FORD TO REPLACE 13 MILLION FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES

May 22, 2001 - Ford Motor Company has announced that it will replace all 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires on its vehicles. Ford's action, which the company described as precautionary, is based on analysis of data on the actual road performance of these tires, comparisons with the performance of comparable tires by other tire makers, a review of information developed by and received from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and extensive laboratory and vehicle testing. Initial Details of the Recall Program: The company is replacing all 15, 16, and 17 inch Wilderness AT tires on Ford Motor Company products. Affected models may include: 1991 through 2002 Explorer, 2001 through 2002 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac, 1997 through 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 through 2001 Ranger, 1999 through 2001 Expedition, 1991 through 1994 F-Series, 1991 through 1994 Bronco. Tires can be obtained from the more than 3,500 authorized Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers that carry tires or from other authorized tire retailers. Tires will be replaced at Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers free of charge to customers. Ford will reimburse customers who purchase tires from other authorized retailers, with proof of purchase, up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount for 15- and 16-inch tires is $110 per tire; for 17-inch tires, $130 per tire. A list of recommended replacement tires will be available at authorized dealers and will be posted on Ford's website, www.ford.com under the Breaking News header. Firestone tires will not be used as replacements in this program. Ford will be prioritizing replacement of tires based on the age of the tire. Ford will replace all tires, but will be working with its customers to prioritize the replacement of older tires. Ford will contact customers by mail shortly regarding the replacement process. Customers can contact Ford at any time for information through the company's toll free customer service center at 866-300-1226, or by email at tireinquiry@ford.com Other Firestone tires on Ford Motor Company vehicles are not part of this program. Plant Downtime to Speed Replacement of Tires Ford also announced that it was suspending production of certain vehicle lines in order to make more tires available for the Wilderness AT replacement project. Specifically, Ford will take two down weeks at the Twin Cities, MN and Edison, NJ Ranger assembly plants. The company will also take one down week of Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac and 2002 Explorer production at the Louisville, KY assembly plant.

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GM’S STATEMENT REGARDING FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRE RECALL

Tom Davis, Group Vice President of GM North America Product Development, recently issued the following statement regarding Ford’s recall of 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT Tires. The following has been reprinted with permission from GM Fleet & Commercial Operations: May 25, 2001 General Motors is not involved in the recall of Firestone Wilderness AT tires that was announced by the Ford Motor Company on May 22, 2001. Firestone has supplied over three million Wilderness AT tires for approximately 600,000 GM full-size pickups. The GM and Ford tires are the same in name only. While we have no knowledge of the performance of the tires on Ford vehicles, the real-world safety performance of the Wilderness AT tires on GM vehicles has been excellent. We are concerned that some of our customers may misinterpret recent news reports that this Ford campaign somehow applies to the Wilderness AT tires that have been provided as original equipment on GM trucks. It does not. The Firestone Wilderness AT tires on GM vehicles are different than those found on other manufacturers' vehicles because: The Wilderness AT tires on GM vehicles were engineered and tuned to meet GM's specific and unique performance requirements. These requirements, called the Tire Performance Criteria, include over a dozen critical performance specifications and allow GM to specifically match tires to the vehicles that we put them on. GM has a strong working relationship with all four of its major tire suppliers including Firestone. Firestone tire engineers are on site at GM’s tire and wheel laboratory two days a week. Together, we monitor tire warranty data and, if a condition were to be identified, we would be able to immediately take action to remedy that condition. GM was the first automaker to include original equipment tires in its bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This means that customers may bring their tire concerns directly to GM dealers, which minimizes consumer inconvenience. This also allows GM to obtain valuable warranty and wear data. General Motors and Bridgestone/Firestone are continuing their long-standing relationship. GM currently purchases and intends to continue to purchase both Firestone and Bridgestone brand tires from Bridgestone/Firestone. Bridgestone/Firestone is a valued supplier, and we are proud to offer both the Firestone and Bridgestone brands as original equipment tires on our vehicles. These tires have performed in a safe and outstanding manner for our customers and us. You have my assurance that no other automaker has monitored the real world performance of its tires the way GM has. We have more information about the field performance of our tires than any other vehicle manufacturer. We have full confidence in all of the Firestone tires on our GM cars and trucks, and you and our customers can as well. If you wish more information about GM tire safety, access our web site at www.gmtiresafety.com. Tom Davis Group Vice President GM North America Product Development

 

 

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GM’S FLEET & COMMERCIAL SUMMER SALES EVENT

