Purchasing News

In the August 21, 2002 edition of FleetWire, ARI reported that certain 2002 Chrysler and Dodge models and all 2003 models equipped with AM/FM cassette (RBB) or AM/FM CD (RBK) built before July 31, 2002 were being held at the plant due to a radio static condition.

The manufacturer has corrected the problem and most vehicles that were delayed are now en route to their courtesy delivery dealerships, while the remaining units are undergoing final repairs. As of August 27, 2002, only approximately 75 vehicles remained at the plants.

2003 Lincoln LS

For 2003, Lincoln is improving the LS with more powerful V-6 and V-8 engines, better fuel economy, new safety technology, luxurious cabins and a host of comfort, convenience and entertainment features. More than 500 components and systems have been redesigned.

Performance
All LS models have more horsepower and torque, better fuel economy and more seamless power delivery. The LS 3.9-liter DOHC V-8 engine produces 28 more horsepower for a total of 280 hp, and 21 lbs.-ft. more torque for a total of 286 lbs.-ft. The 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine adopts variable valve timing for a 12-horsepower increase to 232 hp and a 5 lbs.-ft. torque improvement to 220 lbs.-ft. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Sport models can be ordered with SelectShift™, which allows the driver to manually control up and downshifts. SelectShift has been improved to allow the driver to manually select first gear at launch.

Combined city/highway fuel economy for both the V-6 and V-8 LS is expected to improve by as much as one mile per gallon, subject to final certification testing.

Ride and Handling
Precise steering, excellent grip, minimal body roll and very good overall balance are LS handling trademarks. The goal for 2003 was to enhance these attributes to improve steering feel and ride quality, while reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The software governing Lincoln's AdvanceTrac™ traction and stability enhancement system now incorporates understeer control, which provides improved steering control and maneuverability on snow and ice and also in dry road emergency situations where high lateral accelerations are induced. New adjustable pedals, revised brake boosters and a retuned pedal return spring provide lower brake efforts, improved pedal feel and better control of braking power.

The LS suspension has new 16-inch aluminum wheels and wider P225/55VR16 Continental ContiTouring Contact all-season tires, which replace the previous car’s standard P215/60R16 tires. The LS Sport suspension features new 17-inch aluminum wheels and P235/50VR17 Michelin MXM4 all-season tires.

Design
Interior stowage is two-and-half times greater, due to a redesigned center console, a new overhead console, larger in-door map pockets and other improvements. The center console alone is twice as large as the previous design.

New leathers are used for the seating surfaces and steering wheel, the carpeting is plusher and a new, textured fabric is used for the headliner. Satin nickel accents, American walnut burl and aluminum or ebony-colored trim with a gloss finish bring three distinctive themes to the cabin décor.

Changes to the front of the LS include a new grille with a full-perimeter chrome surround, a simpler bumper fascia design and new lamps, including round fog lamps, turn signal lamps integrated into the headlamp cluster and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. There are new wheel options, including painted, polished or chrome aluminum wheels.

Comfort and Convenience

Driver and passenger comfort is one of the defining qualities of Lincoln vehicles. LS engineers devoted considerable effort to create a quiet, vibration-free cabin, which is enhanced by an array of convenience features including: One-touch up/down power windows for the driver and front passenger; a keyless entry keypad on driver's door; power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals; and a sliding center armrest that adjusts for different driver's seat positions.

New optional equipment includes: Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats that are linked to the electronic automatic climate control, and heated rear seats; folding side mirrors that incorporate puddle lamps; a new Extended Rear Park Assist system that sounds a warning chime if an obstacle is detected when reversing; and a touch-screen controlled navigation system.

Safety and Security
The core LS restraints package includes dual-stage driver and front-seat passenger air bags, three-point safety belts with pretensioners and load-limiting retractors, and front seat-mounted side air bags.

New brake assist systems that can reduce stopping distances in emergencies are standard equipment. In an emergency stop, these systems automatically apply full braking power even if the driver doesn't apply enough pedal pressure to engage the anti-lock system.

