DaimlerChrysler has released the Fleet order cutoff dates for all 2002 model year vehicles. The final order due dates have been established based on anticipated demand; however, it is possible that actual orders can exceed production capacity. Orders may also be accepted on a "will try" basis after the cutoff dates, depending on production availability.

To ensure consideration for production, ARI recommends that orders be placed well in advance of the final order due date or, at the latest, three business days prior to the due date. 

The DaimlerChrysler Fleet order cutoff dates are as follows:

Ford has made several enhancements to the 2002 Explorer 4-DR, Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac as part of its mid-year Explorer changeover plan. The changes outlined below, including pricing actions, are effective January 28, 2001.

2002 Explorer 4-DR Mid-Model Year Enhancements

• Standard Personal Safety System™, which includes dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags with crash severity sensor; driver's seat position sensor; safety belt pretensioners; and load limiting retractors is now available (see related article about the Personal Safety System™ in this issue of the Purchasing News)
• Low-back bucket seats with adjustable head restraints are now standard on XLS and XLT. Additionally, the fabric style is enhanced to provide a two-tone appearance for standard cloth seating on XLT
• Black leather wrapped steering wheel, electrochromic rearview mirror and fog lamps are now standard on XLT
• Color-keyed running boards are now standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited
• Optional Safety Canopy™ System (21E), which includes side curtain airbags and rollover protection sensors, is now available
• Optional AdvanceTrac™ enhanced stability control system (61V). This system is only available on vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals and the optional V8 engine
• Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (85S) is available with XLT Sport Group
• 7-to-4 pin adapter added to the optional Trailer Tow Prep. Package (53G)
• Four new exterior colors will be available:
  • Aspen Green CC Metallic (P5) replaces Dark Highland Green CC Metallic (PX)
  • True Blue CC Metallic (L2) replaces Deep Wedgewood Blue CC Metallic (LL)
  • Silver Birch CC Metallic (JP) replaces Silver Frost CC Metallic (TS)
  • Silver Birch replaces Silver Frost as accent color with White Pearl Tri-Coat CC Metallic (WF) on Limited
  • Midnight Black Interior has been renamed Midnight Grey on Limited
• Tire brand will no longer be included on invoices or window labels

Mid-year pricing actions are as follows:

• XLS base price increases by $100 MSRP
• XLT base price increases by $440 MSRP
• Eddie Bauer base price increases by $350 MSRP
• Limited base price increases by $350 MSRP
• XLT CDX6 option decreases by $105 MSRP

2002 Explorer XLT Sport (47E)

The optional XLT Sport Group offers an appearance enhancement opportunity for XLT orders. The option is priced at $900 MSRP.

• The XLT Sport Group is available in seven exterior colors and includes:
  • Platinum gloss cladding and wheel lip moldings
  • Platinum two-tone glass front and rear bumpers
  • Platinum gloss step bars
  • 17" machined aluminum wheels
  • P245/65R17 All-Terrain OWL tires

2002 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac Mid-Model Year Enhancements

• An automatic transmission is now optional on Value 4x2 and Value 4x4 arrays
• The following features have been added to the Comfort Group (60A): Autolamp and electrochromic rearview mirror. Comfort Group pricing has increased from $935 to $1,095 MSRP
• Four new exterior colors have been added to the Sport and Sport Trac, while one color has been dropped:
  • Zinc Yellow CC Metallic (B7)
  • Aspen Green CC Metallic (B5)
  • True Blue CC Metallic (L2) replaces Deep Wedgewood Blue CC Metallic (LL)
  • Silver Birch CC Metallic (JP) replaces Silver Frost CC Metallic (TS)
  • Island Blue CC Metallic (R1) has been dropped
• The Sport now includes a newly designed, integrated rear window wiper (wiper on glass)

Mid-year pricing actions for the Explorer Sport are as follows:

• 4x2 Value model w/automatic is $22,265 MSRP
• 4x4 Value model w/automatic is $25,285 MSRP
• Increase Premium model by $145 MSRP
• Increase Comfort Group by $155 MSRP

• 4x2 Value model w/automatic is $23,165 MSRP
• 4x2 Value model w/automatic is $25,935
• Increase Premium model by $145 MSRP
• Increase Comfort Group by $155 MSRP
• Add Pioneer 485-watt w/subwoofer at $1,295 MSRP

2002 Pioneer Edition Explorer Sport Trac (47D)

• The Pioneer Edition is available in three exterior colors and includes:
  • 485-watt peak power Pioneer premium audio system with nine speakers, including an 8" subwoofer
  • Pioneer dual media audio with single in-dash CD/cassette and neon backlighting
  • 16" 5-spoke "Thumbprint" aluminum wheels
  • "Pioneer" rear window deflector
  • Requires Convenience Group (553) and Premium Sport Group (47P)
  • Available on Choice and Premium arrays

Saturn recently published tentative 2002 Fleet order cutoff and 2003 startup dates. All dates are subject to change due to order volume and production capacity limitations.

