At the 2002-Model California International Auto Show, Motor Trend gave top honors to the GMC Envoy, naming it the 2002 Sport/Utility of the Year. Motor Trend's editorial staff selected this year's winner after conducting ten rigorous tests on 14 vehicles, including: Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Honda CR-V, Isuzu Axiom, Jeep Liberty, Land Rover Freelander, Mercedes-Benz G500, Mercedes-Benz ML500, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Xterra S/C and the Toyota Highlander.

"No other new or substantially upgraded sport/utility vehicle addresses our criteria and testing as effectively as the new GMC Envoy," said Editor-In-Chief C. Van Tune. "It offers solid powertrain performance, good off-road agility and ability, worthy load and tow capacity, on-highway chassis quietness and smoothness, pleasing handling, high feature content, a livable interior, premium design image, and reasonable value."

To be eligible for Sport/Utility of the Year, a contestant must be new or substantially redesigned, as well as on sale in North America by January 1, 2002. Now in its fourth year, the annual Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year has become an important and prestigious award in the SUV category.

The complete report on the 2002 Sport/Utility of the Year can be found in the December issue of Motor Trend and at www.motortrend.com.

The Docking Station and Pocket Adapter feature hands-free, voice- activated functionality. Once installed, the phone uses the vehicle's audio system speakers by automatically muting music or other audio outputs while a call is in progress. A small microphone is mounted between the vehicle’s sunvisors, reducing background noise. An external antenna helps to improve signal strength and reduces the frequency of interruptions.

The dealer invoice price for the factory-installed Universal Docking Station is $312. The Pocket Adapter, which is sold separately at a cost of $70 and requires the Docking Station, is an aftermarket option. It is available by calling 888-801-2355 or by visiting the following website: https://secure.tpli.com/cellport/order.asp. The adapter and operating instructions are delivered via overnight mail. Fleet customers may order the adapter prior to vehicle delivery, or they may wait until they take delivery of their vehicle.

The Cellport Pocket Adapter is compatible with the following cellular phones:

For the 2003 MY, Toyota will offer a $300 Fleet Incentive on all Corolla models, which reflects a $900 reduction in the Fleet Incentive amount offered on the 2002 model.

To qualify, a fleet account must hold an active Fleet Identification Code Number. Toyota defines a Commercial Fleet as an account maintaining ten or more in-service units.

New for the 2003 Corolla is a "Fleet Only" factory option smokers group, which includes a cigarette lighter and ashtray (use option code UI).

Toyota is currently accepting orders for the 2003 MY Corolla. The lead-time is approximately 16 weeks.

Look for more information on the 2003 Toyota Corolla in future issues of the ARI Purchasing News.

To qualify for the Fleet & Commercial Fall Sales Event – Fleet Out of Stock Incentive, an end-user GM Fleet Account Number (FAN) is required. The customer must take delivery of the vehicle by no later than January 2, 2002.

The $700 incentive is compatible with the National Fleet Purchase Program (STK) or the retail alternative in effect at the time of delivery. Please refer to the ARI Purchasing News "2002 Model Year Fleet Programs" at http://www.arifleet.com for a complete list of 2002 Fleet Incentives.

Locating a unit out of dealer inventory will require assistance from the ARI Stock Purchasing Department. By inquiring within our network of preferred dealers, the Stock Purchasing Department will make every effort to negotiate a competitive price for the acquisition of a new vehicle. Please begin by contacting your Client Support Service Representative for assistance.

	For 2002, the Saab 9-3 SE 5-Door has undergone several changes to standard and optional equipment, including enhancements in comfort, convenience and appearance.

Among the standard equipment improvements are new 16-inch alloy wheels, which give the vehicle a stronger presence and greater stability. Also new for 2002 are redesigned woven textile and leather upholstered seats, as well as newly appointed leather door panels and wood trim on the instrument panel. The seatbacks are embossed to give it a sportier look. In addition, a power driver's seat is now standard, as well as a power sunroof.

Optional equipment includes a new Premium Package, which adds climate control, a 160-watt audio system, power passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, full leather-trimmed seating, sport steering wheel, performance-tuned suspension and a no-charge scheduled maintenance program for 3 years/36,000 miles. Also optional are heated front seats and a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission.