A side curtain air bag system that deploys from the headliner and covers the front and rear side window area, coupled with side chest-protection air bags that deploy from the driver and front passenger seats, will be introduced during the 2003 model year.

LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) anchors now are fitted to the outboard rear seating positions to make properly securing a LATCH-compatible child safety seat easier.

The Lincoln LS is built in Wixom, Mich., and will be in showrooms in late 2002. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The tentative final order due date for the 2002 Lincoln LS is 9/13/02. Please try to place final orders by no later than Wednesday 9/11/02. The estimated Job #1 for the 2003 model is 11/18/02. Ford has not yet provided a 2003 order bank opening date.

2003 Nissan Altima Pricing Announced

2003 Nissan Altima

Nissan North America, Inc. has announced pricing on the 2003 Altima sedan. For 2003, Altima again features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $16,649 for the Altima 2.5. Other models maintaining 2002 pricing include the most popular Altima model, the 2.5 S with automatic transmission at $18,999, and the top-of-the-line Altima 3.5 SE with V6 engine and automatic transmission at a MSRP of $23,149.
The Altima 2.5 SL - the one exception to the no-price-increase positioning - has increased content for 2003 and now includes heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. The 2.5 SL has a MSRP of $22,999, an increase of $100.

"The fact that we've been able to hold prices despite a number of key refinements for 2003 greatly increases Altima's already strong value story," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "For 2003, we've also simplified our option packaging, making it even easier for our customers to select the new Altima of their choice."

Along with the more powerful V6 engine, other changes for 2003 include numerous interior refinements, bright titanium-tinted interior accents and two new exterior colors. The new packaging philosophy simplifies option choices by combining the most popular optional equipment into a less complex ordering system.

The Altima, which was named 2002 North American Car of the Year, is available with a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine or the 245-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 - part of the VQ engine series that has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for eight consecutive years.

Toyota recently announced 2003 manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the Camry sedan, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Highlander mid-size SUV. All three vehicles retain their excellent value with prices unchanged from the previous model year.

Camry improves its value for 2003. A remote keyless entry system, previously standard only on the premium XLE model, is now also standard on all LE and SE models. Additionally, the XLE now includes standard fog lamps and a six-disc CD changer.

The base MSRP for all Camry sedans remains unchanged from last year, with prices ranging from $18,970 for the LE with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $25,405 for the top-of-the-line XLE V6 with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission with intelligence.

For 2003, base prices for Highlander have been held to 2002 levels. Highlander's base MSRP ranges from $23,880 for the 2WD four-cylinder model to $26,860 for the 4WD V6. MSRP for the Highlander Limited begins at $29,395 for the 2WD and $30,795 for the 4WD.

The RAV4 compact SUV receives a new optional Sport Package that combines exclusive design features with the most popular comfort and convenience options. The Sport package includes a new grille, a hood scoop, color-keyed door handles, and gray-painted bumpers and overfenders. A tubular roof rack with polished stainless steel finish adds style and function. Special sport fabric seats are exclusive to this new package, which also includes heated exterior mirrors and sport badging. A $1,000 discount is applied to the new Sport Package, as well as two existing extra value packages, the Quick Order Package and the Upgrade "L" Package.

Base MSRP for all RAV4 models remain unchanged from last year. The base price for the 4x2 RAV4 ranges from $16,525 for the five-speed manual transmission to $17,575 for the automatic transmission. Base prices for the 4x4 RAV4 ranges from $17,925 with a manual transmission to $18,975 for the automatic.

2003 Lincoln Aviator

Order banks for the 2003 Lincoln Aviator are now open and retail production is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2002. Fleet scheduling will begin on September 12, 2002. According to a Ford Representative, fleet allocation is low and the number of units available for ordering will be limited.

Lincoln recently announced that the Aviator will be priced from $39,995 MSRP, which includes a destination charge of $740.

