PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2002 Model Year
Final Order Dates

2002 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 210– May 28, 2002

EnviroFleet; ARI's Environmental Fleet Technology Newsletter

GM's OnStar for 2003

For additional information go to
http://www.OnStar.com

Toyota Announces Select 2003MY Fleet Incentives

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced its Commercial Fleet Incentive Invoice Credit Program for select 2003MY vehicles.

Commercial Fleets are defined as accounts maintaining ten or more units in fleet operation.

Additional Toyota Commercial Fleet Incentives will be announced at a later date.

2003 Model Year Fleet Invoice Credit Program
Model	2003MY Fleet Incentive	2002MY Fleet Incentive
Corolla	$300	$1,200
Solara	$1,500	$1,500
Avalon	$2,000	$2,000
Sienna	$1,100	$1,100

Ford Outlines Key Product Actions for 2003MY

With most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models nearing the end of their 2002 model year production cycle, Ford Motor Company has released a summary of 2003MY product actions outlining key changes for the 2003MY.

Order banks are now open for most 2003MY Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

For a current list of 2002MY Final Order Due Dates, 2003MY Order Bank Open Dates and 2003MY Production Startup Dates, please visit the online edition of the Purchasing News at http://www.arifleet.com.

2003MY Key Product Actions

Focus ZX5 lineup is expanded by adding Base ZX5 and ZX5 Comfort Arrays. Focus audio lineup is also upgraded.
ZX2 will offer single CD player as standard equipment on select arrays, replacing the cassette player
Taurus SEL interior is enhanced by wood surrounds as standard equipment and two-tone leather as an option
E-250 cargo van will be available with a discounted 4.6L V8 engine option
Escape will offer a new XLT Appearance Package and upscale Limited Series
Explorer Sport and Sport Trac lineup is expanded to include new XLS Series
Explorer 4-Door Limited Series receives freshened content
Excursion introduces a new Eddie Bauer Series

DaimlerChrysler Introduces New Vehicle Tracking System

In an effort to reduce Order to Delivery time and eliminate lost vehicles, DCX Logistics in partnership with the Union Pacific Railroad has created a new jointly-owned subsidiary called Insight Network Logistics (INL).

INL uses an internet-based system called VIN VISION, which deals in real time and involves bar coding to track vehicles from completion at the assembly plant through delivery to the dealer. This system will allow DaimlerChrysler to track vehicles more accurately and advise clients of vehicle location.

It will be first introduced internally at DaimlerChrysler within the next 2 months.

Subaru Announces All-New 2003 Forester Pricing

2003 Subaru Forester

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2003MY Forester. Completely redesigned, the 2003 Forester showcases numerous improvements in overall safety, comfort and driving dynamics. Despite the addition of new standard equipment, pricing has been maintained on most models.

For 2003, Forester is available in 2.5 X (X for Crossover), and 2.5 XS (Crossover Sport) models, replacing the previous L and S models. All 2003 Foresters receive front seat head/chest side-impact air bags, active front seat head restraints and an improved suspension. In addition to these features, 2.5 X models receive keyless entry and a CD player as standard equipment.

Forester 2.5 XS models are available with a Premium Package that includes an automatic power moonroof and monotone body color. Leather-trimmed upholstery is also available on the 2.5 XS with Premium Package and automatic transmission. Adding to the list of standard equipment, Forester 2.5 XS and 2.5 XS with Premium Package models receive automatic climate control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution system, however, prices remain unchanged from 2002MY models. Pricing on Forester 2.5 XS with Premium Package and leather-trimmed upholstery model receives a price increase of $50.

All Forester models are equipped with the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System, which includes a 165-horsepower "boxer" engine, full-time all-wheel drive and a 4-wheel independent suspension. The engine is mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission featuring the return of the Subaru Hill Holder System, which facilitates easier and safer starts on inclines. A four-speed electronic automatic transmission is available for $800.

All 2003 Subaru Forester models feature standard 24-hour roadside assistance coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles. All 2003 Forester models comply with Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards and are certified for sale in all 50 states.

Order banks for the 2003 Forester are now open and production is scheduled to begin this month.

