On December 17, GM announced pricing for the all-new 2002 Envoy XL and the 2002 Trailblazer EXT (extended wheelbase) models. Both new models will be launched in the spring of 2002.

The Envoy XL features 7-passenger seating, which includes a third row seat, along with 100.2 cubic feet of cargo space. In addition, the new model is 16-inches longer and 3 inches taller than its 5-passenger counterpart.

Pricing for the Envoy XL will start at $31,595 MSRP for the base 2WD SLE model and $36,595 for the uplevel 4WD SLT. Prices include a $600 destination charge.

2002 Envoy XL Third Row Seat	2002 Envoy XL

			For the TrailBlazer EXT, standard equipment includes a third row seat, which seats seven adults comfortably, and also features over 100 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third row seats are folded flat.
	2002 TrailBlazer EXT

The Trailblazer EXT LT trim-level features rear climate vents and controls; power rear quarter windows; and 17-inch wheels and tires. Two available option packages include an LT Leather Package (premium leather seats, 8-way power seats, driver information center, automatic climate control and rear seat radio controls) and an LT Enhancement Package (LT Leather Package, memory driver's seat, memory OSRV mirrors, OSRV mirror turn signal diplays, RainSense wipers and body-color side moldings and door handles).

MSRP for the Trailblazer EXT starts at $31,385 for the 2WD model and $33,610 for the 4WD (includes a $600 destination charge).

Look for additional information, including ordering and production timing, in upcoming issues of the Purchasing News.

2002 TrailBlazer EXT interior

Lexus recently announced that it will debut an all-new GX 470 SUV at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, January 12-26.

Positioned between the car-based RX 300 and the high-end LX 470, the V8-powered, mid-size GX 470 will feature the same full-time four-wheel drive system as the premium LX 470, a 4.7-liter V8 engine, and rear adaptive height controls. These features, coupled with numerous luxury amenities, will provide Lexus GX 470 customers with an ideal mix of business and pleasure.

The all-new GX 470 SUV will go on sale in January 2003. Further details about the vehicle will be announced at the NAIAS Lexus press conference on Sunday, January 6, 2002.

2002 Ford Explorer

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2002 Ford Explorer a "Best Pick" for its performance in frontal offset crash tests.

The Institute delayed testing for the Explorer because structural modifications, which were intended to improve the offset crash test performance, were added after the model was introduced this year. "By the results of our recent test, the changes were successful. The Explorer's structure held together very well," said Brian O'Neill, IIHS president.

The last Explorer to be tested by IIHS was a 1996 model, which was rated "acceptable". This year, the vehicle earned a "good" rating along with 5 other models: Mercury Mountaineer, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 and Mitsubishi Montera Sport. Of the SUV's rated "good", the Acura MDX and Explorer/ Mountaineer were the only models to earn the IIHS "Best Pick" designation.

Crashworthiness evaluations are primarily based on the Institutes' results of the frontal crash test at 40 mph. Each vehicles' overall evaluation is based on three aspects of performance, including: amount of occupant compartment intrusion, crash-test dummy "injuries", and a slow motion film analysis of the restraint system controlling the dummy's movement during the test.

GM recently announced an incentive program for all 2002 model year Express and Savana Cargo vans ordered with upfitter option (YF7). These vans are now eligible for a $1,250 fleet incentive if they are modified as a 10 to 15 passenger shuttle bus with center aisles. The units are only eligible for the incentive if they are purchased out of stock or from a bailment pool.

Please contact your ARI Client Support Services Representative for assistance.

When winter hits and the roads turn treacherous, the Ford Focus AdvanceTrac™ system helps to keep drivers in control. Using technologies developed for spacecraft, the Focus is the only vehicle in its class to offer AdvanceTrac™, an interactive vehicle dynamics system that uses sensors to determine if the vehicle is following the driver's intended path. If the vehicle strays, the system determines corrective actions and works with the cars' ABS and Traction Control System to intervene, helping to enhance stability and control. The system monitors the vehicles' actions every seven milliseconds, or once every four inches of road traveled at 30 mph.

