October 26, 2000 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for its all-new 2001 model year Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).

With seating for eight, Sequoia is Toyota's first mainstream, full-size SUV. It was developed to fill a key product-and-price position between the mid-size 4Runner and full-size Land Cruiser. Sequoia complements Toyota's SUV lineup with the size, features, performance and pricing that are currently in such high demand with recreationally active American families. When it goes on sale on Nov. 1, the MSRP for the 2001 Sequoia will range from $30,815 for the 4x2 SR5 grade to $42,275 for the top-of-the-line 4x4 Limited.

Sequoia is built alongside the award-winning Tundra pickup at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana. It is powered by a modified version of Tundra's 4.7-liter, i-Force V8 engine. The 240-horsepower engine is the first Toyota SUV engine to be EPA-certified as an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV). It delivers EPA estimated city/highway mileage of 14/18 mpg for two-wheel drive models and 14/17 mpg for four-wheel drive models.

Sequoia is available in either two- or four-wheel drive systems. Standard on all Sequoia models is a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. For improved handling and performance on almost any road surface, all Sequoias will be equipped with vehicle skid control (VSC). All 4x2 models will also feature traction control (TRAC), while all 4x4 Sequoias equipped with a multi-mode four-wheel-drive system will have traction control (Active-TRAC).

Sequoia features a long list of standard equipment including power windows, door locks and mirrors, front automatic climate control, AM/FM cassette/CD with six speakers, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, anti-theft system and immobilizer, door and quarter panel storage pockets, 10 cupholders and front variable intermittent and rear intermittent wipers. For convenience, the 60/40 split second row bench seat with center armrest folds, tumbles and reclines. The standard 50/50 split third row folds, tumbles, reclines, slides and also is removable for extra cargo space. Safety features include standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes, dual front SRS airbags and available curtain-shield side and side SRS airbags.

Additional standard equipment on the Limited grade includes leather-trimmed interior, premium JBL stereo system with 10 speakers, 150-pound capacity adjustable roof rack, towing package, alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, color-keyed over-fenders, bumpers, side molding and running boards, power retractable side mirrors, heated front seats, fog lamps, auto on/off headlamps, and an overhead accessory meter cluster which includes a HomeLink®, wireless-remote/multiple-door opener, compass, fuel consumption average and range, external temperature and English/Metric conversion.

Saab Cars USA Inc. is pleased to announce the Saab Fleet Conquest 2000 program.

This program is available from Nov 1, 2000 through Dec. 31, 2000 for all Saab Fleet vehicles delivered during the program period. Vehicles can be sourced through dealer or port stocks and will be available on a first come first served basis.

Here’s how the program works.

Saab is offering an additional $3,500 over and above the current program (VX5 $2,000 & Early Delivery $1,000). This now means that a total of $6,500 is available on all Saab models. This total includes any GM CAP dollar commitments currently in place for the 2001 Model year. The folowing is a recap comparing the current standard Fleet program to the November 1 through December 31, 2000 Saab Fleet Conquest 2000 Program.

NEW PROGRAM

Chevrolet Motor Division and Pontiac-GMC Motor Division have announced revised 2001 model year MSRP prices on select models & options with vehicles produced on or after November 3, 2000. The revised pricing will affect the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban models as well as GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali. Dealer invoice amounts will increase accordingly.

Please refer to the PriceNet system for current option prices for the above referenced vehicles. MSRP prices have increased on select models as outlined below:

Description

Description

Production of the 2001 Taurus/Sable wagon was halted on September 1, 2000 due to a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 135) that went into affect on that date.

The production timing was announced in a previous issue of the Purchasing News, dated September 18, 2000 (#018). Production timing has since been revised and is as follows:

Taurus/Sable Wagons equipped w/

Auburn Hills, MI - DaimlerChrysler Corp. will voluntarily recall 1.4 million minivans because of a long-term durability issue involving a fuel rail seal.

This preventive measure affects 1996-99 and some 2000 model year Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country minivans with 3.3- and 3.8-liter V-6 engines. It does not affect "flexible-fuel" vehicles and 2000 model year minivans built after September 1999.

The new, redesigned 2001 model year Chrysler and Dodge minivans are also not affected.