In addition to the 9-3 SE 5-Door, the 2002 Saab 9-3 is available in several other models including the SE Convertible, Viggen Coupe, Viggen 5-Door and Viggen Convertible. All non-convertible models offer a $2,000 National Fleet Incentive. The convertible models offer a $3,000 incentive. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices range from $28,620 (including destination) for the SE 5-Door, to $45,620 for the Viggen Convertible.

Saab vehicles are factory orderable and have an approximate 10-12 week lead-time.

Over 180,000 imported and U.S.-produced vehicles flow through Subaru's port offices every year. They are then accessorized and transported to nearly 600 dealerships throughout the U.S. With the help of Manugistics' solutions, Subaru will be able to become more efficient by optimizing the balance of vehicle supply from port and manufacturing facilities based on customer demand. The solutions also will enable Subaru to improve the outbound movements of accessorized vehicles, using various modes of transportation, to its network of dealers. In addition, Subaru personnel and dealers will be able to access web-based information about vehicle shipment status and delivery timing.

Subaru said that the new system should shorten the order-to-delivery period by at least two or more days.

GM recently announced a new traffic-reporting feature available with OnStar service. In select cities across the country, subscribers can now get real-time traffic reports within a five-mile radius at the touch of a button. The traffic reports include information relating to accidents, congestion, travel delays, construction, weather-related delays and major events.

The new service is available through the OnStar Virtual Advisor, which also allows subscribers to access personalized, internet-based information such as e-mail, stock quotes, sports reports, news, entertainment content and weather conditions. The information is provided through the vehicles' sound system using voice activation in a safe, hands-free manner.

To receive the traffic-reporting service, the user must first have an OnStar Personal Calling enabled vehicle, an existing OnStar service agreement and prepaid Calling minutes. For more information about GM's OnStar service and availability, please visit the OnStar web site at http://www.onstar.com.

Acura recently announced that the MDX SUV would have an introductory price of $34,700 MSRP. The 2002 pricing represents a $330 increase compared to the previous model year.

Introduced in the 2001 model year, the MDX is available with only two factory options: a Touring Package for $2,600 MSRP and a Satellite-Linked Navigation System for $2,000 MSRP.

MDX features a 3.5L 240-hp. V-6 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission, Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive and three rows of seats. New for the 2002 model year are redesigned "diffuser" outside mirrors and thicker windshield glass, both of which help to reduce wind noise. Also new for 2002 are an intermittent rear windshield wiper and the LATCH child seat restraint system.

Other standard features include:

•       17" alloy wheels with all-season, high performance tires
•       4-wheel disc Anti-Lock Braking System
•       Seven-passenger seating
•       Synchronized automatic climate control system
•       Leather trimmed seating (1^st & 2^nd row)
•       Power moonroof
•       Heated front seats
•       8-way power driver's seat
•       Trip computer
•       Premium sounds system with in-dash CD changer
•       Remote keyless entry with anti-theft engine immobilizer

On display at the Tokyo Motor Show this year is a new concept vehicle that is sure to attract plenty of attention from show-goers. The "POD" car, which was designed by Toyota Motor Corporation and Sony, has the ability to display emotional responses and learn from driver experiences. 

The cars' personal charm begins with headlights that are positioned to look like eyes, side-mirrors which resemble ears and a tail-like, wagging rear antenna. U-shaped grooves on the hood light up to express moods by displaying multiple colors such as happy orange-yellow when the driver approaches and angry red when the driver swerves sharply or brakes too hard. If a tire is punctured or if the car runs out of fuel, it lights up blue and produces "tears".

The POD memorizes pre-recorded data of an expert driver and compares it with the current drivers' style, displaying words of praise or warning on a monitor. It can tell when the driver is in a hurry by measuring the degree of acceleration, as well as by monitoring the pulse and perspiration of the driver. If it senses anxiousness, it will display a warning and try to calm the driver down by playing soothing music or by blowing cold air. It will even take a photo when it detects a pleasant conversation.

When a driver approaches, the door automatically opens; the seat swivels for easy entry and the seat height adjusts itself. When the engine is turned off the car lowers and bids the driver farewell.

Toyota POD Concept Car