In designing the all-new E-550, Ford listened to suggestions from customers to learn firsthand what they were looking for in a new commercial vehicle. Ford found that customers were looking for higher gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and payload capability, more wheelbase options, improved maneuverability, both gas and diesel powertrain options, and minimum cost of ownership. The all-new E-550 satisfies all areas.

The E-550 Super Duty Cutaway lends itself to a wide variety of applications – including package delivery, shuttle bus, school bus, RV/Motorhome and ambulance/rescue applications. It presents several optional packages to aid in conversions. An auxiliary air conditioner and heater connector package makes it easy for upfitters to supply climate-controlled air to the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the passenger-side door can be deleted for easy installation of bus-style bi-fold doors or other options.

The E-550 Super Duty is available in five lengths, with wheelbases of 159.5-, 177.5-, 191.5-, 209.5- and 233.5-inches. Customers also can choose between two engine options – the standard 6.8-liter V-10 Triton™ or the optional 7.3-liter Power Stroke™ turbo diesel V-8. The 6.8-liter has sequential fuel injection and delivers 305 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and 420 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm. The 7.3-liter achieves 215 horsepower at 2,600 rpm and 425 foot-pounds of torque at 1,800 rpm. A four-speed electronic overdrive transmission is standard.

The all-new E-550 Super Duty offers the highest GVWR available in a van cutaway (17,500 and 19,000 pounds) which provides for heavier payloads to meet the demands of various commercial applications. Frame and suspension improvements ensure smooth ride & handling characteristics.

Additionally, the E-550 features a 40-degree wheel cut-in design, resulting in a tighter turning diameter and improved maneuverability. The E-550 also offers standard running boards for easier vehicle ingress/egress, optional roof marker lights, standard wheel lip moldings and 19.5-inch wheels.

The E-550 Super Duty Cutaway will be produced on an all-new dedicated assembly line at the Lorain Assembly Plant in Lorain, Ohio. Job #1 is scheduled for January 14, 2002. Although an exact date has not been officially announced, sources say that Ford may begin accepting orders as early as October.

General Motors recently announced that its current plan is to end Oldsmobile production with 2004 models. GM previously announced that Oldsmobile products would continue to be produced and sold until the end of their current product lifecycles, or production would end earlier if market demand fell below economically viable levels. Oldsmobile production has remained unprofitable and, therefore, GM's current planning is to end production with the 2004 models. Here are the current product plans:

• New front grille design
• Restyled hood and trunk lid
• More integrated restyled taillights
• Restyled chrome rear garnish with back-up lights
• New audio design which enhances readability and ease of use
• Emergency inside trunk release
• New rear seat armrest with cupholders and rear seat pass-through
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EDB)
• All-new 16" 5-spoke alloy wheels (now standard on ES)
• LS receives a new bright multi-spoke alloy wheel
• Tan interior is now available with Pendleton Black Pearl exterior

Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced pricing on the completely redesigned, third generation 2002 Altima midsize sedan. The most popular model, the Altima 2.5 S with automatic transmission, features an MSRP of $18,849 - an increase of only $334 over a comparably equipped 2001 Altima GXE Limited Edition model, despite an increase in size, performance, style and features.

Nissan touts the 2002 Altima as the most technologically advanced Nissan midsize sedan ever offered to the U.S. marketplace. In creating the new Altima, Nissan's designers and engineers started from scratch, including use of an all-new platform. The result is a sedan that offers a sophisticated drivetrain and a distinctive exterior design, with increases in all major dimensions. In addition, a new 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine is offered in the Altima line for the first time ever.

Altima's all-new 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine produces 180 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 20 horsepower and 24 lb-ft from the previous generation's 2.4-liter engine. All 4-cylinder-equipped Altimas qualify for Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status. Altima 3.5 SE models offer a new 240-horsepower DOHC 24-valve V6, which is part of the VQ engine series that has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for seven consecutive years.

The revamped model has grown considerably – the wheelbase is 110.2 inches, up 7.1 inches; overall length is 191.5 inches, up 5.7; width is 70.4 inches, up 1.3; and height has increased 2.0 inches to 57.9 inches. The interiors' cabin volume is at 103.2 cubic feet, up 9.2 cubic feet from the previous Altima. All major interior dimensions expand from the previous generation, including front head room and leg room, rear leg room and front and rear hip and shoulder room.

MSRPs for the 2002 Altima range from $16,349 for the base Altima 2.5 model with manual transmission and extend to $23,149 for the luxury Altima 3.5 SE model with automatic transmission.

Nissan is currently accepting orders for the 2002 Altima. Estimated lead-time is approximately 12-16 weeks.

In the previous issue of the Purchasing News (issue # 118 dated September 4, 2001), ARI reported information about 4 new DaimlerChrysler minivan models: Chrysler Voyager eC, Dodge Caravan eC, Chrysler Town & Country eL and Dodge Grand Caravan eL.

Please be advised that we have since received updated DaimlerChrysler Fleet Incentive information, and the new minivans do not offer a National Fleet Incentive. However, the Caravan eC and Voyager eC both have a Fleet Purchase Incentive of $200 and the Grand Caravan eL and Town & Country eL models have a Fleet Purchase Incentive of $305.

As a result of numerous customer requests, Ford Motor Company announced that a five-passenger cloth seating option (code 186) on Taurus SE (920 array) and Taurus SES (930A array) is now available - effective immediately. The option includes a center console with a floor shifter.

Approval is pending for a leather version of the option.

The MSRP price for the new seating configuration is $105.

GM plans to offer an XM Satellite Radio system as a factory installed option in more than 20 of its 2003 cars and light trucks, after introducing it this year in the 2002 Cadillac Seville and Deville models.

In November 2001, GM will become the first auto manufacturer to offer XM Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option on 2002 Cadillac DeVilles and Sevilles. Beginning next fall, the start of the '03 model year, the XM option will expand to more than 20 models throughout the GM lineup. GM says it will announce specific brands and models closer to introduction.

XM Satellite Radio will offer 100 channels of digital-quality sound coast-to-coast including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) and 29 news, sports and talk channels, for $9.99 a month.

The Cadillac Evoq, which debuted in 1999 at the Detroit Auto Show as the "Art and Science" design direction for the luxury automaker, will become reality as the Cadillac "XLR".

The XLR was developed on the next generation of GM's performance car architecture, designed specifically for convertibles. "GM's recently patented performance car body structure is ideal for open air two-seaters," said David Hill, performance cars vehicle line executive. "With advanced steel hydroformed side rails and an aluminum cockpit structure, the XLR will be class leading in structural efficiency, ride quality and agility."

The new luxury roadster, will feature the first application of a higher output 4.6 liter Northstar engine in a rear-wheel-drive chassis layout. Additionally, an electronic five-speed automatic transmission, in a trans-axle configuration, will be standard equipment.

Michelin's revolutionary run-flat PAX System will be featured on the XLR. This system offers significantly enhanced vehicle control, if a driver should encounter a loss of air pressure. "Even if there is a puncture in one or more of the tires, the vehicle remains driveable", said Jay  Spenchian, Cadillac XLR and CTS brand manager.

The 2003 Cadillac XLR will be produced on a dedicated assembly line at General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Production timing is to be announced closer to introduction.

• "SOS" button for emergency services and roadside assistance
• "i" button for route assistance and points-of-interest

• Automatic collision notification
• Occupant-initiated emergency assistance
• Roadside assistance
• Route guidance and points of interest
• Hands-free personal calling and information services through Sprint PCS Voice Command
• Lincoln-branded, portable Motorola Timeport™ integrated hands-free phone system