2003MY Subaru Forester Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (effective May 13, 2002)
Model Description	2003MY MSRP
Forester 2.5 X MT5 AWD	$20,545
Forester 2.5 X 4EAT AWD	$21,345
Forester 2.5 XS MT5 AWD	$22,895
Forester 2.5 XS 4EAT AWD	$23,695
Forester 2.5 XS w/Premium Pkg. MT5 AWD	$23,895
Forester 2.5 XS w/Premium Pkg. 4EAT AWD	$24,695
Forester 2.5 XS w/Premium Pkg. & Leather 4EAT AWD	$25,445

*The destination and delivery fee is $525 on all models except in Alaska ($685). Prices shown do not include destination and delivery charges. Prices are subject to change without notice.

2003 GM OnStar Service Plans Now Available

The 2003 Model Year GM OnStar Service Plan and option pricing are now available on the ARI website.

For 2003, GM has expanded the R8* package options and enhanced the content of the "Safe & Sound" service plan. The 2003 OnStar Factory Installed Availability/Commercial Fleet chart, which details OnStar availability for each GM model and package, is also available.

For more information, please go to www.arifleet.com, select "Purchasing News", and then select "GM's OnStar for 2003".

Toyota Aims for Higher Level of Customer Satisfaction

Toyota Fleet has announced a new initiative called the Toyota Executive Delivery program (TED), which aims at achieving a higher level of customer satisfaction through a network of preferred dealers.

Developed with commercial fleet customers in mind, Toyota is beginning to enroll dealerships who demonstrate exceptionally high standards of professionalism and fleet customer service integrity and who agree to uphold Toyota's agreement as outlined below.

As key participants of this program, Toyota Executive Delivery Dealers will agree to:

1) Perform standard courtesy delivery of vehicles as outlined below:

a.)   Check-in and inspection of vehicle for damage (repair if necessary)

b.)   Provide title and license service

c.)   Clean fleet vehicles prior to delivery

d.)   Provide a rewarding delivery experience to the drivers

e.)   Provide short-term storage for vehicle being replaced

2) Appoint dealership contact and coordinate deliveries

3) Acknowledge and abide by the guidelines set forth in the Toyota Executive Delivery Program Guide.

"Maintaining a high level of service is an objective emphasized to Toyota Dealers that choose to participate in the Toyota Executive Delivery program," said Toyota Fleet. "Toyota Fleet's vision is to ensure that this goal is continuously achieved and is looking forward to working with our Fleet Commercial Customers in realizing this vision."

As dealers enroll in the program, Toyota will provide ARI with a "National Dealer Listing" of participating dealers. ARI will make every effort to use only dealers participating in the program.

GM to Expand Full-Size Truck Production

General Motors recently announced plans to expand production of the Chevy Silverado and GM Sierra at its Pontiac, Michigan truck assembly plant. The plant will add a third shift of production later this fall.

The added capacity is expected to increase production by more than 30 percent. Over a full calendar year, the plant will have the capacity to build about 100,000 additional full-size pickups.

"Market demand is driving GM to expand production of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra – two cornerstone products behind GM's market place resurgence," said Gary Cowger, President of GM North America.

For April 2002, GM's truck lineup deliveries were up 24 percent, an increase of about 5 percent over last April.

2003 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Makes its World Debut


2003 Saab 9-3	2003 Saab 9-3 interior

The all-new 2003 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is the first step in the biggest product development program in Saab's history. It is the first arrival of a new family of cars, each focused on meeting the particular requirements of a different niche in the market.

The 2003 9-3 comes with a choice of two new 2.0-liter all-aluminum turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 175 to 210 hp. The front-wheel-drive transmissions include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option of steering wheel controls. There will be three "Forms," or specification levels: Linear, Arc, and Vector.

Compared to its predecessor, the new 9-3 offers more spacious accommodations, particularly for rear passengers, within the same overall length. Front and rear width is increased by 2.16 in. and the wheelbase is 2.8 in. longer.

The handling of the car, its sensitivity to driver inputs and a high degree of feedback all combine to deliver a higher level of driving involvement and pleasure. The main highlights include:

Four-link independent rear suspension adds stability and grip; enhances ride comfort.
Low mounted steering rack gives excellent feel and precision with progressive power assistance and fast response.
Chassis features Saab-tuned "user-friendly" Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Cornering Brake Control and Traction Control System.

