Toyota is lowering prices, with savings ranging between 3.0 and 7.5 percent for it's 2002 MY Camry Sedan. The lowest priced model, the Camry LE with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, will have an introductory MSRP of $19, 800 - down $615 or 3.0 percent from the 2001 model. The base MSRP for the LE V6 with an automatic transmission is $22,260, which is $925, or 4.0 percent less than last year's model. The most dramatic decrease comes with the XLE 4-cylinder with a base price of $22,295, representing a savings of $1,800, or 7.5 from last year. The XLE V6 is $25,405, which amounts to a savings of $820.

The Camry is completely redesigned for 2002 with new styling and substantial product improvements. From the front, it delivers a three-dimensional image with an aggressive grille and sharp cut headlamps. The cabin and doors feature sleek character lines, connected to a rear integrated bumper that is complemented with jewel-like tail lamps.

Camry will be powered by an all-new twin-cam 16-valve 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The new engine generates 157-hp at 5,600 RPM, an improvement of 21-hp over the previous four-cylinder engine, and 162 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. Fuel economy also is improved with preliminary EPA city/highway gas mileage of 23/32 mpg with the four-speed automatic transmission and 23/33 mpg with the five-speed manual. In addition to more power, the new engine is EPA-certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Camry also offers a four-cam 3.0-liter V6 that produces 192-hp at 5,300 RPM and 209 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM. Preliminary EPA city/highway gas mileage for the V6 with the four-speed automatic transmission is 20/28 mpg. The V6 is also EPA-certified ULEV.

Standard equipment on the LE model includes electronic air conditioning with air filtration, power windows with driver's auto-down, power automatic door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD audio with six speakers, cruise and tilt, color-keyed outside power mirrors, full-size spare tire, daytime running lights, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, outside temperature display and overhead console with map lights and sunglasses holder.

In addition to features on the LE model, standard equipment for the XLE includes automatic climate control air conditioning with rear-seat vents, JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD audio with eight speakers, power driver and passenger seats, multi-function remote keyless entry system, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm, trip computer and steering wheel mounted controls, electrochromic mirror with compass, chrome side molding, color-keyed heated outside mirrors, rear glass diversity antenna, wood-grain trim, auto up/down driver's window, Homelink garage door opener, rear sunshade, cargo net, illuminated vanity mirrors, and seat back pockets.

A new SE model offers a sportier look by integrating a sport grille, black headlamp masking, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and unique black pearl emblems with chrome logos. Additional features exclusive to the SE model include sport-tuned suspension, chrome exhaust outlet, 215/60R16 performance tires and unique wheel covers, sport interior fabric, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift lever, metallic-style trim, and sport gauges. Base MSRP for SE ranges from $20,310 for the four-cylinder five-speed manual transmission to $23,700 for the V6 with automatic transmission.

Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on its 2002 Frontier compact lineup, Xterra SUV and Sentra sedan. The new Frontier Crew Cab starts with an MSRP of $18,199 and Xterra holds the line with a starting MSRP of $17,999 - the same as the 2001 model despite exterior and interior enhancements. Sentra XE starts at an MSRP of only $11,799.

2002 Frontier

2002 Frontier
Frontier enters the 2002 model year with a choice of 19 different models, including King Cab, Desert Runner, Frontier Crew Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations and XE, SE and S/C (supercharged) trim levels. The most significant improvement made to the 2002 Frontier lineup is the introduction of the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, which adds a 74.6-inch full-size bed to the four forward-hinged full-size door cabin for a $550 increase over the standard Frontier Crew Cab with a 56.3-inch bed.

Frontier's interior enhancements include a new instrument panel with three "cockpit-style" round gauges, new HVAC controls, a new console with side map pocket, 25 percent larger glove compartment and the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system.

2002 Xterra

2002 Xterra
All 2002 Xterras feature new front end styling with round headlights, a new front fascia with the Nissan flying "V" grille, round fog lights and a new hood with a 48mm raised "power bulge" center section to clear the way for the newly available supercharged V6. Other exterior enhancements include new 17-inch wheels with P265/65R17 tires (SuperCharged SE model).

Inside, Xterra shares the same improvements as the Frontier truck, including a new instrument panel and foot-operated parking brake. A first-aid kit is still available on XE and standard on SE models.

Optional on both XE and SE Xterras is a factory-installed supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. This engine, shared with the Frontier S/C compact truck, produces 210 horsepower. The SuperCharger engine option adds approximately $1,000 to comparably equipped XE models and $1,300 on SE models (including special 17-inch wheels and tires).

2002 Sentra

2002 Sentra
Nissan continues to refine the fifth generation Sentra sedan, with more standard features on Sentra GXE such as Remote Keyless Entry, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat and rear heater ducts. Three new option packages on Sentra GXE include the Synergy Package, with cruise control, fog lights and rear spoiler. Two new exterior colors are also available on GXE - Mystic Green and Molten Silver.

A new 1ST Commercial Décor Package is now being offered to Fleet Customers on the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models. The new package is a direct replacement for the 2001 model year 1SA package that was discontinued.

GM will begin accepting orders for the 1ST package in early September for production in October.

The 1ST Package includes the following equipment:

•    Air conditioning, front

•      Cargo doors

•     40/20/40 split-bench seats

•      Adjustable luggage rack, black

•      Solar-Ray tinted glass, all windows (may be upgraded to AJ1 deep tinted glass)

•      Smooth Ride suspension

The ARI PriceNet system will be updated with the new package information when GM releases option compatibility and pricing details.

DaimlerChrysler recently chose AT&T Wireless to be its development partner and wireless provider for the company's new comprehensive telematics strategy. In addition to beginning development of a portal with AT&T Wireless for its customers, DaimlerChrysler said that it expects to introduce its telematics system in Chrysler Group vehicles before the end of 2001.

