TOYOTA ANNOUNCES PRICES FOR 2002 SIENNA AND AVALON

SIENNA AVALON

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. released the MSRP for the 2002 Sienna minivan and Avalon full-size sedan. Both models offer new packages and will arrive at dealer showrooms beginning mid-July. The 2002 Sienna will offer a special Symphony edition for the LE model. The Sienna Symphony edition provides up-level features and appearance enhancements including: Color-keyed cladding and rear bumper 15-inch alloy wheels with P215/65R15 all-season tires Premium JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system with eight speakers Color-keyed, heated power outside mirrors Roof rack Remote keyless entry Overhead console with HomeLink Leather-wrapped steering wheel Six-way power driver’s seat Second-row captain’s chairs Symphony special edition fabric and door trim Symphony special edition badging The base MSRP for the Sienna Symphony special edition is $26,832. Unchanged from 2001, the base MSRP for the CE standard grade remains $23,095. The LE grade MSRP also is unchanged at $25,755. The premium XLE grade is now priced $424 lower than the 2001 model, bringing the base price down to $28,012. The 2002 Toyota Avalon now offers improved value in reduced prices on existing packages and the introduction of two new value packages. Two existing option packages that provide popular amenities are now more affordable, with further savings of $1,200 each. A new Luxury Package, available for the XL grade, provides numerous upgrades at a $1,200 savings and includes: Power leather-trimmed seats Leather-wrapped steering wheel 15-inch alloy wheels Remote keyless entry JBL audio system For Avalon buyers who want a sportier appearance, a new Sport Luxury Package will be available on the XL grade beginning in November. The Sport Luxury Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler to the Luxury Package. The base MSRP for Avalon remains unchanged, and ranges from $25,845 for the XL grade with bucket seats to $30,405 for the XLS grade with bucket seats. Avalon and Sienna are manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, KY.

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SAAB ANNOUNCES 2002 MODEL YEAR FLEET PROGRAM

Additional Early Order Bonus Available Saab Cars USA, Inc. recently announced the 2002 model year Commercial Fleet Program. All new and untitled 2002 Saab models are eligible. This program offers bona fide Fleet Customers incentives (VX5) based on the following schedule: Model 2002 Incentive Amount 9-3 (non-Convertible) $2,000 9-3 (Convertible) $3,000 9-5 (all) $2,500   To be eligible Fleet Customers must have a valid Saab or GM Fleet Account Number (FAN). A qualified Fleet Customer is defined as any company that purchases and registers or leases five or more new cars and/or trucks for use in its operations during the current or preceding twelve-month period. Early Order Bonus Qualified Fleet Customers placing factory orders for any 2002 MY Saab vehicles by September 30, 2001 will receive a $1,000 bonus in addition to the appropriate (VX5) fleet incentive amount. To be eligible vehicles must be factory ordered. Vehicles taken from Port or Dealer Stock do not qualify. Orders must be received by the Saab Fleet Department by September 30, 2001 and delivered by December 31, 2001. 2002 MY Price Assurance Orders placed under the Early Order Bonus program will receive Price Assurance of 1.5%. Price Assurance does not include any potential increase to destination charges. 2002 MY vehicles qualifying for Price Assurance will be adjusted to reflect changes in standard equipment.

 

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2002 BUICK CENTURY AND REGAL PRODUCT UPDATES

The Buick Century and Regal models will receive minor changes in equipment for 2002. Century The Century will no longer offer OnStar on the Custom; OnStar will only be available on the Limited model. New for 2002 is a Five Passenger Seating System with a center console and bucket seats. Child seat anchors with an upper and lower LATCH system will be standard. In addition, a new exterior color, Dark Bronzemist, has been added. Regal OnStar will be standard on the GS model but will no longer be available in the LS. Child seat anchors with upper and lower LATCH system will become standard equipment. Dark Bronzemist is a new exterior color for the 2002 Regal. Production has begun for the 2002 Buick Century and Regal models. The estimated lead-time for factory orders is approximately 8-10 weeks.

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CHRYSLER RECALLS 161,000 VEHICLES; FORD RECALLS 159,000

On July 2, 2001 DaimlerChrysler announced that it is recalling 161,682 vehicles to check that the seat belts meet U.S. regulations. According to the NHTSA, the front seat belt retractor does not comply with federal standards and an occupant is at risk of being injured during a crash. DaimlerChrysler said that there have been no reports of seat belt failure and maintains that this is a compliance issue, not a safety issue. The recalled vehicles include 1999 models of the Dodge Dakota, Durango, Ram, Intrepid and Caravan; Chrysler Concorde, LHS and Town and Country; and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to visit their Dodge, Jeep or Chrysler dealer for a free repair. Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of approximately 159,645 E-Series Vans. The vans are being recalled for faulty fuel tanks that could crack and leak fuel, which can start fires if ignited. Although there have been no reports of accidents or injuries due to this condition, if the vans are driven under severe conditions, such as off-road or on rough terrain, the tank can crack where it contacts the frame cross-member. The affected models include 1997-2001 E150, E250 and E350 vans. Ford will notify owners by mail and dealers will provide free repairs.

