat
• Optional adjustable pedals, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and Reverse Sensing System offer better driver comfort and convenience
• Improved Control Trac™ four wheel drive system
• Better off-road capability with increased ground clearance and better approach and departure angles
• New all-aluminum 4.6L SOHC V-8 engine joins the improved 4.0L SOHC V-6
• New automatic and manual transmissions
• New side-impact curtain air bag system (available from launch), as well as rollover protection sensors (available later in 2001) and Ford Personal Safety system including driver and passenger dual-stage air bags and deployment characteristics (available later in 2001)
• New AdvanceTrac ™ interactive vehicle dynamics system combines the benefits of traction control and electronic stability control (available later in 2001)
• 15-percent reduction in annual operating costs and longer intervals between scheduled maintenance

The 2002 model Ford Explorer is the next generation of the best-selling SUV in the world. The new Explorer is redesigned from the ground up with major improvements in package, suspension, powertrains and safety.

With a new independent rear suspension, Explorer is designed to offer an improved ride and a more comfortable, user-friendly package. The Control Trac™ four wheel drive system provides exceptional performance on and off the pavement. New AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle dynamics combines sophisticated electronic braking and traction control with electronic stability control to help the driver maintain confidence and control in many driving situations.

The standard engine is an improved 4.0L SOHC V-6, which generates 210-hp and 250 ft-lbs. of peak torque. A more powerful 4.6L V-8, with all-aluminum construction and overhead-cam design is optional. The V-8 engine offers 240-hp and 280 ft-lbs. of torque. Both engines meet Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) standards. Fuel economy has been held constant — even with a larger vehicle and one that can seat two more passengers than the prior model.

Later in 2001, Explorer will offer flexible fuel capability with the standard 4.0L V-6 engine and automatic transmission. The Explorer flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) can operate on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol. The use of E85 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20 percent compared with gasoline.

Towing capability comes built-in. The standard receiver hitch, which is part of the rear frame, offers Class II towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs., depending on engine and drivetrain. An upgraded towing package, which includes a limited slip rear differential, provides Class III/IV towing capability of up to 7,300 lbs.

Inside, Explorer’s passengers have more room to spread out. The passenger compartment is two inches wider compared with the previous model and, for the first time, has an optional third row of seating — enough overall room to accommodate seven adults. Access to the new third row seat is made easier with one-handed controls that fold the second-row 40/20/40 split-bench seat completely out of the way for entering and exiting the third row.

Explorer offers one of the most comprehensive safety and security packages available. This includes Ford’s new industry-leading Safety Canopy, which includes side-curtain air bags and rollover protection. The new side-curtain air bags deploy from the headliner across approximately 75 percent of the side glass area to help protect first and second row occupants in the outboard seating positions during a side-impact collision. Electronic rollover sensors will be available later in 2001. They measure whether the vehicle is tilting, how fast the lean angle is changing and whether the combination means the vehicle might roll over. If a rollover situation is detected by the system, it deploys the side-curtain air bags to help prevent passengers from being ejected from the side of the vehicle.

Explorer is often considered the "pioneer" of the SUV market. While it was not the first SUV, it marked the transition of the utility vehicle from a specialized, functional truck to a comfortable, versatile activity vehicle.

The 2002 Explorer will be built at Ford Motor Company’s Louisville, KY and St. Louis, MO assembly plants. The order banks will be open on August 4, 2000. Production begins in late 2000.

UPDATE — In the previous issue of the Purchasing News (016), we announced that the final order due date for the 2001 Ford Explorer 4-Door was October 13, 2000. The revised final order due date is September 30, 2000.

Torrance CA — July 28, 2000

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for its 2001 model year Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sienna minivan.

The Toyota Sienna receives numerous upgrades for 2001 including variable-valve induction technology for its 3.0-liter V6 engine, which provides increased horsepower, low emission vehicle (LEV) certification and improved fuel economy. All Sienna models (CE, LE, XLE) will feature updated exterior and interior styling and will offer new options including vehicle skid control, a video entertainment system, and front-seat side airbags.