DaimlerChrysler Corp. has received reports of 43 leaking fuel rail seals among these 1.4 million minivans -- about 3 per 100,000 vehicles. The problem is likely to occur only in vehicles repeatedly operated at elevated temperatures over many years -- as a result of extensive stop-and-go driving, for example. Such driving conditions generate underhood heat at near-maximum levels for prolonged periods, and increase the stress on the seals.

The small number of confirmed leaks is not enough to establish a pattern, but DaimlerChrysler Corp. is voluntarily conducting a recall to give customers the added assurance that future problems will be prevented.

The repair requires installation of an overlay device that encases and reinforces the seal. Customers will be notified when these parts become available in March — after they are tested and an adequate number are produced.

As always, DaimlerChrysler Corporation warns customers that any smell of gasoline in their vehicle should prompt them to immediately visit their nearest dealer for an inspection.

The recall affects 1.16 million vehicles in the United States, 182,000 in Canada, 2,000 in Mexico, and 78,000 in export markets.

Owners of these vehicles may call 1-800-853-1403 for more information. International customers may call 248-512-7730.

Detroit, November 3, 2000 - The all-new 2002 Cadillac Escalade announces it will be priced at $49,990 MSRP at introduction.

"We feel this is a very competitive MSRP for the luxury SUV market. With its 345 horsepower engine, StabiliTrak, new standard third-row seating and all-wheel-drive, the 2002 Escalade is an extraordinary vehicle for the price," said Escalade Brand Manager Susan Docherty.

The '02 Escalade is also available with a two-wheel-drive package, which includes a 285 horsepower engine (replacing AWD and the 345 horsepower engine) and does not include StabiliTrak. With a 2WD package credit, the Escalade with 2WD package is $47,990 MSRP.

The 2002 Escalade will be in dealer showrooms the first quarter of 2001. Job #1 production is tentatively scheduled for January 2, 2001.

For an overview of the new 2002 Cadillac Escalade features and highlights, refer to Purchasing News #018 dated September 5, 2000. Or, click "Fleet Library" and then click "Purchasing News" for a list of previous issues.

Cherry Hill, NJ, Nov. 6, 2000 -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA), a pioneer of crossover all-wheel drive vehicles designed for the active lifestyle driver, announced that the Subaru Forester has been distinguished as "A Consumers Digest Best Buy," Compact/Midsize Sport-Utility Vehicles class, in the 2001 Annual Buying Guide issue. This marks the fifth consecutive Best Buy award for Forester.

Consumers Digest defines a "Best Buy" as a product that offers outstanding value for its price. A "Best Buy" is a nationally available product identified by Consumers Digest representing the best values in its respective class. "Best Buy" recommendations are based on criteria derived from at least three of the following: (1) independent testing and research studies, (2) Consumers Digest reader and other surveys, (3) previously published evaluations in books, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, etc., (4) retail dealers, including service departments, (5) other independent sources, and (6) personal (hands-on) evaluation by the authors.

"Forester is a world-class SUV that successfully bridges the gap between traditional, truck-based SUVs and passenger cars. It's why we say Forester is sport-utility tough. Car easy," says Subaru Executive Vice President, Fred Adcock. "Consumers recognize Forester for delivering outstanding levels of performance, safety and value, and we are honored to accept this award."

The 2001MY Subaru Forester is a "best of both worlds" sport-utility vehicle, combining the rugged versatility of an SUV with the handling, ride comfort, safety and fuel efficiency of a passenger car. As with all Subaru vehicles sold in the United States, Forester is equipped with full-time all-wheel drive. For 2001, Forester is available in the following trim levels: L, S and a new S Model with the Premium Package offering a high level of luxury and utility.

LAS VEGAS, October 30, 2000 - Ford Motor Company debuted the world's first production-prototype, direct-hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle at the 2000 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Based on Ford's popular Focus platform, the Focus FCV, powered by TH!NK, brings high-tech and high-volume together for the first time by combining the world's most advanced powertrain with the world's best selling passenger car.

The Ford Focus FCV showcases the company's continuing effort toward production of full performance fuel cell vehicles. Ford is committed to offering fuel cell vehicles to customers by 2004.

"Although we're working very hard to demonstrate the technical capability of fuel cells, we're still a long way from having fuel cells that will compete with internal combustions vehicles," said John Wallace, executive director of Ford's TH!NK Group. "Ford plans to lead in the development of fuel cells, but there are still enormous hurdles that must be overcome in reducing cost, improving reliability and fuel availability."