In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain performance, the new 9-3 is also designed to adapt to a wide range of driver needs. Highlights include:

A wide range of functions that can be pre-set according to personal preference, including: anti-theft alarm, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers, and automatic climate control.
Dual zone air conditioning with automatic balance control that senses changes in sunlight or shade outside the car and automatically adjusts airflow to keep interior temperature constant.
Three specification levels. "Linear" features leather upholstery and anthracite trim. "Arc" adds more luxury, with 16-inch alloy wheels and leather interior with poplar wood trim. "Vector" adds a sporty flair, with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sports leather interior with matte chrome trim.
A standard 60/40 split folding rear seat provides additional utility to carry extra cargo.
Longer service intervals and reduced maintenance times minimize inconvenience for the owner. Vehicles are covered under the Saab No Charge Scheduled Maintenance Program for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, for factory-recommended scheduled maintenance performed at an authorized Saab dealer in the United States.

Designed for safety, dozens of different crash configurations were carried out during development, utilizing Saab's database of more than 6,000 real-life road accidents. Second generation Saab Active Head Restraints help prevent neck injury for front seat occupants in rear-end impacts. Integrated into the seat backs, this safety system is improved for even quicker action. Additional restraint systems include seat belt pre-tensioning and load limiting for front seating positions, dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and new side curtain airbags.

Announcing the arrival of the new model, Saab Automobile President and CEO Peter Augustsson said, "This car offers a level of driver involvement and responsive performance never seen before from Saab. The integration of a fine-handling chassis with the new, refined powertrain delivers a true 'fun-to-drive' package".

The 2003 Saab 9-3 will be price-positioned to compete with the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, and Volvo S60. It goes on sale in October 2002.

Volvo Tests Vehicle Safety in State-of-the-Art Crash Test Center

With the help of a moving test track at Volvo Cars Safety Center, crashes between two cars moving towards each other can be carried out from all imaginable angles and speeds.

Volvo's crash laboratory has two tracks (168 yards and 118 yards in length) that meet in a cathedral-like hall with 48 feet to the ceiling. The ability to combine two tracks makes the laboratory at the Volvo Cars Safety Center unique in the automotive world.

The movable track can be turned by up to 90 degrees, allowing car-to-car impacts from full frontal to right-angled from the side. "We can quite simply move the reality of the roads into our crash laboratory," says Stefan Nilsson, Director, Volvo Cars Safety Center.

Crash test simulator at Volvo Cars Safety Center

The track weighs over 600 tons and is moved with the help of air-cushion technology. A layer of air is created between the concrete travel surfaces and the rubber air cushions that the crash track rests on. Six specially built air-cushion trucks then move the track. The cars to be tested are accelerated with the help of two electric motors per track, which are connected with steel cables.

Two laser instruments measure the position of the cars with millimeter precision and can thereby calculate their exact positions at any given moment. This information is transferred to the electric motors that ensure that the cars collide at exactly the right position and exactly the right speed.

A couple of meters before the point of impact, the cars run freely. For barrier tests, only the fixed track is used. The fixed track is also used for the rolling test, which involves pulling the car in the opposite direction out onto a track where it performs several roll-overs.

Studying the sequence of events on film is one important part of the evaluation of a crash test. Each test is filmed with a number of different high-speed film and video cameras. They are placed above, alongside or beneath the impact site. Volvo Cars' crash analysts can then compare the film with the data from the sensors in the cars.

The new crash laboratory also includes facilities for preparation of test cars, two observation decks and office space.

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Purchasing News Home

Pool Vehicle Inventory

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Mercury	6	Sable LS Premium	4	Salt Lake City, UT	$18,090	02084

TRUCKS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Ford	8	Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4x4	Batesville, MS	$29,417	20014
02	Ford	8	F350 Supercab Chassis 4x2	Avon Park, FL	$27,227	108434
02	GMC	8	3500 HD Chassis Cab 4x2	Pembroke, FL	$24,163	Multiple
When a "stock purchase" is desired, you may consider using a vehicle from the ARI "pool" to save money and time. Call your ARI representative for details!

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