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SUBARU INTRODUCES SIX-CYLINDER OUTBACK SEDAN

Subaru of America, Inc. recently introduced the 2002 Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan, which will arrive at Subaru dealerships this summer. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan combines the wedge profile of the Legacy GT Limited sedan with design elements from the Outback wagon, including larger front fenders and mirrors, lower body side cladding, large integrated fog lights with stone guards, plus Titanium Pearl painted protective body side cladding panels. The 2002 Outback H6-3.0 VDC sedan comes fully equipped and offers no factory options. Standard features include: automatic climate control with an ambient temperature gauge, power moonroof, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a rear-seat center armrest, and a distinctive mahogany wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The horizontally opposed layout of the Subaru H6-3.0 6-cylinder engine contributes to a lower center of gravity, which enhances handling and performance. The engine features an aluminum alloy crankcase, double-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, sequential fuel injection and a direct "distributorless" ignition system. The engine produces 212 hp at 6,000 rpm and 210 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. In the Outback H6-3.0 VDC models, Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive works in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) all-wheel stability and traction control systems. The integration of these technologies enables the vehicle to take corrective action under hazardous conditions before the driver even notices. Should any wheel spin on a slippery surface, VDC can command the all-wheel traction control system (TCS) to apply braking force to that wheel to help keep wheel spin under control. Depending on the traction situation, the VDC system can also instruct the engine control module to reduce power by turning off one or more fuel injectors. The Outback H6-3.0 VDC can maintain traction even if three wheels are slipping, without the need for a limited slip differential. Standard safety equipment in the Outback H6-3.0 models includes three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags and front seat side impact airbags. A dual-stage front airbag on the passenger side determines the correct deployment strength depending on the severity of an impact. The front three-point seatbelts feature electrically triggered pre-tensioners with force limiters. These work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision. All 2002 Subaru sedans, including the recently introduced Impreza models and the upcoming Outback H6-3.0 VDC, feature an internal child safety trunk release.

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CHRYSLER GROUP EARNS TOP SLOTS IN STRATEGIC VISION'S 2001 TOTAL QUALITY INDEX

Strategic Vision announced results of its 2001 Total Quality Index (TQI) in which Dodge Dakota finished first in the Compact Pickup segment for the third year in a row, Chrysler Town & Country unseated Honda Odyssey and took top honors in the minivan segment, Chrysler PT Cruiser won the Compact Car segment and Chrysler LHS finished first in the Larger Car segment. "When it comes to quality, consumers want to get information from credible, prestigious third party organizations such as Strategic Vision," said Richard Schaum, Executive Vice President of Product Development and Quality, DaimlerChrysler Corp. "That's why we're extremely honored to finish first in every one of these critical segments. We're also pleased that Strategic Vision named Chrysler the most improved brand in the study." Strategic Vision's TQI offers a complete measure of the ownership experience including the emotional response to the vehicle. Owners who participated in the study purchased their new 2001 vehicles in October, November and December of 2000. They were surveyed after they had at least 90 days to experience their car or truck. Following are Strategic Vision's comments on each of the four Chrysler Group vehicles:

DODGE DAKOTA CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Dodge Dakota: "For the third straight year, Dakota leads its class because of its roadability, power, handling and ease of use. Besides a strong sense of security, it delivers pride and fun that help its owners feel it's a smart choice."   Chrysler Town & Country: "Craftsmanship, ride, handling and innovation are just some of the factors on which Town & Country scores above its segment. Owners feel a sense of pride, prestige and harmony in a minivan they believe is a smart choice and a leader."   CHRYSLER PT CRUISER CHRYSLER LHS Chrysler PT Cruiser: "Style, craftsmanship, ease of use, thoughtfulness and innovation get especially high marks, delivering strong emotions of freedom, esteem and harmony. This is a smart choice that's fun to drive and gives its owners great delight." Chrysler LHS: "Owners liked the styling, handling, room, ride, craftsmanship and reliability of this larger car. That gave them a strong sense of esteem and harmony."

Strategic Vision has assessed new vehicle owner satisfaction and calculated Total Quality Index annually since 1995.

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GM'S SAFARI AND ASTRO MINIVANS MAY BE DISCONTINUED

Although GM has not made an official announcement, there are rumors that the Safari and Astro minivans may be heading for retirement. "Currently there is no replacement (for the Astro and Safari)," said GM spokesperson, Joe Jacuzzi. "The future of the product and the plant hasn’t been determined." Jacuzzi said that GM will continue to produce the models through the 3rd quarter of 2003, but a verdict has not been reached beyond that point. The demise of the minivans is likely due to falling sales. Astro sales tumbled 40.2% from January through May, while Safari sales went down 40.8% during the same period. In addition, new safety standards will soon take affect and in order to meet them the vehicles would require costly re-engineering. The new standards, which include airbags that are more effective in offset crashes and frontal impacts, take effect in the 2004 model year. Astro and Safari have been part of the GM minivan segment since 1985 MY and, aside from powertrain and safety upgrades, little has changed through the years. While most minivans have adopted front-wheel drive, the Astro and Safari have remained rear-wheel drive for commercial applications. As a result, they have a more truck-like ride that may turn off non-commercial buyers.

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