The MSRP for the 2001 Sienna ranges from $23,905 for the CE standard grade, to $28,436 for the XLE model. Compared to the 2000 model year, Sienna MSRP will increase by 2.7 percent, or $703, and by only 0.4 percent, or $102, on a comparably equipped basis.

For the '01 model year, the Toyota Tundra, Motor Trend's "Truck of the Year", receives minor changes. The MSRP for the Tundra will range from $16,445 for the 2WD V6 Regular Cab model, to $29,065 for the top-of-the-line 4WD V8 Access Cab Limited grade. The overall price increase for Tundra will be 1.7 percent, or $422, and 1.5 percent, or $371, on a comparably equipped basis.

DaimlerChrysler has increased the 2001 Fleet Purchase Allowance for the Dodge Ram Van and Ram Wagon. The previously released 2001 Fleet Purchase Allowance of $1,000 has doubled to $2,000. This increase is effective August 8, 2000 with Job #1 production.

For an updated list of all 2001 DaimlerChrysler Fleet Purchase Allowances and Fleet Purchase Incentives, please return to the main menu and click "2001 Model Year Fleet Programs".

In a message dated July 27, 2000, DaimlerChrysler announced several model line-up changes to the 2001 Jeep Cherokee.

The initial-release 2001 Jeep model line-up included the Cherokee SE, Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Classic and Cherokee Limited.

The revised line-up will now include the Cherokee Sport and Cherokee Limited only. The SE model has been dropped and is no longer available as of July 27, 2000. The Classic and all of its features will now carry the Limited badging. The new Limited (with the Classic body exterior) will include upgraded sparkle wheels. A leather package (AWC) will be added as an option and will include heated power leather-trimmed seats, upgraded door trim panels and woodgrain I/P accents. The new Limited is available for ordering beginning July 28, 2000 using the old Classic model code (XJTP74).

The 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee model line-up remains the same and includes the Laredo and Limited models.

Below is a list of the 2001 Cherokee and Grand Cherokee MSRP base prices and destination charges.

Dodge and Chrysler will hold the line on pricing for its all-new 2001 minivans. Adjusted for additional content, pricing remains relatively the same as the 2000 models they replace. All-new 2001 Dodge and Chrysler minivans are available in numerous models and offer an extensive list of unique features and minivan firsts including: an industry first power liftgate; removable, powered center console; pop-up rear cargo organizer; split 50/50 Easy Out Roller Seats®; three-zone automatic temperature control system; adjustable pedals; power sliding doors allowing for manual override and obstacle detection system for opening and closing; entertainment systems with wireless headphones and the segment's most powerful engines, the 3.8-liter (215-hp) and 3.5-liter (230-hp).

2001 Dodge and Chrysler Minivans Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices

VOLVO S60 UNVEILED

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 — Volvo unveiled its new mid-sized sedan simultaneously in Stockholm Swedan and NYC marking the completion of a design, image and language transformation that started 36 months ago. The new Volvo S60 is a highly dynamic sedan, offering power and comfort in an elegant and distinctive package.

The entry level S60 features a 2.4 liter, naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam, 20-valve engine with 168 horsepower coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine is classified as ULEV and has an EPA rating of 21 city, 28 highway. Optional transmission is a 5-speed automatic and features a "Winter" mode for low-speed start up traction assistance under slippery road conditions.

The volume leader S60 2.4T has a 2.4 liter, light-pressure turbo charged, dual overhead cam engine with 197 horsepower. This engine is classified as LEV and has an EPA rating of 21 city, 28 highway. The standard transmission is the same 5-speed automatic available for the entry level S60.

