Feature and Future Vehicles

The North American International Auto Show, one of the most prestigious exhibitions of new cars and trucks, is the only internationally sanctioned auto show in North America. Held at Cobo Center in Detriot, the 2001 NAIAS marks Detroit's 83^rd year to host the show.

Some of the featured vehicles, unveiled to the public for the first time, are slated for production as early as 2001 - others are destined to remain concepts. Overall, Detroit's NAIAS was an interesting and diverse spectacle of the latest that the auto world has to offer.

Unveiled at the Detroit North American International Auto Show on January 7, 2001, Liberty joins the Jeep lineup as the newest member of the brand. The all-new Liberty was created to expand the breadth of the Jeep lineup and broaden the brand's global appeal.

Building on themes illustrated by the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles, Liberty features short front and rear overhangs and a very upright profile to deliver efficient space utilization.

The 2002 Jeep Liberty was engineered with a wide array of new features that include:

The all-new Jeep Liberty is expected to be launched in the spring of 2001 and will be built at the new Toledo North Assembly Plant.

Ford has announced an enhancement to the Commercial Accounts Program for fleet customers. Fleet Econolines are now eligible for either the free Power Group (43P + 62P) or a 3-year/75,000 mile ESP PowertrainCare. The regular service plan is 3-year/36,000.

If the ESP PowertrainCare plan is desired in lieu of the Free Power Group, please specify this on your orders.

The ESP plan is compatible with the National Fleet Incentive, Fleet Marketing Credit and Fleet Special Adjustment credits.

The program gives "star" ratings for rollover resistance as part of the agency's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The highest rating is five stars; the lowest is one star. The ratings released are for model year 2001 vehicles.

"By providing consumers with information about the comparative rollover risk of various types of vehicles, they will be better able to choose a safe vehicle for themselves and their family," Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater said in announcing the initiative.

Method of Calculation

The Rollover Resistance Rating is an estimate of the risk of rolling over if a person has a single vehicle crash, usually when the vehicle runs off the road and is tripped by a curb, ditch or soft soil. It does not predict the likelihood of that crash. The Rollover Resistance Rating is based on "static stability factor," a measure of a vehicle's center of gravity and track width to determine how "top-heavy" the vehicle is. According to NHTSA, the more "top-heavy" the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over. This is determined by a mathematical calculation, not by recreating a rollover situation and physically crashing the vehicles.

NHTSA vs. Manufacturers

Manufacturers disagree with the "static stability factor" method of calculating a vehicle's rollover potential. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers believes that NHTSA's rating system is based on too simplistic a measure to help consumers differentiate rollover resistance among vehicles in the same class. In a statement released by the Alliance, members agree, "there are more than two dozen vehicle attributes that may affect a vehicles' resistance to rolling over. The governments' new rating system looks at only two of them, and ignores vehicle characteristics such as suspension systems, springs, electronic stability controls, and other design and technology features that are more relevant to whether a vehicle will be involved in a rollover".

The Alliance said that they share the agency's desire to inform consumers about rollovers, but believes that the current system will not help consumers buy safer vehicles. "NHTSA is simply measuring the center of gravity, height and track width of a stationary vehicle and using those measurements to estimate the vehicles' rollover resistance. It's a difficult thing to do and they've been pressured to come up with something." Which could mean that the results are potentially more misleading than helpful.

Consumer Groups Want Tougher Standards

Consumer groups also agreed that the NHTSA's rating system was incomplete, but they want the government to hold the auto industry to tougher standards.

"Is this the best way to measure rollover propensity? We don't think so," said Sally Greenburg, senior product safety counsel with Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine. "Does it provide some useful information to consumers? Yes it does."

Ratings Will Continue

The agency expects to issue rollover resistance ratings for more than 80 2001 Model Year vehicles by April of 2001. The first 43 models rated were selected based on their popularity and availability.

The first set of ratings is posted on the NHTSA web site at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hot/rollover/Index.html and will be updated, as additional ratings become available.

