On October 9, 2001, the EPA released the 27^th annual Miles Per Gallon Estimates for 2002 model year passenger vehicles.

The fuel economy estimates are determined by averaging numbers gathered through tests conducted by the manufacturers and verified by the EPA. Vehicles are tested in a controlled setting, and the results are adjusted to reflect actual driving conditions. All vehicles are tested using the same method so consumers can compare the results when choosing a vehicle type or class.

According to the EPA, choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle in a given class or segment can save the operator more than $1,500 in fuel costs over the vehicles lifetime.

To view the 2002 Model Year Fuel Economy guide, please go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/FEG2000.htm.

On October 4, 2001 Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the 2002 Sentra SE-R sports sedan. The SE-R makes its return to the Nissan Lineup with two models - SE-R and the ultimate-performance SE-R Spec V.

The all-new SE-R with manual transmission has a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,999. The SE-R with automatic transmission has a MSRP of $16,799 while the performance-based SE-R Spec V with 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential starts at $16,999. The destination and handling charge for all models is $540.

An all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powers both versions of the SE-R. The engine produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in the SE-R Spec V model and 165 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque in the SE-R, up 35/25 horsepower and 48/43 lb-ft of torque from the previous generation SE-R.

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 lights have been added. The side view shows the body-color side sill extensions and large wheels and tires - 16-inch on SE-R and 17-inch on SE-R Spec V models. A rear spoiler and large chrome exhaust give it a sporty appearance.

Options include a Sunroof Package, Side-Impact Air Bags, ABS, Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer and the Audio Fanatic Package, which includes 9-Speaker 300-Watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system.

The 2002 Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V have limited fleet availability. The order-to-delivery period is approximately 90-120 days. There is a $500 fleet incentive available for all eligible fleet accounts.

The 2002 Sentra SE-R

Effective October 1, 2001, base prices have increased on most 2002 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models.

The MSRP increase amounts range between $30 and $205; beginning with the Focus, which received an increase of $30 and extending to the F-Super Duty models, which were increased by $205. The fleet-popular Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable prices have increased by $115.

Orders received by Ford prior to October 1, 2001 will be price protected.

Destination charges have not increased.

Chevrolet will offer a TrailBlazer EXT model in the spring of 2002 that is spacious enough to seat seven people comfortably with room for cargo.

A third-row seat, which can accommodate two passengers, has a full foot well. The second-row 65/35 split seat folds and flips forward on both sides for easy access. All seven seats have lap-shoulder seat belts.

The TrailBlazer EXT interior is also spacious enough to allow more than 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat. Cargo space is especially accommodating when the second and third row of seats are folded flat to provide 100.2 cubic feet of storage space. It also provides a cargo shelf with three positions behind the third seat. The shelf is easily accessible when the rear hatch is opened. Items can be hung from the shelf's hooks when it is set at its vertical position. The first position is for a flat load floor, and the third position can be used to conceal items beneath the shelf.

TrailBlazer EXT is available in LT trim, whereas the standard TrailBlazer is available in a choice of three trim levels: LS, LT or LTZ. Both models are available in two- or four-wheel drive models.

All TrailBlazers are powered by an all-new Vortec 4200 inline-six cylinder engine, and offers the power of a V8 with the fuel efficiency of a six-cylinder engine. It delivers 270 hp with 275 lb-ft of torque. TrailBlazer's next-generation four-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E) is standard, and is expected to receive high praise for its smoothness, quietness and flat torque curve. TrailBlazer can tow as much as 6,400 pounds; TrailBlazer EXT can tow as much as 6,000 pounds (2WD).

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT will be produced at General Motors' final assembly facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma starting this winter; production will begin at GM's Moraine, Ohio facility next summer.

The 2001 Pontiac Aztek

GM recently announced that the Pontiac Aztek would enter the 2002 model year with a new look, more standard features and lower Manufacturer's Retail Prices (MSRP) for both models.

The Aztek will sport a new monotone exterior, a new rear spoiler and larger wheels and tires. Pricing will start at $19,995 MSRP for the front-wheel drive model and $22,995 for the Versatrak all-wheel drive. The destination charge for both models will be $550.

GM reduced starting prices of the 2002 Aztek by as much as 6.8 percent from the 2001 MY. The front-wheel drive model pricing will be down $1,450 and the all-wheel drive version is reduced by $965.

