Please visit http://www.arifleet.com , select "Purchasing News" and then select "2002 Model Year Final Order Dates" for details.

The 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 3500

The all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups are being hailed by Chrysler Group as the "toughest and most powerful heavy duty pickups ever." For 2003, the Ram is aimed at the heavy duty market with two new engine offerings and, for the first time on a Ram, a 3500 single rear wheel option.

The new Ram marks Chrysler Group's first application of the new 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum engine, which produces an estimated 345 hp at 5,600 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is standard on all Ram Heavy Duty pickups. The optional High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 305 hp at 2,900 rpm and 555 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm, resulting in a towing capability of 23,000 pounds (GCWR).

Assisting steering and handling on the two-wheel drive pickup is a new rack and pinion steering system that delivers more precise feel and response and is tuned to give the driver positive feedback. On the four-wheel model, an all-new recirculating ball system improves on-center steering feel through lower internal friction. "In fact, the four-wheel-drive Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup has the quickest steering ratio in the industry," said a Chrysler Group press release.

Two new transfer cases, a conventional manual shift and a new electric shift, are available on 4WD models to provide quieter operation and improved quality. The manual shift is standard on ST and SLT models; the electric shift is standard in SLT Plus models.

All-new rear axles contribute to a best-in-class payload rating of up to 12,000 pounds. The rear suspension, common to both 2WD and 4WD models, is improved with new three-inch longer leaf springs. A link-type sway bar and heavy-duty shock absorbers are also standard.

Safety features include optional side curtain air bags and pre-tensioning seat belt retractors. ABS is standard and, for the first time in a heavy-duty pickup, adjustable pedals will be available.

The new model gets its styling cues from the 2002 Ram 1500 pickup, with very little change to the overall appearance. "With the boldness of the 2002 Ram design, we didn't have to create a new image for the heavy-duty trucks," said Rick Aneiros, Vice President of Design and Ram Design Team Leader. "The Ram 1500's grill, for instance, was designed to be large enough to incorporate extra cooling needs necessitated by the heavy-duty powertrains to come."

The all-new 2003 Ram Heavy Duty will begin production in the summer at the Saltillo, Mexico and St. Louis North Assembly Plants. Order banks are expected to open in May.

2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

A new frame, suspension and steering system for enhanced safety, ride and handling top the list of engineering advancements in the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis - the newest version of the longest-running, best-selling Mercury model.

The Grand Marquis is a six-passenger, body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive sedan. It's safety, ride and handling enhancements for 2003 include:

• New full-perimeter frame that uses strong, lightweight hydroformed steel sections for the front rails to improve frontal and offset crash performance.
•   Redesigned frame cross members and new optional side impact air bags
• The new frame, combined with a redesigned independent front suspension and new monotube shock absorbers at all four wheels, contributes to a smoother, more controlled ride and improved handling.
• New variable ratio rack-and-pinion steering system with variable power assist that provides a more precise, smooth and even feel to the driver than the previous design.
• A new dual-rate brake booster automatically supplies full braking power in a panic stop even if the driver doesn't initially apply enough pedal pressure to engage the anti-lock brakes.

The appearance of the Mercury Grand Marquis has undergone several refinements for 2003. The exterior features a new grille and front fascia, new headlamps, parking lamps and integrated cornering lamps, new taillamp lenses, rear appliqué, decklid emblem and wheels.

Inside the vehicle, seat foams, fabrics and headrests have been changed to improve comfort and appearance. The driver's seat travel is increased by 1.5 inches, the cupholders are new, and the door trim has been redesigned for a cleaner appearance and better ergonomics.

For 2003, there are two Grand Marquis models - the GS and LS - and several available packages, including a Convenience array for the GS. The LS is available in Premium, Ultimate and five-passenger LSE arrays.

Safety features of the new model include the Personal Safety System with dual-stage front air bags that are triggered by crash severity sensors. It also includes buckle-mounted safety belt pretensioners, which tighten the front outboard belts in the first milliseconds of a crash, and energy management retractors that allow some "give" in the belts during a serious collision to reduce the risk of chest injury.

A number of improvements have been made to the Grand Marquis' powertrain to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and engine wear, which include:

• A new electronic returnless fuel system that reduces evaporative emissions.
• A larger catalyst system and revised exhaust manifold that reduces tailpipe emissions.
• A new engine knock sensor that allows the engine computer to set the optimum spark advance for operating conditions.
• A 20 percent larger, six-quart oil pan extends the life of engine oil.

The 2003 Grand Marquis will be built in St. Thomas, Ontario. Order banks are currently open and Job #1 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2002. It is one of two new Mercury models and four new Lincolns to be introduced in 2002. Pricing will be announced closer to delivery.