The S60 T5 carries forth Volvo's sport tradition with handling and performance unlike any preceding Volvo sedan. Powered by a LEV rated 2.3 liter, high-pressure turbo charged engine with dual overhead cam, the 2.3 liter pumps out 247 horsepower and 243 pounds/foot torque. Catering to a more performance-oriented customer, a 5-speed manual gearbox is standard. Two options can further enhance the T5's sporty nature: An automatic transmission with Geartronic manual gear selection system and Sport Suspension.

Built on the same platform as the S80 and the new V70 series, the S60 chassis design goal was focused on performance plus safety.

Available traction control systems include: Stability and Traction Control System and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control System. Stability and Traction Control, standard on the T5, monitors drive wheel spin and reduces the risk of losing traction. It is optional on the 2.4 and 2.4T. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control monitors traction of all four wheels and improves cornering stability when driving actively. This is available for 2.4T and T5 models.

Unlike many sporty sedans, where passenger comforts are secondary, the S60 mandate was to create an equally satisfying environment for all passengers. Features such as dual climate controls, an optional Air Quality Sensing system, plus exceptional ride comfort combine to treat all occupants equally. The 2.4T and T5 are fitted with Volvo's Electronic Climate Control system.

WHIPS front seats help to reduce injuries during rear impact accidents. The seat backrest is designed to move back and slightly down to absorb impact forces.

Volvo's Inflatable Curtain helps reduce injuries to front and rear seat occupants during a side impact collision. Deploying from the headliner and covering across front and rear side windows, plus staying inflated for about 3 seconds, helps to cushion the occupants head by absorbing side impacting forces.

Additional passive safety features include: Padded head restraints in all five seating positions, dual-threshold driver and passenger airbags, top tether child seat anchorages (3) and ISO-FIX child/baby seat fixation system.

Rockleigh, NJ, August 11, 2000 — The 2001 Volvo S80 luxury sedan has been awarded the highest rating for crashworthiness by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and named a ‘Best Pick’ among mid-size luxury cars, the Institute announced this week.

The Institute’s evaluation is based on actual performance in their frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This week’s announcement put the 2001 S80 at the top of the Institute’s list of current mid-size luxury models tested, and one of only two awarded ‘Good — Best Pick’ status.

"The elevation of the 2001 S80 to the ‘Best Pick’ status reaffirms what we know about S80 from real-world experiences, " said Mark LaNeve, president of Volvo Cars of North America. "With more than 60,000 S80’s on the road in the United States and continuous development of safety technology by Volvo Car Corporation, we are confident S80 will continue to meet the expectations of our customers."

Since its introduction in 1998, the Volvo S80 has offered the most comprehensive occupant safety regime of any car in the company’s history, and was the first car to be awarded the 5-star/5-star rating in the US government’s side-impact (SINCAP) crash testing.

Vortec Inline 6-Cylinder Provides Power of A V8, Comfort And Efficiency Of A 6-Cylinder

PONTIAC, Mich. — August 9, 2000 - General Motors announced the final horsepower and torque ratings for its all-new Vortex 4200 Inline six-cylinder engine today. The high-tech I6 delivers 270 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, making it best-in-class in power

and efficiency. It will power the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, GMC Envoy and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

The all-aluminum 4.2-liter engine features dual overhead camshafts and four-valves-per-cylinder technology. The Vortec 4200 will be mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission.

"The inherent balance that comes from the Vortec 4200's design allows for a powerful yet refined, smooth and quiet driving experience," said Ron Kociba, GM Powertrain chief engineer for the Vortec 4200 I6 engine. "We have not compromised on this engine. Not only is it the quietest and most powerful engine in its segment, but it also provides V8-benchmarked acceleration and towing capacity."

The Vortec 4200 includes a host of innovations and technologies that help deliver high performance, fuel economy and reduced emissions. These include:

"The beauty of the Vortec 4200 is that it was designed specifically for this new class of SUVs, so all of the requirements were incorporated right into the design criteria," said Kociba. "Our charge was to provide best-in-class power, and I am delighted that we have done that and a whole lot more. This engine is the most comprehensively developed, tested and evaluated in GM's history."

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