A Non-Fleet Spec unit is a vehicle that can be ordered with any available options. Fleet Spec units come with pre-selected options, and equipment cannot be added or deleted. Please contact your ARI Client Support Services Representative for details about Fleet Spec units.

An article published in The Detroit News reports the possibility of shipping delays between the U.S.-Canadian border. A study, which was commissioned by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, warns that, in the wake of 9/11, efficiency at the border crossings is becoming increasingly uncertain and that automakers and parts suppliers might face costly delays in the future.

The findings reported in the study are speculative and ARI is unaware of any current cross-border delays. We will continue to monitor the situation and report any conditions that might delay vehicle delivery.

Business Class M2 Series

Freightliner, the US truck subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, is introducing a new "Business Class M2" series truck. The new series replaces the previous "Business Class", which was first introduced in 1991.

Over the next 2 years, Freightliner will introduce numerous Business Class M2 configurations that will offer a diverse array of commercial truck applications including local and regional distribution, food and beverage delivery, utilities, government services, towing and many other applications.

First, Freightliner is rolling out the 106-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of cab) configuration. Extended cabs and crew cabs will be available in late 2002. A 100-inch BBC model and a 112-inch BBC model will be available in 2003.

For the first time, Freightliner is using Mercedes-Benz major assemblies, such as engines and transmissions, as standard equipment. The 4.3L MBE900 engine is standard in the 106-inch BBC Business Class M2. The in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged MBE900 engine is rated from 150 to 180 hp with peak torque of 520 lb.-ft. at 1250 rpm. The 6.4L 6-cylinder MBE900 engine is available as an option.

The 106-inch BBC is also available with 6-speed Mercedes-Benz manual transmissions featuring hydraulically actuated clutch systems. The direct-drive MBT520S-6D is for trucks up to 40,000 pounds GCW. The over-drive MBT660S-60 is for trucks up to 60,000 GCW. MB transmissions offer an intuitive gearshift pattern, fully synchronized gear shifting and reduced shift effort for easier driving in urban environments.

Electronic engine management and a pump-line nozzle high-pressure fuel injection system helps to improve fuel economy while lowering exhaust emissions. A new, lighter aluminum cab further increases fuel economy and payload capacity by lowering diesel fuel consumption.

One of the key design criteria for the Business Class M2 was to offer drivers and crews the ability to work as safely as possible. The engineering team maximized lines of sight by incorporating several visibility enhancements including a larger windshield, lower corners of the windshield, lower dash and a sloping hood. To further improve visibility, down-view mirror and city window options on the passenger side are available, as are hood- and fender-mounted mirrors.

The new Business Class M2 will be make its public debut at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY from March 21 through March 23, 2002. Freightliner will begin taking orders for the 106-inch BBC models immediately. Limited production will begin in June 2002 at the Mt. Holly plant in North Carolina.

All-new 2003 Ford Expedition

Ford is now accepting orders for the all-new Ford Expedition, which has been redesigned for the 2003 model year. The new model offers many improvements including upgraded ride and handling, a four-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts to a variety of surface conditions, active and passive safety systems, less wind and engine noise, along with interior and exterior enhancements.

Expedition's improved road manners begin with its all-new independent rear suspension, which has a higher axle weight rating than the former live axle and an enhanced tow rating of 8,900. Payload also has increased to 1,614 pounds.

The chassis is built from the ground up using a body-on-frame architecture that is 70 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity than the previous frame. The passenger compartment uses structural foam extensively, helping to make it 42 percent stiffer than the 2002 body. With the stiffer body and frame, engineers were able to isolate road vibrations for better ride comfort. At the same time, new variable assist power rack-and-pinion steering works with the new fully independent, coil-over-shock double wishbone suspension to deliver precise handling response.

Braking is significantly improved for 2003 with a new Brake Assist feature that interprets driver intent to provide full braking power in an emergency – even when the driver doesn't immediately apply full force to the brake pedal. This can reduce braking distance 20 percent or more in real-world conditions. Standard four-wheel antilock braking with electronic brake force distribution maintains driver control by preventing wheel lockup. The optional AdvanceTrac™ electronic stability enhancement system monitors traction at all wheels and automatically maintains stability while cornering on slippery surfaces.

New for 2003 on XLT models, an FX4 off-road package is available which includes factory-installed skid plates to protect the engine, radiator, transfer case, and fuel tank, as well as shocks tuned for off-road performance. Chromed steel wheels, all-terrain tires and a standard limited slip axle, with available AdvanceTrac™ electronic traction control, enhance off-road performance. The package also includes tubular steel running boards and fog lamps, along with an FX4 badge on the liftgate.

Expedition offers several safety enhancements for 2003. The Personal Safety System™ includes a seat track sensor, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, safety belt buckle sensors, dual-stage driver and passenger air bags and new optional Safety Canopy™ air bags. The Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bag system provides protection to occupants by cushioning impacts and helping to reduce the potential for occupant ejection. In addition, electronic rollover sensors provide protection by measuring whether the vehicle is tilting, how fast the lean angle is changing and whether the combination means the vehicle is headed for a rollover. To help protect occupants in collisions with smaller vehicles, Expedition's front and rear bumper beams are positioned at the height of typical passenger car bumpers and side impact door beams.

2003 Expedition Captians' Chairs configuration

When refining the Expeditions' powertrain for 2003, Ford engineers paid particular attention to the dynamic balance of all moving components, reducing vibration. The overhead cam, 5.4-liter Triton™ V-8 engine has an all-new cast iron engine block that has been computer-designed to reduce vibration for quieter operation.