Notes:
* 2003 ION Fleet availability not determined
** 2003 VUE Fleet availability tentatively scheduled for 4^th quarter 2002

Ford recently announced preliminary pricing for its all-new E-550 Super Duty Cutaway, which was first introduced last September. Official price schedules will be available in late February. Until that time please use the following pricing information as a guideline:

* For all other options use E-350/450 Super Duty Cutaway option pricing. Please refer to the E-550 Super Duty Cutaway order guide for optional availability.

To learn more about the Ford E-550 Super Duty Cutaway visit the "Fleet Library" at http://www.arifleet.com and select Purchasing News issue #119 dated September 17, 2001.

For a limited time, DaimlerChrysler Fleet Operations is offering a 7 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty to all qualified Fleet customers.

All 2002 Model Year vehicles factory ordered between 01/01/02 – 03/31/02 are eligible, except those purchased under Federal, State, Local or Utility Bid Programs. The offering is compatible with the Fleet Purchase Program.

This Powertrain Limited Warranty will pay the total cost of parts and labor, less a $100 deductible per visit. It covers mechanical failures caused by defects in materials or workmanship of a covered component for 7 years after the factory warranty start date or until the vehicle odometer reaches 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Covered Components:

• Gasoline Engine (cylinder block & internal parts, cylinder head assemblies, gears & sprockets, oil pump, water pump, valve covers, oil pan, fuel injectors, etc.)
• Diesel Engine (cylinder block & all internal parts, cylinder head assemblies, fuel injection pump, oil pump, water pump, valve covers, etc.)
• Transmission (transmission case & internal parts, torque converter, control module, bell housing, oil pan, seals & gaskets)
• Front Wheel Drive (transaxle case & internal parts, axle shaft assemblies, joints & boots, transaxle electronic controller, etc.)
• Rear Wheel Drive (rear axle housing & internal parts, axle shaft & bearings, drive shaft assemblies & bearings, universal joints & yoke, seals & gaskets)
• Four Wheel Drive (transfer case & internal parts, axle housing & internal parts, axle shafts & bearings, drive shafts assemblies, seals & gaskets)
• All Wheel Drive (power transfer unit & internal parts, viscous coupler, axle housing & internal parts, joints & boots, drive shaft & axle shaft assemblies, etc)

A study of Ford's advanced restraint system, called the Personal Safety System^™, shows it is already leading to enhanced passenger protection in frontal crashes.

A detailed case study of more than 50 accidents involving the Personal Safety System™ on 2000 model year Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans is being conducted in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Preliminary results from this safety research study, as reported by NHTSA, are very encouraging and demonstrate the occupant protection benefits offered by the Personal Safety System.

One of the goals of the system is to significantly reduce the number of air bag deployments during lower-severity frontal crashes. For frontal impacts in which the safety belt provides the appropriate level of restraint, this helps to reduce the potential for air bag-related injuries. Preliminary findings from the NHTSA research study indicate that this goal is being achieved.

The Personal Safety System™ combines more than a dozen technologies. Sensors collect information to determine the proximity of a driver to the steering wheel, whether the driver and right front seat passenger are wearing safety belts, and how severe an accident is.

"The government estimates that air bags save over 1,000 lives each year," said Susan M. Cischke, Fords' vice president of Environmental and Safety Engineering. "Our goal at Ford is to keep enhancing the systems in our vehicles so air bags are used only when they truly provide added protection."

Ford Windstar minivans coming off the line today are equipped with the newest feature of the Personal Safety System^™. Occupant Classification Sensing detects if the passenger seat is empty and then turns off the passenger air bag. In part, seat weight sensing technology is designed to help prevent air bag induced injuries that can result when people place their children in the passenger seat contrary to proper child-seating recommendations. Small children should always be seated in proper supplemental safety seats in the rear seats even with this system.