Aztek owners helped to rank the sport recreation vehicle the "most appealing" entry SUV, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

Based on responses from more than 110,000 new-vehicle owners, Aztek scored highest or second highest in almost every APEAL study category. Owners of the Pontiac Aztek gave high praise to the SUV's powertrain, sound system and interior comfort features, which are three important APEAL categories.

"Aztek was designed to be a life-style support vehicle, and being named the most appealing entry SUV really validates our belief in the personality and the capabilities of this vehicle", said Jim Vurpillat, Pontiac Aztek Brand Manager. "Pontiac owners are passionate about their vehicles. It is wonderful to see the level of excitement and satisfaction they get from their Azteks".

According to GM, Aztek owners are a unique group, made up of individuals from various age groups and lifestyles. Despite the diversity of their interests and activities, Aztek owners seem to share a common feeling of enthusiasm for their vehicles.

The Chrysler Group recently announced the addition of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee model – the Laredo Sport. The new model is strategically placed in the Upper Middle Sport-Utility segment where Jeep Grand Cherokee competes.

Standard on the 4.0-liter Power Tech I-6 Laredo Sport models are premium features including leather seats, an Infinity® sound system and 16-inch wheels.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a two-wheel drive Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport is $26,025, including $600 destination. The MSRP for a four-wheel drive model is $27,995, including destination.

After successfully launching the all-new Jeep Liberty with a starting price under $20,000, the Chrysler Group announced a new pricing strategy for its 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler models. The company reduced Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing $2,000 across the board, while making the 4.0-liter Wrangler more affordable with the all-new Jeep Wrangler X model.

Orders for the new Laredo Sport are now being accepted. The Grand Cherokee Fleet Incentive of $1,000 is not available on the new model, however, the Fleet Purchase Incentive ($260 for the 2WD and $295 for the 4WD) does apply.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the latest ratings of head restraints in over 200 passenger vehicles indicate that these devises are improving. Twenty-nine percent of the 2001 models tested have head restraints rated "good", and twenty-four percent have "acceptable" head restraints.  This is the first time that more than half of all new passenger vehicles offer restraints rated good or acceptable by the IIHS.

The IIHS rates most head restraint designs as either "good", "acceptable", "marginal", or "poor" based on how a restraint meets height and backset requirements for an average-size male. The IIHS says that the top of the head restraint should be at least as high as the top of an occupant's ears. The backset, or distance between the back of the occupant's head and the front of the head restraint, should be as little as possible.

Head restraints that meet positioning requirements can reduce the risk of neck injury in rear-end collisions. The IIHS estimates more than 800,000 people get whiplash every year and related costs total $7 billion. The agency estimates that proper head restraints could eliminate more than 14,000 injuries per year.

For a list of head restraint ratings for 2001 MY passenger cars, SUV's and pickup trucks, please visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety web site at: http://www.highwaysafety.org/news_releases/2001/pr100401_list.htm .

The Chrysler Crossfire world debut, January 9, 2001

The Chrysler Group recently announced that it would build a production version of the Chrysler Crossfire concept vehicle in 2003 in conjunction with Karmann, a long-time DaimlerChrysler partner with nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience.

Founded in 1901, Karmann is one of the world's leading full-service suppliers to the automotive industry. The company is based in northern Germany where it builds approximately 100,000 vehicles every year. It is best known for building quality limited production vehicles.

The Crossfire was voted one of show-goers' favorite concept cars on this year's auto show circuit. The Chrysler Group, working closely with Karmann, said it would make sure the production version captures the emotion and character of the concept vehicle.

Chrysler will announce more news about the production version of the Crossfire at the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show next January.

Saturn plans to re-energize the entry-level segment with ION, the company's upcoming small cars to debut in the fourth quarter of 2002. Designated as a 2003 model, the all-new ION sedan will hit the market first, closely followed by an innovative coupe.

"We're excited about adding the ION sedan and coupe to our vehicle lineup, and we believe they will play an important part in the growth of Saturn," said Jill Lajdziak, vice president of Saturn sales, service and marketing."The ION name supports the idea of innovative thinking, consistent with the Saturn brand."

Along with the Saturn VUE compact sport-utility vehicle, the ION models will bring enhanced personalization and customer-friendly features to the small-car segment, including a larger exterior, more interior room, a new powertrain, and enhanced ride and handling.