GM introduced an all-new platform to its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra lineup four years ago. Two yeas later, they successfully launched a heavy-duty version of the two popular truck models. For 2003, the Silverado and Sierra will include over 40 new interior and exterior features and enhancements; showing that GM is aggressively trying to build on its full-size truck leadership.

Among the significant improvements for the 2003 Silverado and Sierra are: a passenger-sensing air bag system; advanced electrical architecture; modified instrument panel including a new driver information center; new redundant steering wheel controls; new center console; a Bose audio system; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; manual and fully automatic dual climate control systems; and the expanded availability of Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system.

The new models also include redesigned exteriors. With the Silverado, GM tried to achieve a bolder and more expressive design, as well as to provide a more unified family appearance. It shares a common resemblance to the Avalanche and Trailblazer. The Sierra's refreshed look supports the GMC brand's professional-grade design direction. Inspired by the front-end design of the Terradyne, Terracross and Terra4 concept trucks, the Sierra also resembles the family-oriented Envoy.

Previously only available on the Sierra Denali and the Silverado and Sierra extended cabs, Quadrasteer will now be offered on the 2003 Silverado and Sierra 1500 HD short bed pickups.

Quadrasteer is an electromechanical system that turns the vehicles' rear wheels in relation to the front wheels, resulting in better low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. At lower speeds, Quadrasteer reduces the 1500 HD models' curb-to-curb turning diameter by up to 21 percent, to 39.2 feet, which is comparable to the turning radius of a compact car. At higher speeds, the feature reduces the vehicles' "yaw," or rotational motion, for better control during lane changes or when being passed by a large truck.  It also provides benefits to customers who haul trailers, enabling drivers to change lanes with less trailer sway.

Also new for 2003, all Silverado and Sierra 1500 models will feature an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system. It automatically deactivates the passenger-side air bag based on the weight and position of the seat occupant. In addition, the models continue to offer a passenger air bag cutoff switch that allows occupants to manually deactivate the passenger-side air bag. A status indicator on the inside rear view mirror assembly notifies occupants of the passenger air bag on/off status.

Further enhancing occupant safety is standard dual-level front air bags, which sense crash severity to determine whether the air bags should be deployed. If deployment is necessary, the system further calculates the level of inflation needed, depending on crash severity. This minimizes the risk of injury from the air bag when a low-level crash occurs.

For 2003, the Silverado and Sierra engines are improved with more efficient oxygen sensors. Available engines range from the Vortec 4300 V6, which delivers 200 hp, to the ultra-powerful 8.1L big block V8 that produces 340 hp at 4200 rpm.

Production for the 2003 Silverado and Sierra is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2002. Order bank opening dates are currently unavailable. Please refer to the ARI Production News at http://www.arifleet.com for availability and order bank status.

2003 Silverado (bottom) and Sierra (top)

Subaru of America, Inc. recently introduced the fully redesigned 2003 Forester at the Chicago Auto Show. Available this spring, the 2003 Forester will offer significant enhancements in performance, safety and comfort.

The new Forester "crossover" blends positive SUV attributes, such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car handling and fuel efficiency. Subaru designed it with a 4-wheel independent suspension to compete with a variety of SUVs, with an emphasis on responsive driving and a comfortable and functional interior.

It will be offered in two models: the 2.5 X and the uplevel 2.5 XS. The 2.5 X comes with a dozen new standard features including new 16" wheels, AM/FM stereo with CD, remote keyless entry and variable intermittent wipers. The 2.5 XS has a long list of standard features, which include Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), automatic climate control, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum alloy wheels. It will be available with a Premium Package that includes a power moonroof and monotone exterior.

All models are powered by a 165-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and equipped with standard full-time All Wheel Drive (AWD). A five-speed manual is standard, with an automatic transmission available as an option. 

Like the previous generation Forester, the 2003 model meets all Federal passenger car safety standards, which are more stringent that those for light trucks. It is designed with a hydroformed front subframe for a stronger body structure, adding to passive safety and improving handling. It comes standard with a dual-stage front-passenger air bag and side impact air bags. New front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash injury.

The 2003MY Forester is tentatively scheduled to begin production in May. Subaru will begin accepting orders around late March or early April. The 2002MY Forester has a tentative Final Order Due Date of February 21, 2002.

Toyota Tundra Stepside Concept

The world debut of the all-new Toyota Stepside was recently staged at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show. The Stepside concept is a show truck version of a new addition to the Tundra lineup that will be available later this year.

Unique to the Tundra concept is the addition of a stepside bed with distinctive tail lamps. The tail lamps pull back over the rear wheel arches for a sleek appearance. The Stepside interior bed width between wheelwells and the bed length remain the same as a conventional Tundra bed, while bed depth has been increased from 17.2 inches to 19.0 inches.

