Ford, Lincoln and Mercury

For 2002 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks, price increases range from $0-$285 MSRP. Destination and delivery charges remain unchanged. Automatic price protection applies to orders that are received by Ford on or before the price increase effective date of March 4, 2002.

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep

Effective March 9, 2002, base prices increased on all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Increase amounts range from $75-$165 MSRP. Destination and delivery charges have also increased on most models. Fleet orders received by DaimlerChrysler on or before March 9, 2002 are automatically price protected.

Many GM models have final order due dates scheduled in mid-to-late March. ARI strongly recommends that orders be placed as soon as possible to help ensure order fulfillment. Please refer to the "2002 Model Year Final Order Date" section of the ARI Purchasing News for a complete list of final order due dates.

In addition, two Ford models, the Villager and Escort, have final order due dates of March 28, 2002 and March 29, 2002 respectively. Final orders should be placed at least three business days prior to the due date.

The 2002 Ford Windstar and Ranger are now eligible for the 2002 Commercial Fleet Upfit Reimbursement Program, effective March 1, 2002. In addition, this program is now compatible with the Retail Greater than Fleet Incentive Program.

The program allows qualified fleet customers to receive a $1,000 upfit reimbursement  (excluding factory options) on upfits costing $1,200 or more with the purchase or lease of any new 2002 Ranger or eligible Windstar.

All Ranger models are eligible for the program. Eligible Windstar models include the Cargo Van (A54) and 3-door Wagon (A50) only. In addition, Windstar factory interior option codes (96R) and (96L) are eligible.

This program is not compatible with Fords' Competitive Price Allowance (CPA).

Redesigned for the first time in seven years, the 2003 Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size van lineup offers a new look, upgraded powertrains and enhanced safety features as well as new features designed specifically for commercial users.

Highlighting a long list improvements are three "industry firsts" for the full-size van segment: all-wheel drive models, left-hand-side 60/40 entry/load door availability, and unique side access panels on Express Access and Savana Pro models.

New all-wheel drive "H-model" vans have been added to the 2WD "G-model" lineup, employing a full-time viscous-coupled transfer case to offer enhanced traction. The industry's first 60/40 left-hand-side entry/load door, available on regular length passenger and cargo vans, provides flexible passenger and cargo loading capability. The work-oriented Savana Pro and Express Access models also offer new side-access doors with remote release to allow access to tools or other cargo from both sides of the vehicle.

An all-new lineup of Gen III V8 engines (the 275-hp Vortec 4800, 285 hp Vortec 5300 and the 300-hp Vortec 6000) provide the Express and Savana with more power and better performance, economy and durability than the previous small-block V8s. A new 200-hp version of the Vortec 4300 V6 is now the base engine for light-duty G-Series vans in all 50 states.

For 2003, all Gen III engines feature advanced catalytic converter systems and oxygen sensors to reduce emissions during engine warm-ups and provide longer component life. In addition, new air filter and oil filter monitors take the guesswork out of routine engine service intervals.  All models come with a standard four-speed automatic transmission and, for the first time, an available Tow/Haul Mode.

The vans have been restyled on both the interior and exterior. The new bumper, grille, fascia, fenders and hood help to improve occupant protection and reduce repair costs. Uplevel reflector-type headlamps, revamped taillamps and daytime running lights enhance visibility. Interior improvements include restyled seats, upgraded HVAC operation and additional power points and storage options. OnStar and the RDS Radio System will also be offered.

The 1500 Series vans include models rated at 6,200 and 7,200 pounds GVW. The 2500 Series offers GVW ratings of 7,300, 8,500 and 8,600 pounds. The heavy-duty 3500 vans are rated at 9,600 pounds GVW and the commercial chassis has a GVW ranging between 8,600-12,300 pounds.

Currently, the 2002 Express and Savana vans are still available for ordering. Order acceptance and startup dates for the new 2003 models will be announced at a later date.

Toyota recently announced its 2003 Avalon Commercial Fleet Incentive Invoice Credit Program and Price Assurance. The fleet incentive for the 2003MY, like the previous model year, is $2,000. Price Assurance is set at 3.0 percent for qualified fleet vehicles ordered by April 15, 2002.