AT&T Wireless will work closely with DaimlerChrysler as it embarks upon a company-wide strategy that will benefit the Chrysler Group, Mercedes-Benz USA and Freightliner customers.

DaimlerChrysler's new telematics strategy, which will offer voice and data communication tools in their vehicles, represents a consolidation of its wireless needs in North America. It also demonstrates flexibility in order to serve various automotive customer segments, including the luxury, volume production and heavy-duty vehicle segments.

Telematics has been available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for several years. Tele Aid, a combination safety, security and communications system launched in April 1999, can notify police of an emergency, offer roadside assistance, track a stolen vehicle and provide concierge services, among other features. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have also featured hands-free cellular telephones, with voice recognition systems introduced in 1994.

The 2001 Lincoln Navigator recently received the top vehicle satisfaction award in both the SUV and Total Truck categories from AutoPacific, an automotive marketing and product-consulting firm.

AutoPacific obtains the vehicle satisfaction scores by calculating the results from a questionnaire that is distributed to customers who purchase their new model year vehicles between September and November. The scores are based on overall product quality, vehicle satisfaction and dealership experience. For 2001 model year vehicles, more than 34,000 new car and light truck owners were surveyed, with the Lincoln Navigator topping 79 other trucks.

"We are thrilled that our customers have honored Lincoln with this award, but more importantly we are very pleased with the great work our dealers are doing in terms of customer satisfaction," says Lisa Bacus, Lincoln Navigator brand manager. "Producing a quality vehicle is just the start to satisfying customers. Our goal is to provide consumers with an overall American Luxury experience from the time they walk into a Lincoln dealership to the time they drive away, and this award confirms our commitment."

GMC has confirmed that it will offer a midsize version of the Chevrolet Avalanche within the next couple of model years, according to an article published in The Chicago Tribune.

GMC sources say that even though the new truck will be a midsize version of the full-size Avalanche, it will be "exclusive" because Chevrolet will not offer the smaller counterpart.

Sources have not indicated whether the new SUV will carry the Avalanche nameplate, or be given it's own name.

Look for additional information on the GMC midsize version of the Avalanche in future issues of the ARI Purchasing News.

	Escalade EXT
	Cadillac announced that pricing for its Escalade EXT will be $49,990 MSRP at introduction. Labeled a "Sport Utility Truck", which is a cross between a luxury SUV and a premium pickup truck, the EXT offers the luxuries Cadillac customers expect, with the extended cargo capabilities of a pickup truck.

In its standard configuration, EXT offers a roomy five-passenger cab and a 5'3" long cargo box. Luxury customers requiring more cargo room can easily convert the reconfigurable Midgate – in a few minutes without any tools, extending the bed to a full 8'1". The Midgate folds into the interior of the cab to create a 4' x 8' cargo area to transport large items.

Items are protected by a standard three-piece cargo cover and lockable tailgate. The cargo box also offers protection for items secured inside. The sides of the cargo box, along with the Midgate and tailgate, are constructed of a new PRO-TEC – composite material.

The EXT's rear window is removable to allow for additional cargo space or for added air-circulation. The window is easily stowed on board and works in conjunction with the Midgate.

The 2002 Escalade EXT will share the same powertrain as the AWD Escalade – a high-output LQ9 V8. This high compression engine generates 345 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine links to a new Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The Escalade EXT, which begins production in mid-October, will have limited fleet availability. GM Fleet will review all orders on an individual basis prior to scheduling. A valid end-user GM Fleet Account Number is required.

Ford Motor Company and Navistar International Corporation recently finalized plans to form a joint venture to build medium commercial trucks. The joint venture will also furnish truck and diesel engine service parts to Ford and International and explore other advanced diesel engine opportunities.

The joint venture, named Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC, will initially produce Class 6 and 7 medium commercial trucks that will be marketed independently under the Ford Division brand and Navistar's International brand. The trucks will be produced at Navistar's plant in Escobedo, Mexico. In subsequent years, Blue Diamond plans to expand the range of commercial trucks for both companies.

Jack Allen, newly named general manager of the truck joint venture, said a new common chassis based on International's recently introduced high performance chassis will be used for commercial trucks (rated 18,000 to 33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight). He emphasized that Ford and International will separately determine their customers' needs for cabs, interiors, vocational focus, nomenclature and other brand characteristics.

International-branded trucks will exclusively use International I-6 or V-8 engines. Ford-branded trucks will offer International diesel engines as standard and other industry engines as options.

Prototype production of the Ford truck will begin later this year with full production scheduled for late 2002. International's new high performance medium truck is already in production. Initially the joint venture will produce Class 6 and 7 medium trucks, but plans call for expanding output to include lighter weight Class 3 to 5 commercial trucks (10,001 pounds to 19,500 pounds). The first such vehicle will be a new specialized commercial truck due in 2003.

Delphi Automotive Systems will provide telematics modules for 2003 MY Subaru Outback H6-3.0 models sold in the United States, company officials recently announced.

Delphi will provide Subaru with its OnStar-compatible telematics module that integrates a global positioning satellite receiver, cell phone and digital signal processor. Subaru previously announced an agreement to offer OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and information services to Subaru customers beginning with the 2003 Outback. OnStar will be featured as standard equipment on all 2003 Subaru Outback H6-3.0 sedan and wagon models.

Delphi's telematics modules provide two-way voice and data communications exchanges between the vehicle and the OnStar call center. The module enables the driver to communicate with the call center using hands free operation.

Market studies indicate that 90 percent of all luxury vehicles will have telematics capability by mid-decade, emphasizing the importance of this rapidly growing market.