2003 Aviator pricing is as follows:

Rear-wheel drive, Luxury trim: $39,995
All-wheel drive, Luxury trim: $42,915
Rear-wheel drive, Premium trim: $42,945
All-wheel drive, Premium trim: $45,865
(Note: all prices include $740 delivery and destination charge)

All Aviators include a standard aluminum 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 302- horsepower, a five-speed automatic transmission, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD sound system, leather-trimmed seats, fold-flat-to-the-floor third-row seating and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Premium trim adds unique 17-inch seven-spoke machined aluminum wheels, high-intensity discharge headlights, heated and cooled seats and an in-dash six-CD changer. Options on all models will include a power moonroof ($1,515), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,295) and a class III towing package rated for 7,300-pounds ($295).

Lincoln expects to sell approximately 30,000 Aviators in the first full model year of production.

Mercedes-Benz GST: Series Production in Tuscaloosa

Mercedes-Benz Vision GST

DaimlerChrysler AG will produce the Mercedes-Benz Grand Sports Tourer (GST) at its US site in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The company announced at a dealers' conference in Canada that the production launch is planned for the end of 2004.

The "GST Vision" concept was presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2002 and subsequently was further developed to the production standard in record time.

"With the Grand Sports Tourer DaimlerChrysler will be continuing the success story of the Tuscaloosa site. The outstanding acceptance of the M-Class, which has been produced in Alabama since 1997, shows that we have developed an ideal market for the sport utility vehicle segment in the USA," said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Mercedes-Benz PC & smart Sales & Marketing, in justifying the choice of the location. "As a touring car, station wagon, large-capacity vehicle and sport utility vehicle rolled into one the Grand Sports Tourer is primarily geared to the needs of the North American market."

The production area at the Tuscaloosa site will be expanded accordingly until GST's launch. Approximately $600 million will be invested in the plants' expansion over the coming years.

2003 Subaru Baja

Subaru of America, Inc., announced MSRP for the 2003 Baja. The all-wheel drive Baja with the standard five-speed manual transmission is $23,995, $24,795 with the optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission. Prices do not include destination charges.

Introduced earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show, Baja combines the cargo versatility of a compact four-door pickup truck with the driving dynamics, safety and comfort of a passenger car. Baja features the Subaru-designed Switchback™ system, which provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area, as well as the cargo bed, to meet a variety of needs when transporting people and cargo.

Other standard features include a power moonroof, perforated gray leather-trimmed seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and an integrated cargo bed liner.

Power is supplied by a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine providing 165-horsepower and 166 lb-ft. of torque, mated to either the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission. Standard on every Subaru, Baja features the traction and control of the Subaru All-Wheel Driving System.

Baja will be on display in Subaru showrooms beginning September 1. For additional information, visit the Baja web site at www.SubaruBaja.com.

2004 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac has released a photo of its all-new luxury utility, the SRX. Due out in mid 2003 as a 2004 model, SRX is an all-new entry for Cadillac in the medium luxury utility segment – one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.

Inspired by the 2001 Vizon concept, the SRX features bold Cadillac styling and is built on the same performance-oriented architecture as the CTS.

SRX Highlights Include:

Magnetic Ride Control – a fast reacting suspension system

Seats up to seven passengers with optional third row, or five with rear cargo management system

Large sunroof with power shade

Most second row legroom in its class

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Chevrolet	6	Impala Sedan	4	Seaford, NY	$19,040	02115
02	Chrysler	6	Concorde LX Sedan	4	Little Rock, AR	$20,878	02020
02	Ford	8	Crown Victoria HD Sedan	4	Springfield, NJ	$22,274	55309
02	Mercury	6	Sable GS Plus Wagon	4	Dallas, TX	$19,713	100506

TRUCKS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Chevrolet	8	3500 HD Chassis Cab	Grand Island, NE	$25,686	Multiple
02	Ford	8	Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4x4	Batesville, MS	$29,417	20014
02	Ford	8	F-150 SuperCab 4x2	Salinas, CA	$20,816	03144
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!

Feature News

Pool Vehicles

Issue 217 – September 3, 2002

Toyota Announces Prices for 2003 Camry Sedan, Rav4 and Highlander

All-New 2003 Lincoln Aviator Fleet Scheduling Set to Begin in September

Pool Vehicle Inventory

Call your ARI representative for details!