The 2003 Avalon is a "carry-over" model with no change in appearance or content. There are only minor changes in exterior color selections including the discontinuation of two colors: (3N6) Vintage Red Pearl and (6R1) Woodland Pearl; and the addition of three new colors: (1E3) Phantom Gray Pearl, (3Q7) Dark Red Mica and (6S7) Aspen Green Pearl.

Toyota is currently accepting fleet orders for the 2003 Avalon. The lead-time is approximately 4 months.

The Quadrasteer Four Wheel Steering Package, developed by Delphi Automotive Systems, is now available on 2002MY Silverado and Sierra 1500 Short Box Extended Cabs. The new package (option code NYS) is being introduced for the first time as a limited supply option on 2002 models and will be expanded to the 1500HD Short Box Crew Cab beginning in the 2003MY.

For the 2002 Silverado, the option is available on models CC15753 and CK15753 with the LS (1SB) or LT (1SC) trim levels. The option is also available on Sierra models TC15753 and TK15753 with SLE (1SC) or SLT (1SD) trim.

For more information about Quadrasteer, please visit Delphi Automotive Systems at http://www.delphiauto.com/news/pressReleases/pr6826-01082002. To learn more about the 2003MY Silverado and Sierra with Quadrasteer, go to the ARI Fleet Library at www.arifleet.com and select Purchasing News issue #203 dated February 18, 2002.

The 2003 Acura TL now offers GM's OnStar

OnStar, GM's in-vehicle communication service, is now available in three of Acura's top-selling luxury automobiles including the 2003 Acura 3.2 TL performance sedan and the 3.2 CL performance coupe. The Acura 3.5 RL has offered OnStar services since early 2001.

"The addition of OnStar to these two models is further evidence that Acura recognizes the value OnStar adds to its vehicles," said Chet Huber, OnStar president. "We are delighted to deliver OnStar's safety, security and information services to Acura drivers."

With each OnStar equipped Acura, subscribers receive a year of Safe & Sound service, which includes automatic notification of air bag deployment, emergency services, stolen vehicle location and other safety and security features. Subscribers also have access to OnStar Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor.

For more information about OnStar services and availability, please visit the ARI website at www.arifleet.com, select "Purchasing News", then select "GM's OnStar for 2002". Or go directly to GM's OnStar website at www.onstar.com.

The Detroit News reports that GM is delaying the introduction of its new VTi continuously variable transmission (CVT), which was to make its debut in the 2002 Saturn Vue.

GM sources said that while testing the new transmission they discovered several defective parts. The vehicles will be held at the plant while GM works with their suppliers to address the issue. The delay is expected to last through the first quarter of this year, pushing the launch back several months.

The VTi gets approximately 7 percent better fuel economy than a conventional four-speed automatic transmission. It works more efficiently with the engine by using a metal belt instead of gears to vary the gear ratio. The VTi is GM's first CVT produced for the U.S. market.

A former administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ricardo Martinez, has begun a private venture to develop a data recorder for automobiles, reports the Associated Press. Martiniz's company, Safety Intelligence Systems Corp., is working on the project with IBM Corp. and Insurance Services Offices.

The project is called the Global Safety Data Vault and it is designed to work similarly to an airplane's flight data recorder, also known as the "black box". Martinez believes that it will help to detect and diagnose potential problems in a vehicle by centralizing all of the data from components such as engines, seat belts, tire pressure monitors and antilock braking systems. The accident data, which would be transferred to a centralized database, can then be analyzed to help provide an early warning system.

Critics of the project argue that if the system is to be implemented, the drivers should "own" the data, otherwise it could create a privacy issue. Martinez insists that privacy would be protected since data would not be traced to individuals because only part of the VIN is used for identification.

According to a study by an automotive consulting firm, consumers will demand longer factory warranties within the next few years. The study, conducted by Innovative Quality Solutions Inc., said that longer warranties offered by Kia, Hyundai and Isuzu are making the length and coverage of a factory warranty an important deciding factor for consumers who are shopping for a new vehicle.

As a result, other manufacturers may be forced to raise their warranty coverage to meet growing customer expectations and to be more competitive, the study said. 

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

Model

Fleet
Incentive

Marketing Credit

Protégé a/

$1,200

$118

626

$1,300

$163

Millenia

$3,000

$240

Miata

$1,500

$193

B-Series Truck

$1,300

$113

MPV

$1,200

$196

Tribute 2WD

$0

$183

Tribute 4WD

$0

$180

a/ Includes Protégé 5, excludes MP3.