Torrance, CA, 1/8/01 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for its all-new 2001 model year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Highlander will join 4Runner to give Toyota a diverse, dual-entry in the mid-size SUV segment. Equally significant, Highlander will join RAV4, giving Toyota two unibody-based SUV offerings.

The MSRP for Highlander will range from $23,515 for a 4x2 model with a 4-cylinder engine to $26,495 for the top of the line 4x4 model with a V6 engine.

Highlander is available in both front and full-time four-wheel drive, powered by either four-cylinder or V6 engines. The 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i) delivers an impressive 220 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 222 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with VVT-i produces 155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 163 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both engines will carry LEV (low emission vehicle) EPA certification.

All Highlanders are equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with snow mode. A four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist is standard. Vehicle skid control with traction control is available as an option.

Additional standard features include: air conditioning, premium 3-in-1 AM/FM cassette/CD with six speakers, cruise, tilt, overhead console, a small storage area located in the spare tire compartment and 16-inch styled steel wheels with P225/70R16 tires.

A Limited package is available with numerous features that include: automatic digital climate control with outside temperature gauge, JBL 3-in-1 AM/FM/cassette/CD with eight speakers, in-glass diversity antenna, remote keyless entry with anti-theft and engine immobilizer system, chestnut grain interior trim, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, cargo area tonneau cover, six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with full-size aluminum spare, integrated fog lamps, color-keyed rear spoiler, privacy glass, color-keyed front and rear mudguards, color-keyed power heated side mirrors, daytime running lights and auto on/off headlights.

Special Fleet Offer

Effective immediately, F-Series Super Duty is expanding the availability of its' Power Equipment Group, option code (903), to include the XL trim level for Fleet customers only. The Power Equipment Group was previously available only on XLT and Lariat trim levels.

Order banks are currently open for this option and Job #1 is 1/15/01.

Power Equipment Group (MSRP $530 - Regular Cab & Super cab; $715 - Crew Cab):

Power Door Locks

Power Mirrors

Power Windows

Expedition was able to earn the government's top rating for frontal crash tests because of additional enhancements to the SUV's restraint system. For 2001, the Expedition's safety belt system is equipped with technologies called pretensioners and energy management retractors.

Pretensioners are special devices located in the retractors of the front-seat safety belts. They tighten the belts and help prevent belted occupants from sliding and bouncing around during a crash. If crash forces rise to severe levels, a metal bar tucked in the center of the spool of the safety belt retractor - called an energy management retractor — twists. Such action releases small amounts of safety belt webbing in a controlled manner and helps reduce the risk of force-related injuries, especially to the occupant's chest.

These technologies build on the Expedition's existing strong structural performance in crashes. Its safety cage is designed to absorb forces from a crash, helping to reduce the forces reaching either occupants of the SUV or another vehicle that may be involved in the crash.

The 2001 model year Expedition was crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December. The test consists of crashing the Expedition into a fixed concrete barrier at 35 mph, creating essentially the same conditions as two identical vehicles colliding head-on while each is traveling at 35 mph. Then, scientists examine impact data provided by instrumented dummies inside the vehicle during the crash test.

Paying special attention to head and chest injury data, government researchers from the NHTSA assign a "star" ranking that corresponds to the level of risk the dummies had in this test of experiencing a serious head or chest injury.

NHTSA has said that a five-star rating indicates that in its 35-mph frontal crash test, the belted dummy measurements correlated to a 10 percent or less chance of any serious head or chest injury.

While Expedition and similarly sized SUVs are not tested for side impacts, all Ford sport utility vehicles are rated at five or four stars for both applicable frontal and side impact testing conducted by NHTSA.

Chevy's all-new Silverado Heavy Duty (HD) pickup has earned Motor Trend magazine's 2001 Truck of the Year award, marking the sixth time in seven years that Chevrolet has won annual vehicle awards from the magazine.