GM has recently announced a "Summer Sales Event", which consists of three special incentive programs for fleet customers. To qualify for the programs described below the end-user must have a GM FAN code. Fleet Out of Stock Program on 2000 and 2001 MY Vehicles This program offers a $700 allowance on new 2001 MY vehicles or a $1,000 allowance on new 2000 MY vehicles. Eligible models must be delivered out of dealer stock. All GM models are eligible except Corvette, Saturn, Saab, medium duty trucks and Impala or Grand Prix stock-ordered with the 1SD or 1SF fleet packages. The program period begins on May 17, 2001 and ends September 30, 2001. The fleet customer must take delivery of the vehicle by no later than September 30, 2001. This offer is not compatible with the National Fleet Purchase Program (VX5), however, it is compatible with available retail alternatives (CNC) or the fleet out of stock (STK) allowance, which could amount to a combined savings greater than the National Fleet Purchase Program. 6.0L Gas or 8.1L Gas with 5-Speed Allison Transmission Incentive This program is offered on all 2002 MY full size Silverado/Sierra pickups and chassis cabs (excluding 3500 HD) with the 6.0L V8 or with the 8.1L V8 and 5-Speed Allison Transmission. The fleet customer allowance is $1,000 on 3/4 and 1-ton Silverado/Sierra pickups and chassis cabs with the 6.0L engine (LQ4). A $2,000 allowance is available on 3/4 and 1-ton Silverado/Sierra pickups and chassis cabs with an 8.1L engine (L18) and Allison Automatic 5-Speed Transmission (M74). This is over and above the National Fleet Purchase Program (VX5) or the fleet retail alternatives in effect at the time of delivery. The program period begins on May 17, 2001 and ends on September 30, 2001. The customer must take delivery by September 30, 2001, so please allow ample time for scheduling, production and shipping (approximately 10 weeks). UPDATE 5/29/01: GM Fleet and Commercial Operations announced that it has extended the final delivery date for the event’s full-size truck program. Customers must now take delivery of the vehicle(s) they’ve ordered by Dec. 20, 2001 to retain full eligibility. The final order due date remains Sept. 30, 2001. GM does not anticipate any difficulties in producing orders on time to meet the delivery deadline. Van Ordering Incentive The last of the GM Summer Sales Event programs will offer a $500 allowance on all Chevy Astro and Express Vans and on all GMC Safari and Savana Vans. The program period begins at the opening of the 2002 ordering period for M/L & G vans and ends on September 30, 2001. Customers must take delivery by December 31, 2001. This offer is compatible with the National Fleet Purchase Program (VX5).

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2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER PRODUCTION DELAYS

Beginning May 19, 2001, both Louisville and St. Louis assembly plants will temporarily stop producing all 2002 Mountaineer orders with the Moonroof option (439). Ford anticipates that production will resume on June 4, 2001. Effective immediately, 2002 Mountaineer orders produced with adjustable pedals will be held at the Louisville and St. Louis assembly plants until further notice. Adjustable pedals without the memory function are included in the Convenience Group (66A) and the memory function for the adjustable pedals are included in the Luxury Group (66B). Ford cannot estimate when production will resume for 2002 Mountaineer orders with adjustable pedals at this time.

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CENTURY CUSTOM FLEET EQUIPMENT GROUPS

GM has announced three new fleet equipment groups for the 2002 Century Custom. The new program will offer fleet group discounts, which will be credited on the factory invoice using option code (1SZ). The program is valid through the entire 2002 model year run. The Buick Century Custom fleet equipment group content is as follows:

Group	Included in Group	Group Discount (MSRP)	Available Options
1SG	Standard equipment only	$1,082	6-way power driver seat Cruise control Split-folding rear seat AM/FM cassette/cd Cargo net Front & rear floor mats
1SF	6-way power driver seat Cruise control AM/FM cassette Steering wheel radio controls Cargo net Front & Rear floor mats	$1,082	Split-folding rear seat AM/FM cassette/cd
1SE	6-way power driver seat Cruise control AM/FM cassette Steering wheel radio controls Cargo net Front & Rear floor mats OnStar w/1 year Safety & Security plan	$1,082	Split-folding rear seat AM/FM cassette/cd

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THE 2002 PT CRUISER INTRODUCTORY PRICING

On May 18, 2001 DaimlerChrysler announced introductory pricing for the 2002 PT Cruiser. These amounts represent initial 2002 MY firm prices; therefore, price protection is not applicable. For 2002, the PT Cruiser is available in three models: the base model, the Touring Edition and the Limited Edition. All new models offer a front passenger armrest, underseat storage drawer and Single CD as new standard equipment. The Touring Edition contains most of the 2001 MY "F" package content plus the Touring Group with a chrome exhaust tip, overhead console and light group. The Limited Edition contains most of the 2001 MY "G" package. DaimlerChrysler estimates that the 2002 order banks will be opening in the beginning of June 2001. All 2002 PT Cruiser fleet orders will require prior approval by DaimlerChrysler Fleet Management before scheduling.

PT Cruiser model/model #	Base MSRP	Destination Charge	Marketing Adjustment	Fleet Purchase Allowance
Base/PTCH44	$16,200	$565	$175	$200
Touring/PTCP44	$17,915	$565	$175	$200
Limited/PTCS44	$20,265	$565	$175	$200

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GM’S 2002 ONSTAR AVAILABILITY

GM has released the 2002 OnStar Availability Chart and it is now posted on the ARI web site. For details, please go to the http://www.arifleet.com and select "Purchasing News", then click "GM’s OnStar For 2002". For 2002, all models will come with a one-year OnStar Safety and Security Service Plan. All Cadillacs and Saabs come with a one-year Premium Service Plan. For details about each plan, please visit the GM OnStar web site at http://www.onstar.com.