The AdvanceTrac system provides more vehicle stability when drivers encounter snowy roads or emergency situations.

For example, if the system detects that the car is about to fishtail (oversteer), the system applies a braking impulse to the outside front wheel to help to stabilize the car. Or, if the system detects the front of the car is drifting to the outside of a turn (understeer), it applies a similar braking impulse to the inside rear wheel, bringing the vehicle back on the driver's intended course.

AdvanceTrac™ uses aerospace technology to provide a highly sensitive yaw-rate sensor. These sensors, originally developed for navigational gyrocompasses and rocket stabilization systems, detect any subtle rotations by a property known as the "Coriolis Force".

"If it seems extremely complicated and technical, it is," said Susan Cischke, Ford vice president of Environmental and Safety Engineering. "But the bottom line is that this helps our customers get from point-A to point-B safely. That's our goal."

The ABS with AdvanceTrac™ system (option code 47D) is available on the Focus ZX3 3-Door Power Premium model (array 120A), the ZX5 5-Door (600A), the ZTS Sedan (500A) and the ZTW Wagon (420A). MSRP is $1,625.

Mazda Motor Corporation has developed an injection molding process that uses a new high-strength plastic to manufacture parts that are stronger, lighter and less expensive to produce.

The Japanese model Atenza/Mazda 6, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor show, uses the new fiber reinforced polypropylene material on the front end and door module carriers. This results in dramatic weight savings, which contributes to improved fuel economy.

Mazda says it plans to use this new technology to develop common integrated functionality modules for use in new models, and apply modifications to existing models by using a new generation of platforms.

Before ABS, drivers were taught to rapidly "pump the brakes," allowing some degree of steering while the brake pedal is released, at the expense of a longer braking distance. Pumping is counterproductive on today's ABS systems, and drivers need to change their braking technique to take full advantage of ABS technology.

Anti-lock braking systems help prevent brake-induced wheel "lock-up" when braking aggressively or on slippery surfaces. When a driver of an ABS-equipped car applies the brakes firmly enough to lock a wheel, the system automatically regulates the brake pressure for maximum stopping power without wheel lock-up. While this may result in a shorter stopping distance than pumping the brakes, the main advantage is control: because a locked wheel slides – rather than rotates – along the road surface, it cannot transmit steering forces. The ABS system lets the driver steer while simultaneously braking hard, and although it can't beat the laws of physics, it helps most drivers maintain control of the vehicle.

Do's. . .

• Keep Your Foot on the Brake
  Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake pedal to allow ABS to work properly. Avoid pumping the brake, even if the brake pedal is pulsating. In vehicles that are equipped with only rear-wheel anti-lock brakes, however, (certain pickup trucks and sport-utilities) the front wheels can still lock up. If that happens, the driver should ease up on the brake pedal just enough to allow the front wheels to roll again so he or she can steer.
• Allow Enough Distance to Stop
  Follow two seconds or more behind vehicles when driving in good conditions. Allow more time if conditions are hazardous.
• Practice Driving with ABS
  Become accustomed to pulsations that occur in the brake pedal when ABS is activated. Empty parking lots or other open areas are excellent places to practice emergency stops.
• Consult the Vehicle's Owner's Guide
  Your owner's guide offers additional driving instructions and information about the anti-lock braking system.

don'ts. . .

• Don't Drive an ABS-Equipped Vehicle More Aggressively
  Driving around curves faster, changing lanes abruptly, or performing other aggressive maneuvers is neither appropriate nor safe with any vehicle.
• Don't Pump the Brakes
  ABS modulates the brakes for you automatically at a much faster rate, allowing better steering control and a quicker stop than if the driver "pumps" the brakes.
• Don't Forget to Steer
  Four-wheel ABS enables drivers to steer in emergency braking situations, but the system itself does not steer.
• Don't Be Alarmed by Mechanical Noises and/or Slight Pedal Pulsations
  While applying the brake in an ABS-equipped vehicle, the pedal may pulse with an accompanying crunching noise. These sensations are normal and let the driver know that ABS is working.