ARI is beginning to receive miscellaneous 2002 Model Year Fleet build-out information. Please note that all Final Order Due Dates are manufacturer estimates and are subject to change. Orders should be submitted to ARI at least 3 business days prior to the Final Order Due Date.

* The estimated Final Order Due Date for the 2002 Grand Marquis was previously 1/25/02, however, order acceptance ended abruptly on 1/7/02.

** Per Ford Fleet, order banks for the 2002 F650/750 may be extended beyond 1/18/02.

For the base model, MSRP starts at $16,340. The AWD model has a base MSRP of $19,540 and the Vibe GT starts at $19,340 MSRP. All models have an additional destination and handling charge of $560.

For more information about the 2003 Pontiac Vibe, please visit the ARI Fleet Library at http://www.arifleet.com and select Purchasing News issue # 124 dated November 26, 2001.

2003 Pontiac Vibe

2003 Corolla LE	2003 Corolla LE Instrument Panel

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., recently announced MSRP for the all-new, ninth-generation Corolla compact sedan during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show.

Visually and functionally, the new Corolla is unlike previous generations. It is longer, taller and wider. The styling is more muscular, more athletic and more upscale. Powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder twin-cam engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i), Corolla produces 130 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, an improvement of five horsepower over the previous generation. In addition to more power, the ride quality is both firmer and more comfortable. The front suspension is equipped with MacPherson struts while the rear is equipped with torsion beams, improving road feel.

Corollas equipped with a five-speed manual transmission will deliver a city/highway preliminary EPA-estimate of 32/40 mpg. Corollas equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission will produce 30/38 mpg.

The 2003 Corolla is available in three models: the value-driven CE, the upscale LE, and the sporty S model. Value is improved in all three through increased standard equipment at minimal cost increase. An assortment of traditionally optional equipment is now standard on all Corolla models.

Standard equipment on the CE includes: power mirrors, air conditioning with air filter, AM/FM/CD, tilt steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat, body side molding, color-keyed outside door handles, outside temperature gauge, P185/65R15 tires with full wheel covers, intermittent wipers, trunk lamp, dome light with delay, center console box, remote trunk, hood and fuel filler release, daytime running lights and digital clock.

The MSRP for the CE with an automatic transmission is $14,170, which is $1,550, or 11.9 percent, less than last year's model on a comparably equipped basis.

The standard features on the LE model include power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, color-keyed power mirrors, color-keyed body side molding, P195/65R15 tires with full wheel covers, silhouette speedometer, wood-like center instrument panel, variable intermittent wipers, seat height adjuster, center console box with tray and map lamps. For the first time, Corolla will be offered with an optional leather interior on the LE model.

The MSRP for the LE equipped with an automatic transmission is $15,480, which is $1,050, or 7.4 percent less than last years'comparably equipped model.

The Corolla S grade delivers a sporty look and feel, and includes smoked headlamps, front and rear underbody spoiler, side rocker panels, fog lights, P195/65R15 tires with full wheel covers, silhouette sport speedometer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport-leather-wrapped shifter, six-piece chrome accents and sport tachometer. The S interior is available exclusively in a unique charcoal fabric.

For a Corolla S with an automatic transmission, the MSRP is $15,315, and is $850, or 6.2 percent, less than last year, on a comparably equipped basis.

Corolla production will be shared between Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada, in Cambridge, Ontario, and New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in Fremont, Calif.

U-Connect uses Bluetooth technology, a short-range wireless technology that enables different devices to connect to each other without cables or wires. Customers will be able to use their current carrier and telephone number; or sign up for enhanced services with AT&T Wireless. The system also allows for use of multiple phones within the vehicles' system.

Look for more details about DaimlerChrysler's U-Connect communication system and its service options in future issues of the ARI Purchasing News.

The following OnStar packages will be offered to new subscribers or current subscribers at the time of renewal:

R8 Fleet Regular Production Options (1)

(1) Vehicles newly equipped with these options before MY 2003 will not be subject to new pricing and packaging. After MY 2003, vehicles with these plans would

The G35, which is set to arrive in dealer showrooms in mid-March, has a base MSRP of $27,100. A model equipped with leather seats, 8-way power driver's seat, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel audio controls will start at $28,950 MSRP.

The 2003 G35 offers a standard 3.5L V6 engine with 260-hp, a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Optional packages on G35 include the Premium Package and the Sport-Tuned Package. Additional options include a Navigation Package, Sunroof, Bose Audio System, Wood Package and Winter Package.

For more information on the G35 and the complete line of Infiniti luxury vehicles, please visit Infiniti on the web at http://www.infiniti.com.

2003 Infiniti G35

The Mazda6 sedan

A new model that Mazda says “will set a global benchmark in the midsize package” was recently unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Mazda’s newest addition to its lineup, the Mazda6 sedan, received overwhelming praise when it was first unveiled at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show.

Built on an all-new platform and newly designed suspension, the Mazda6 is powered by an I4 2.3L DOHC S-VT engine and a manual transmission. Available is a higher performance aluminum 3.0L V6 218-hp engine with an optional 5-speed automatic transmission, exclusive for the North American market. Although the V6 engine offers higher output, it meets the ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standard for the U.S.

Mazda hopes that newly developed curtain air bags and the “triple H” rigid body structure designed to manage collision energy will help the Mazda6 achieve high ratings in crash safety tests.

The Mazda6 sedan is set to go into production in Flat Rock, Michigan this fall and will be available in the U.S. in early 2003.

The Baja was inspired by the Subaru ST-X concept and shares its key to versatility with the Subaru-designed Switchback™™ system, which provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area and cargo bed. The expandable cargo area is designed to handle an assortment of equipment of various shapes and sizes. An optional extension accessory will allow the bed to be lengthened to nearly 7.5 feet.

Like the ST-X concept, the Baja is configured as a four-passenger vehicle. The rear seating area comes with a console box with cupholders integrated into the seat bottom. Other standard features include leather-trimmed upholstery, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, 6-way power driver's seat, cruise/tilt, remote keyless entry, roof rails and cross bars, and a power moonroof.

The Baja builds on the content level of the Outback model, adding luxury amenities including silver metallic-finished interior accents. It shares Outbacks' enlarged front fenders, large foldable body-colored mirrors and integrated foglights. Exclusive Baja design elements include the grill and Silver Stone lower body and tailgate cladding. Subaru will also offer a Silver Stone monochromatic model with matching body and bumper color.

The Baja delivers many of the practical attributes of a four-door pickup but, due to its practical size and low center of gravity, it offers the responsive handling, maneuverability and comfort of a sedan or wagon. With four-wheel independent suspension and a viscous limited slip differential, the AWD Baja provides a smooth ride on the road while permitting confident off-road driving. A 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine that produces 165 hp at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,000-rpm powers it.

To learn more about the 2003 Subaru Baja, please visit http://www.subarubaja.com.

2003 Subaru Baja

2002 Nissan Altima "North American Car of the Year"

On January 6, 2002 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the 2002 Nissan Altima was named "North American Car of the Year".

"The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry – it's a tremendous honor for Altima," said Jed Connelly, Nissan Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing.

The award is given to the vehicle that receives the most votes from a committee of 50 top automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada.  It is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all new and significantly redesigned vehicles. The committee judges vehicles based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driving satisfaction and value.