The Ford Focus FCV combines environmentally friendly, fuel cell technology with customer appeal. It features high-fuel economy, zero emissions and the smooth, seamless ride characteristic of electric vehicles without the limitations inherent in electric vehicle batteries.

The Focus FCV was developed by TH!NK Technologies and will be co-branded with the "Powered by TH!NK" logo.

TH!NK Technologies is the research and development arm of TH!NK Group, an enterprise of Ford Motor Company. TH!NK Technologies concentrates on fuel cell and other advanced electric power sources for all of the brands under the Ford Motor Company trustmark.

Ford plans to deliver several additional fuel cell vehicles to the project over the next three years. The partnership, which started in April 1999, includes auto manufacturers, energy providers, fuel cell companies, and California state agencies. It plans to put up to 50 fuel cell vehicles on the road between 2000 and 2003. In addition to testing the fuel cell vehicles, the partnership will also identify fuel infrastructure issues and prepare the California market for this new technology.

LAS VEGAS - General Motors Corp. will introduce seven innovative, all-new vehicles through 2004 as part of an aggressive product offensive in the important entry-level market in North America, Ronald L. Zarrella, president of GM North America, told an industry gathering.

Zarrella outlined GM's entry-level vehicle leadership strategy during a speech to the J.D. Power International Round Table, held in conjunction with the SEMA conference in Las Vegas.

"It's a tough environment, but over the next four years we will attack this segment with the same discipline and dedication we applied to the truck market," Zarrella said.

Zarrella noted the success GM has achieved in its product offensive in the booming light truck market with such segment-leading vehicles as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups, the new line of heavy-duty pickups just launched, the all-new Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Yukon XL large SUVs, and the soon-to-be-launched line of midsize SUVs: the '02 Olds Bravada, Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.

Zarrella said GM made the deliberate decision to focus its resources first on trucks and crossovers. "In fact, between 1999 and 2002, GM will have introduced 20 all-new or redesigned truck models."

The entry-level market has changed and requires a new approach for those customers, who want to choose from more than just a small car.

To that end, Zarrella revealed plans for several new models:

• An all-new midsize Chevy pickup, co-developed with alliance partner Isuzu Motors Ltd., that will set new standards for space, value and versatility. It will be available in a variety of cab and bed configurations, including a youth-oriented package that includes larger wheels, flared fenders and an "open-air" roof.

• Saturn will unveil an all-new S-series line of sedans and coupes. Saturn also recently announced plans for a new car-based SUV priced under $20,000 and offering such innovations as head-curtain airbags and a continuously variable transmission that improves fuel economy by up to 10 percent.

• Chevy will offer a more refined, driver-oriented Cavalier with improved performance and ergonomics. The new Cavalier is being developed alongside the next Opel Astra and will feature a sporty, fun-to-drive character.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2000 - The Ford Urban Explorer concept is designed for customers who want an expressive sport utility vehicle (SUV) with style and practicality for everyday city driving, but also want the capability to get to where they're going when the weather or the terrain gets rough.

The Urban Explorer concept takes the Ford Outfitter flagship in a new direction - on the beaten-path — where many Explorer customers spend most of their time. While many SUV customers buy their vehicles largely for off-road capability, most are seeking a multi-functional mode of transportation that meets their passenger, cargo and load-carrying capability along with the assurance four-wheel-drive offers in adverse conditions. The Urban Explorer concept recognizes that those needs don't always mean that the vehicle has to look like a rugged, mud-eating off-roader.

This four-door concept features lowered suspension and all-new low emphasis side cladding, which serves mainly as a great appearance enhancer, but gives the functional benefit of providing protection against stone chips. The deep dish, five-spoke, 20-inch wheels are housed within wide wheel flares, creating an athletic stance.

The Urban Explorer features a new low-profile front fascia with integrated, uniquely styled driving lamps and functional brake cooling ducts. The low-profile rear fascia features center-exiting dual exhausts with bright-polished tail-pipe tips. A roof-spoiler on the trailing edge of the lift-gate replaces the standard SUV roof-rack and adds to the sporty appearance.

Performance enhancements include cowl induction for improved airflow and vented brake rotors for improved heat dissipation.

Quad-sport bucket seats and a thick-rim sport steering wheel are among the ergonomic enhancements featured in the Urban Explorer. The interior design includes a full front-to-rear center console, a unique sport gauge cluster and new molded interior badging. The high contrast interior color theme is black and lime green with iridescent piping.

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!