"The Motor Trend evaluation of Silverado HD states that 'the Chevrolet Silverado HD won us over with its do-it-all portfolio of power, passenger room, cargo capacity, feature levels, and towing prowess,'" said Ron Zarrella, president of General Motors, North America. "That's a terrific endorsement from knowledgeable writers who aren't easily impressed. They also found that Silverado HD drives beautifully, can be trimmed out as nicely as many luxury cars, and functions amazingly well as everyday personal (and family) transportation."

New Truck Cap for All-New Tacoma Double Cab Pickup

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., has formed a partnership with SNUGTOP, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass automotive products for over four decades. The new partnership marks the beginning of efforts to provide customers greater opportunity to better customize their truck directly through Toyota.

SNUGTOP has developed an exclusive Super Sport Shell for the all-new Tacoma four-door Double Cab compact pickup truck. The customized fiberglass shell was displayed on the Tacoma Double Cab at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Super Sport Shell is a Toyota port-installed option, establishing the first nationwide distribution relationship between an OEM and aftermarket truck cap manufacturer. As another industry-first, the SNUGTOP "Super Sport" is available through Toyota's 1,200 dealers across the country.

Tacoma Double Cab sales are projected at 45,000 units annually with approximately 3,200 projected sales of the SNUGTOP Super Sport Shell.

Debuting at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new 2002 SE-R and ultimate performance SE-R Spec V models will be available in the fall 2001.

The original SE-R, produced from 1991 to 1994, was based on the third generation Sentra 2-door sedan. Although it looked similar to a standard Sentra, a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine gave it lots of punch. The SE-R was a Car and Driver "10 Best" winner four times and an Automobile "All-Star" twice.

The SE-R was designed to give a feeling of a mini-Nissan Skyline sports sedan. Building upon the style set forward on the fifth generation Sentra 4-door sedan, an aggressive front fascia with a mesh-pattern grille and large fog lamps have been added. The side view is filled with body-color side sill extensions and large wheels and tires - 16-inch on SE-R and 17-inch on SE-R Spec V models.

An all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, named QR25, powers the SE-R. This engine produces 180 horsepower and 180 ft-lbs of torque in the SE-R Spec V model and 170 horsepower and 175 ft-lbs of torque in the SE-R, up 40/30 horsepower and 48/43 ft-lbs of torque from the previous generation SE-R. SE-R Spec V gains 10 horsepower over the standard SE-R with the use of a specially tuned exhaust system. Backing the QR25 is a 6-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V), 5-speed manual transmission (SE-R), or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (SE-R).

The 2002 Sentra SE-R's standard safety equipment includes dual supplemental front air bags, an energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belts with height-adjustable shoulder anchors, front seat belt pretensioners with load limiters, front and rear crumple zones and pipe-style steel side-door guard beams. Optional is front-seat supplemental side-impact air bags. SE-R also features an emergency inside trunk release, a rigid bar child seat anchorage system and optional vehicle security system with Immobilizer.

Available on SE-R is an automatic transmission, sunroof package with dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, ABS package, vehicle security system and Rockford Fosgate® audio system.

Sentra SE-R Spec V models are equipped to an even higher level, with the 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential standard. Optional is the Rockford Fosgate audio system, sunroof, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, ABS and vehicle security system. No automatic transmission is available on Spec V.

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2001 — Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA), announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2002 model year WRX Sedan and WRX Sport Wagon models. Introduced at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, the WRX models highlight the new generation of Impreza models that will reach Subaru dealerships in early Spring 2001.

Powered by a 2.0 liter 227-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled engine, the All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX models offer more torque and a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than respected competitive All-Wheel Drive models including the Audi A4 1.8T or BMW 325xi.

All WRX sedan and WRX Sport Wagon models feature full-time All-Wheel Drive. The standard manual transmission uses a viscous coupling locking center differential All-Wheel Drive system. The optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission (4EAT) is teamed with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive. VTD distributes more power to the rear wheels, providing the vehicle with more of a performance-driving feel. Both WRX models feature a viscous limited-slip rear differential, which sends power to the rear wheel with the best traction.