Ford is also planning for the future by developing a next generation system that will recognize and adapt to the "size" of front-seat passengers. The company is working on further technical advancements designed to distinguish between a child, small adult or teenager, average adult or large adult – and to deploy advanced restraints accordingly.

The first generation of the Personal Safety System is currently available on the Taurus, Crown Victoria, Sable and Grand Marquis. The second-generation system with Occupant Classification Sensing is available on the Ford Windstar and the Lincoln Town Car. It also recently became standard on the 2002 Explorer 4-DR as part of the models' mid-year equipment changeover plan (see related Explorer article). The system will eventually be available on all Ford Motor Company cars, trucks and SUVs.

Lexus GX 470	Lexus GX 470 interior

Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, recently added a third luxury sport-utility vehicle to its lineup - the GX 470. The new model will be positioned between the brand's car-based RX 300 and the luxury LX 470 SUV. Based on an all-new SUV platform, the GX 470 will combine the amenities of a Lexus sedan plus full-time four-wheel drive, high-tech suspension for responsive handling, a smooth ride and the company's latest safety technology.

Standard luxury features include automatic climate control; leather seating and trim; premium audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer; steering wheel audio controls; memory system for the front seats, steering wheel position and outside mirrors; and an overhead console with integrated HomeLink transmitter.

The GX 470 will offer eight-passenger seating when the optional rear seat is ordered. Additional options include rear air conditioning; factory-installed DVD rear entertainment system with a high-resolution TFT screen (similar to a high-quality laptop computer); a Mark Levinson high-end audio system; heated seats; power sunroof; wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob; and DVD-based Lexus Navigation System.

The GX 470 will share the double overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 engine and full-time four-wheel drive system with the larger LX 470 model. Ride and handling features include anti-lock brakes, Active TRAC (traction control), Brake Assist, Vehicle Skid Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution. A new Downhill Assist Control system will provide additional control for off-road driving on steep descents.

The V-8 engine produces 235 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (preliminary figures). Using body-on-frame construction, the model offers an optional 6,500-lb. towing package. It also meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification.

Dimensionally, the GX 470 is slightly smaller than the LX 470. Its 109.8-inch wheelbase and 188.2-inch length are 2.4 inches and 4.3 inches shorter, respectively. The GX 470 is also 2.4 inches narrower and slightly lower than its larger sibling.
Positioned between the RX 300 and the LX 470, the GX 470 pricing is estimated to be between $45,000 - $50,000. It will arrive in Lexus dealerships in January 2003 with an annual sales target that will exceed 20,000 units.

Cadillac recently announced plans to produce an all-new luxury crossover vehicle called the SRX. The model is one of five new Cadillac products planned for production during the next 18 months. It is expected to hit the market during the first half of 2003.

Inspired by the 2001 Vizon concept, the SRX will be a boldly designed product that GM is hoping will attract new customers. "This newest addition to the Cadillac family will demonstrate that we're unafraid to lead in styling, performance and functionality," said Mark LaNeve, Cadillac general manager.

The SRX will be built at GM's new state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant; the same plant that is currently producing the 2003 Cadillac CTS sedan.

The 2002 Freelander was named one of Automobile Magazine's "All Stars" in the February issue. The award was presented to Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North American president, Mike O'Driscoll, and Land Rover North American vice president and general manager, Steve McKnight at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting in New Orleans. The 2002 Freelander was judged Best Small Sport-Utility Vehicle.

"This segment-defining vehicle has opened a new target market for Land Rover," said McKnight, "Early buyers appreciate its handling, compactness, and the ability to experience a Land Rover product of a lower price."

The 2002 Freelander is available in three trim levels - S, SE and HSE - with a starting MSRP of $24,975 plus a $625.00 destination charge. Its debut will help boost Land Rover U.S. sales by more than 75 percent in calendar year 2002.

The vehicle is praised for its wide range of capability both on- and off-road. Freelander relies upon its sophisticated Viscous Coupling Unit (VCU) plus four-wheel Electronic Traction Control (4ETC) and innovative Hill Descent Control (HDC) to achieve the go-anywhere, do-anything promise of the Land Rover brand. A four-channel, all-terrain Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is also standard.

For information about the Freelander and other Land Rover products, please visit http://www.landrover.com.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER
2002 MODEL YEAR FLEET PURCHASE ALLOWANCES

2002 MY NATIONAL COMMERCIAL FLEET PROGRAM
FORD, MERCURY, LINCOLN