The show truck also features a redesigned front fascia with a grille that extends down into the front bumper and round fog lamps for a bolder, more aggressive look. Color-keyed overfenders give the vehicle a monotone appearance.

Based on the Tundra Limited Access Cab, the concept owes its powerful stance to a sport suspension package that lowers the vehicle from the production model by about four inches and includes unique shock absorbers, sport-tuned suspension and rear stabilizer bar. It also features BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires and chromed alloy 20-inch HRE Performance wheels. The finishing touch is a TRD Tundra dual cat-back exhaust, which adds a distinctive tone upon acceleration as well as approximately six horsepower. The 4.7-liter i-Force V8 engine delivers 240 horsepower and 315 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Inside the Tundra Stepside, amenities include heated outside mirrors, power sliding rear window, steering wheel mounted audio controls, wood-grain-style interior trim, leather-trimmed captain's chairs and a Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with four speakers. A multi-function center console provides 91.5 cubic inches of storage capacity and features dual front-and-rear cup holders and a double-door that includes a memo pad clip.

On February 5, 2002 at the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan displayed the industry's first-ever power-operated retractable top in a compact truck, the new Frontier Open Sky, which goes on sale at Nissan dealers this fall as a 2003 model.

The power-operated top retracts, with the touch of a button, as wide or as little as desired. Completely retracted, the roof opening covers nearly five square feet. To ensure that Frontier's active owners have maximum utility, all Frontier Open Sky models are equipped with the popular tubular-style roof rack.

Additional improvements to the 2003 model year Frontier include the availability of Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitor, new to the compact truck segment. Assisting performance in emergency maneuvers, VDC helps vehicle stability and control, even on a slippery road surface. Frontier's VDC system works by affecting the amount of engine power or applying individual brake pressure for each wheel as needed to assist vehicle control.

Nissan also announced the availability of a new Frontier Supercharged Value Edition, which will go on sale in April 2002. The Supercharged Value Edition offers consumers best-in-class V6 horsepower from the 3.3-liter Supercharged engine at a dramatically reduced price.

The 2003 Nissan Frontier Open Sky

The CrossTrainer

Ford Motor Company recently confirmed that a new model, the CrossTrainer, will be one of 20 new products that the automaker will introduce each year through 2005.

The Ford CrossTrainer is designed to meet the needs of an emerging group of car customers who want the image and advantages of a sport utility, but don't necessarily need the off-road and heavy-duty towing capabilities associated with sport utility vehicles. CrossTrainer will efficiently carry up to seven adults and their cargo in its three-row seating configuration. It will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive.

The future model is based on an all-new, purpose-built architecture with unitized body construction. Unibody construction eliminates the need for a separate structural frame by designing the supporting structure into the body parts, thus saving weight and adding much desired rigidity, which delivers better ride and handling qualities. Unibody construction is a key for this crossover vehicle because it allows the desired ground clearance with a lower step-in height many car customers prefer.

The CrossTrainer will feature a V-6 engine and new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT will provide smooth operation and deliver up to a 10 percent fuel economy improvement over a traditional powertrain. The CVT in the CrossTrainer is the first North American application of the new, technologically advanced transmissions developed and produced under Ford's joint venture with ZF, the world's largest independent specialist for driveline and chassis technology.

The CrossTrainer will begin production at the Chicago Assembly Plant in 2004. When the plant is reconfigured for CrossTrainer, it will feature the first nearby automotive supplier manufacturing park in North America and a flexible body shop that allows one set of tooling to build multiple vehicle configurations. Chicago Assembly's flexible body shop strategy will allow the plant to better match its output with customer demand.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER
2002 MODEL YEAR FLEET PURCHASE ALLOWANCES

2002 MY NATIONAL COMMERCIAL FLEET PROGRAM
FORD, MERCURY, LINCOLN

c/ A Commercial Fleet Credit (Order Code 56S) of $546 (WSD) is available in addition to the $600 National Fleet Incentive or Crown Victoria P72 commercial fleet units only.

d/ Ford authorized pool accounts cannot order vehicles with a fleet incentive. A Ford dealer must apply for the fleet incentive for eligible commercial applications after the pool account assigns the chassis to the Ford dealer. The dealer must report unit sold to a valid end-user FIN code.

e/ Excludes the F53 motor home strip chassis. The F53 is not eligible for a National Fleet Incentive.

f/ Complete vehicles purchased from certain body manufacturers (F650/F750) may not be eligible for fleet incentives.

g/ E-Series RV cutaway (47M) is not eligible for fleet incentives when sold/leased for a motor home application.

2001 MY National Commercial Program Details