The 2002 Impreza WRX Sedan and WRX Sport Wagon models come equipped with features including: air conditioning, a 6 speaker AM/FM 80-Watt stereo with logic control cassette player and in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, bolstered sport design front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry system, front fog lights, a dual outlet sport tailpipe, All-Wheel Driving system and ABS. Additionally, all 2002 WRX models include three-point seat belts for all five seating positions, as well as dual front airbags and front seat side-impact airbags.

SUBARU WRX SEDAN AND WRX SPORT WAGON 2002 MY
MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES

(Current as of January 9, 2001)

* The destination and delivery fee is $525 on all models except in Alaska ($685). Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges.

DETROIT, January 9, 2001 - Ford has unveiled a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that it will roll out throughout its entire fleet of SUVs beginning in the 2002 model year.

All Ford SUVs, with first applications beginning in the 2002 model year, will offer an advanced tire pressure monitoring system, and will feature as standard equipment antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution for significantly reduced stopping distances and lowered front bumper beams for better car-to-SUV crash compatibility. The SUVs will also offer advanced occupant protection technology in the form of Ford's patented Personal Safety System and Safety Canopy rollover protection system and AdvanceTracTM electronic stability programming. Each of these advanced safety technologies will be available on Ford Escape, Explorer, Explorer Sport, SportTrac, Expedition and Excursion by 2005.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Ford will introduce advanced tire pressure monitoring technology later this year on the 2002 Explorer and will quickly deploy this technology throughout its SUV and pickup truck lineup. This sensor-based, low-pressure warning system will alert drivers if a tire becomes under-inflated. It will also warn the driver if the tire is significantly over-inflated. The technology features an active pressure sensor mounted inside each tire with a transmitter that communicates with a receiving module in the vehicle. The receiving module contains the logic to determine if the pressure level transmitted if low, and if so it activates a warning message or light and an audible tone.

Other safety features include:

Personal Safety System — dual-stage front air bags that deploy based on crash severity with sensors that detect if front-seat occupants are wearing safety belts and detect drivers' seat positioning. It will be available in the 2002 Explorer later this year.

Safety Canopy — side-impact curtain air bag system with rollover sensors that deploy side curtain air bags if a rollover situation is detected. Side curtain airbags are currently available on the 2002 Explorer - rollover sensors will be available later this year. By 2005, all Ford SUVs will offer rollover sensors.

AdvanceTracTM Electronic Stability Technology — enhances stability in extreme driving situations by controlling brake force distribution. It debuts on the 2002 Explorer later this year.

Lowered bumper beams make the vehicle more crash compatible with passenger cars. The 2002 Explorer bumper beams were lowered more than 2 inches, making it roughly the same height as a Taurus bumper.

ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) — controls the front wheels independently and the rear wheels in tandem during heavy braking to improve vehicle control and to shorten stopping distance.

Lincoln and Mercury Sport Utilities Will Also Feature Advanced Safety Systems
Future Lincoln and Mercury SUVs will adopt the same pioneering safety technology beginning in the 2002 model year. The 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, for example, will offer the Personal Safety System, Safety Canopy with rollover sensors, AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Technology and ABS with EBD. In addition, the 2002 Mountaineer's bumper beam height has been lowered by more than two inches to improve crash compatibility with passenger cars.

DETROIT, MI - January 9, 2001 — GM unveiled a first-of-its-kind parallel hybrid technology that will bring lower emissions and improved fuel economy to commercial-duty truck and bus applications.

Developed by GM's Allison Transmission division, the EP SystemTM, is the next step in Allison's "Preview" hybrid deployment program. The system joins Allison's series hybrid ES SystemTM as a key product in its Allison Electric DrivesTM family of advanced hybrid solutions for truck and bus applications.

The EP System offers a range of benefits, including a traditional integration into existing vehicle platforms and lower associated costs, and about 60 percent better fuel economy than a conventional diesel system in a transit bus application.