 

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CHRYSLER DISCONTINUES LHS FOR 2002 MY

DaimlerChrysler has opted to discontinue the Chrysler LHS for the 2002 model year. Fleet customers may order the Concorde Limited, which will offer similar content as the LHS. Pricing for the 2002 Concorde Limited will be announced at a later date. 2002 Concorde production will begin on July 16, 2001. Order banks for all DaimlerChrysler models are expected to open in the beginning of June.

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CHRYSLER CONCORDE RECEIVES 2001 J.D. POWER IQS AWARD

The J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Initial Quality Study awards the Chrysler Concorde the best Full-Size Car. In addition, the overall improvement for the Jeep® brand by approximately 20 percent is one of the most significant changes in the 2001 Initial Quality Study. "We are pleased and encouraged by these results," said Donald Dees, Vice President - Quality for the Chrysler Group. "We believe it shows that at the Chrysler Group, we're continually working to improve quality and that our Chrysler Development System indeed is paying off - from concept, design, supply, engineering, manufacturing, to customer sales and service." The Chrysler Group showed the highest domestic rating in six categories, with its Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS, Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Intrepid, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler.

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TOYOTA VEHICLES AND PLANTS TAKE TOP HONORS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

The Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck, Sienna minivan, Avalon large sedan, and Corolla compact sedan all ranked highest in their respective segments in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study 2 (IQS2). The annual study measures vehicle owners’ reported problems during the first three months of ownership. "To rank highest across so many categories, truck, van and cars, is very gratifying as it confirms our commitment to quality across our entire model lineup," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. "The results are a tribute to our North American manufacturing facilities, which once again captured the top two spots in the J.D. Power Plant Quality Awards as well." All four of the Toyota segment leaders are built at Toyota North American manufacturing facilities, two of which ranked first and second in the J.D. Power and Associates’ North American Plant Quality Awards. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC), located in Cambridge, Ont., builds the Corolla and is the recipient of the 2001 Gold Plant Quality Award. TMMC also builds the Camry Solara sport coupe and convertible. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, located in Georgetown and recipient of the Silver Plant Quality Award, produces both the Sienna and Avalon, as well as the Camry. Tundra earned top honors in initial quality in the full-size pickup truck segment and is built exclusively in the U.S. at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, in Princeton.

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OIL LIFE SYSTEM TO BE GM STANDARD EQUIPMENT

In keeping with its commitment to sustainable mobility, General Motors will be installing its award-winning Oil Life System on all new North American vehicles by model year 2003. Giving consumers an accurate and reliable way to monitor engine oil life will help reduce America's appetite for oil, protect the environment and save consumers money while still ensuring that engines are properly maintained. Unlike some oil life sensors that perform chemical tests on the oil, the Oil Life System uses sophisticated decision-making software to determine when the oil's usefulness has ended. In GM vehicles equipped with the Driver Information System, the monitor also tells the driver precisely how much oil life remains. In actual driving, the Oil Life System has been found to double or triple the oil change interval for a typical vehicle. GM engineers have learned that oil tends to degrade in a predictable pattern. Oil doesn't "wear out," but it does become contaminated with other engine fluids or water, and its additives are used up. Taking many short trips is more harmful to the oil than highway driving, because it tends to introduce moisture when the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature before being shut off. Heavy use like trailering or prolonged driving in very hot conditions can lead to a thickening of the oil that prevents it from adequately coating engine parts. GM engineers took all this knowledge of operating parameters and oil life and built them into a mathematical model that is run by the car's powertrain control computer. The Oil Life System monitors engine temperature and combustion events - the number of times the sparkplug fires - and uses them to gauge the oil's life. Oil changes are a significant environmental problem. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that more than 640 million gallons of motor oil are sold each year, about half of which is used by do-it-yourself oil changers. While gas stations, quick oil change shops and car dealerships generally follow good practices and return the used oil for recycling, only about a third of the do-it-yourselfers are returning used oil for recycling. The rest of it — as much as 200 million gallons — is apparently dumped on the ground, poured down storm sewers or sent to landfills. That’s equivalent to 20 supertanker accidents every year. Since 1995, GM has produced more than 10 million vehicles with the Oil Life System. Together, these vehicles will save an estimated 64 million gallons of oil through 2002. Consumers will also save more than $1 billion in service costs by avoiding unnecessary oil changes. The Oil Life System will be available on all light-duty North American GM cars except for some models of Buick Park Avenue and Le Sabre, Pontiac Bonneville and Sunfire/Sunbird, Chevrolet Prism, Cavalier and Malibu or Saturn LS.

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