On the interior, the Expedition offers three seating configurations, accommodating up to nine passengers. The second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a spacious cargo area that is 1.3 inches wider than before. For the first time in an SUV, the second-row bench seat has a sliding center section that can be moved forward up to 11 inches to give the front-seat passenger easy access to a young child. The second row is available in this 40/20/40 bench configuration, or with two captain's chairs and a walk-through center passage. The third-row seat is split 60/40 for flexibility and convenience. The Eddie Bauer Expedition offers a power-fold option that allows users to fold the third-row seat sections up or down independently, at the push of a button.

The Expedition's exterior has a 1.7-inch wider track than before, while the overall wheelbase is unchanged. Larger standard tires and the lower front ride height contribute to a sportier appearance. The headlamps, taillamps, mirrors and door handles are larger and enhance the vehicle's capability.

Order banks for the all-new 2003 Expedition are currently open. Production is tentatively scheduled to begin on March 18, 2002.

With the Kodiak and Topkick C4500-5500 Series, there will be more specific model choices than before. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs) will range from 16,000 pounds to 19,500 pounds. After initial production, the series will also be offered in new crew cab and four-wheel-drive models.

All 2003 Kodiak and Topkick models will offer an expanded powertrain lineup, upgraded serviceability, advanced chassis and braking systems, improved ride and handling and increased comfort and safety.

"These trucks reflect a major investment by General Motors and years of effort by a highly dedicated commercial truck team," said David A. Hansen, General Manager of GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

GM is currently accepting orders for the 2003 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick. Production and lead times may vary, depending on quantity. Please contact your ARI Truck Specification Analyst for assistance.

At left: 2003 GMC TopKick C5500

2003 Toyota Matrix

The all-new 2003 Matrix crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is unlike any other model in the Toyota lineup. It combines the style and performance of a sports car, the functionality of a SUV, and the affordability of a subcompact sedan.

Matrix is designed to offer the kind of interior function and flexibility consumers expect in a sport utility vehicle. It offers room for five passengers, ample storage space and front passenger and rear seats that fold flat.

A new cargo-floor track system was developed especially for Matrix and is the basis for a wide variety of accessory possibilities, designed to adapt to specific active lifestyles. Aimed mainly at younger buyers, Matrix is adaptable, accommodating and affordable.

It is offered in three trim levels, Standard, XR, and XRS. Buyers of the Standard and XR models are offered a choice of either front- or full-time four-wheel drive systems. Both Standard and XR models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota's variable valve timing (VVT-i), and EPA-certified as an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV). The four-wheel-drive model will be EPA-certified as a low emission vehicle (LEV). Fuel efficiency is excellent with front-wheel drive models equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission delivering 28/33 mpg. Four-wheel drive models, which are equipped exclusively with the four-speed automatic, deliver 27/32 mpg.

The front-wheel-drive high-performance Matrix XRS sport model features the same power source found in the Celica GT-S. The XRS is equipped exclusively with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing with lift (VVTL-i) and is offered with a six-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed automatic. The high output engine has a preliminary EPA city/highway estimate of 22/29 mpg with the manual transmission and 21/27 with the automatic. The XRS is TLEV-certified by the EPA.

All 2003 Matrix models include the following standard features:

•       Air conditioning with clean air filter
•       Intermittent wipers
•       Color-keyed front and rear bumpers
•       Styled steel wheels with wheel covers
•       Tinted glass
•       Heavy duty rear window defogger
•       Two 12-volt power outlets
•       Tonneau cover
•       Daytime running lights with automatic control
•       Two-piece rear cargo nets
•       Advanced body structure with high-tensile strength steel body panels
•       Dual stage driver- and front passenger SRS airbags
•       Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
•       Side-door impact beams

Additional optional safety features include driver- and front-passenger SRS side-impact airbags, and ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

The Manufacturer's Standard Retail Price ranges from $14,670 for the front-wheel-drive Standard model with a five-speed manual transmission to $19,330 for the front-wheel-drive XRS model with an automatic. Toyota is accepting orders for the 2003 Matrix and the model is currently in production.

The National Research Council, a division of the National Academy of Sciences, reported that the government should revise the current rollover rating system so that consumers have more safety information available to them when buying a vehicle.

Using the current method of assessment, which consists of a mathematical formula that uses the width and center of gravity, a vehicle that has a rollover risk of over 40 percent is assigned a one-star rating. Vehicles that earn the highest rating of five stars have less than a 10 percent rollover risk. By adding additional categories to the rating system, or by using a numerical score, researchers say that it will be easier for consumers to compare vehicles in the same class.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains that the five-star system was developed after extensive research. However, a NHTSA spokesperson said that the agency might consider new suggestions. The agency also noted that the five-star rating system used in rollover testing is consistent with crash test ratings.

Meanwhile, regulators are developing new testing methods, in addition to the mathematical system, that will involve putting vehicles through a series of closed track maneuvers. The new rollover risk tests are to be implemented for the first time in November 2002, tentatively.

Rollovers are to blame for about 10,000 deaths and 27,000 serious injuries annually. 

2002 Nissan Altima

The all-new 2002 Nissan Altima was named "Best of the Year" by MotorWeek at the Chicago Auto Show, adding to its growing list of accolades, 

Selected from 12 category winners, the four-door sedan topped the 2002 MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice Awards list. The awards were chosen by a team of 10 judges, comprised of the journalists, staff and crew of MotorWeek. The judges' decisions were based on vehicle performance, technology, practicality and dollar value.

"It's a true honor to be recognized as MotorWeek's Best of the Year," said Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "This award reconfirms our belief that the Altima offers the best combination of performance, style and value in its class."

In early January, the Nissan Altima was also named "North American Car of the Year" at the North American International Auto Show.

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