The EP System extends the functionality of Allison's series hybrid ES System to a broader class of commercial transit and trucking applications. The EP System is designed to ultimately bring the "hybrid advantage" to vehicles such as articulated buses, suburban coaches, military vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Designed in a compact, standardized platform that enables integration across a range of commercial vehicle types, the EP System is compatible with existing vehicle architectures. The Allison Electric Drives EP System also is flexible and is easy-to-scale to a broad range of commercial applications.

Allison's EVDRIVETM, the company's proprietary hybrid drive unit and centerpiece of its hybrid program, makes possible a conventional component packaging that facilitates integration of the EP System into existing vehicle designs. The split-torque continuously variable transmission (CVT) design of the EVDRIVE enables use of smaller engines, and provides maximum efficiency by transferring power to the wheels via a combination of mechanical and electrical means.

In 1999, Allison successfully completed a demonstration hybrid bus program for the New York City Transit (NYCT) Authority. In 2000 the company began its hybrid electric "Preview" program. This program, the first step of which was undertaken with New Flyer of America, will bring series hybrid electric buses to transit systems across North America. California's Orange County Transit Authority was the first transit property to place an Allison-powered hybrid electric bus into revenue service on December 14.

• Manufacturing processes ensure top quality

• Synergies with Mercedes-Benz yield manufacturing best practices

• Flexible manufacturing will enable facility to add new products and changeover quickly

• Virtual Manufacturing enables the company to build plant for only $54 per sq. ft.

DaimlerChrysler's newest assembly plant, the Toledo North Assembly Plant (TNAP), represents the culmination of best practices from the company's worldwide manufacturing operations for lean, flexible, high-quality production.

Slated to begin production of the all-new 2002 Jeep® Liberty in the Spring of 2001, the $1.2 billion facility is currently producing pre-production prototype vehicles to ensure top quality, train employees and refine manufacturing processes.

At full production, TNAP will employ more than 2000 production employees and is scheduled to produce approximately 800 units per day, or over 200,000 units annually.

Ensuring Top Quality

By using a combination of statistical process controls and performance feedback systems (PFS), the company is "error proofing" its production processes. The system is designed to halt production if quality build criteria are not met. For example, if a bolt isn't tightened to the degree specified, the specific operation will shut down until it has been corrected. DaimlerChrysler also runs a series of tests after the vehicles roll off the final assembly line. Once complete, the vehicles are tested on an evaluation course.

Synergies with Mercedes-Benz Yield Manufacturing Best Practices

DaimlerChrysler was beginning to design TNAP when Chrysler Corporation merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998. Part of the benchmarking with the Mercedes-Benz plants yielded several best practices and manufacturing synergies that can be seen in the new plant such as skillet and "gummiband" conveyors, a proprietary sealer system and a door weather stripping operation. This state-of-the-art equipment helps to free space to assemble multiple models, is more ergonomically sound for operators, saves millions of dollars in maintenance fees and provides improved flexibility and precision over more traditional systems.

Virtual Manufacturing Makes Toledo North an Industry Benchmark

The entire Toledo North plant and tooling was designed using manufacturing simulation software, which enabled the company to build the facility for only $54 per square foot — an industry benchmark (compared to an industry average of $70 - $80 per sq. ft.).

With this application, the company can create a seamless union between product development and manufacturing by using compatible systems to design the vehicles and to simulate build processes in the plant. The vision is to allow the integrated system to cover all aspects of manufacturing, from part design to plant design, helping to get new products to market faster. With this system, DaimlerChrysler was able to simulate the manufacturing environment at TNAP long before any construction began. As the new Jeep Liberty evolved through its development, the manufacturing processes evolved with it, enabling simultaneous engineering to take place.

Flexible Manufacturing for Quick Changeover

TNAP follows DaimlerChrysler's Windsor Assembly Plant as one of the most flexible in the company and in the industry, meaning it has the ability to change and add new products very quickly with minimal disruption or production loss. The key to DaimlerChrysler's manufacturing flexibility is the order in which the body is put together, using a unique underbody palette system in the body shop. The same flexible palette system has been used at the company's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, as well as Windsor and TNAP - meaning the same system can be used to build sedans, convertibles, minivans, and now sport-utility vehicles.

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!