PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2002 Model Year
Final Order Dates

2003 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 218– September 16, 2002

EnviroFleet; ARI's Environmental Fleet Technology Newsletter

GM's OnStar for 2003

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

Ford Unveils 2004 F-650 and F-750, Announces Fleet Incentive

2004 Ford F-750 Super Duty XLT SuperCab

Ford Motor Company recently unveiled its new 2004 F-650 and F-750 Super Duty truck lineup at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. For 2004, Ford is offering three cab configurations in this class, as well as a wider range of frames, axles, engines and transmissions.

Three diesel engine families are available with a wide variety of horsepower choices. Customers also can choose between ten manual and seven automatic transmissions. The base engine will be an all-new direct injection, 32-valve, 6.0-liter Power Stroke® diesel with four power ranges, generating up to 230 horsepower and 620 foot-pounds of torque. Other engine offerings include a 3126 Caterpillar 7.2-liter diesel with up to 300 hp and 860 foot-pounds of torque, and a 5.9-liter Cummins ISB diesel engine (available late spring 2003) with up to 260 hp and 660 foot-pounds of torque.

There is a choice of three cab configurations: Regular Cab, four-door SuperCab, and four-door Crew Cab, each with a wider variety of seating choices than last year. There are 38 wheelbase choices – up from 11 last year, which allow the trucks to be easily upfitted using a wide spectrum of body types.

Customers also can choose from nine different frames. An array of rear axles is offered including two-speed axles and single-speed axles with driver-controlled locking differentials. There are five multi-leaf and five air suspensions to choose from. Air suspension is offered on all models, with or without air brakes, and ten fuel tank combinations are available. Each of these design elements and others have been packaged to allow for the most fuel capacity and highest ground clearances for given applications – especially those requiring clear frame rails for skirted bodies.

In addition, Ford offers a low profile cab, ideal for height-restricted applications. Tractor versions also are available as an F-650 and F-750, in all cab configurations.

Production, Pricing and National Fleet Incentive

At introduction, base prices for 2004 models are increased by an average of 4%, including powertrain options, over 2003 models. This increase reflects approximately 3% for 2004-model emissions requirements and the industry-wide upgrade of the Allison AT-545 automatic transmission to the Allison 2000; and 1% for other equipment actions and pricing. Destination charges are unchanged from 2003 model pricing.

The National Fleet Incentive (56M) for the 2004 F-650/750 is $4,200 – up from $3,500 last year. Completed vehicles purchased from certain body manufacturers may not be eligible for fleet incentives.

Order banks for the new F-650/750 are now open and Job #1 production is tentatively scheduled for 12/9/02.

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Early Buildout Notice

There will be an early buildout for the 2003 Grand Prix to make way for the redesigned 2004 Grand Prix. Clients who have Grand Prix on their selectors should be aware of the following tentative dates regarding buildout of the 2003's and startup and availability of the 2004's:

2003 Grand Prix
Final date for fleet orders	Early November
Production ends	February 15, 2003

2004 Grand Prix
Initial date for orders	Late Fall 2002
Retail production begins	February 3, 2003
Fleet production begins	May, 2003
First fleet deliveries	June / July 2003

The 2004 Grand Prix will be available in two models, the GT and the GTP. The GT will be offered in two trim levels, a base and an up-level trim; GTP will have one trim level. The GT base trim level replaces the popular Grand Prix SE model. Specs for the 2004 Grand Prix are not yet available. ARI will provide updates as we receive them.

3.0L FFV Vulcan Engine Availability for 2003 Taurus LX and SE

Ford recently issued a notice to fleet managers outlining changes to the Taurus LX and SE retail arrays and 3.0L FFV engine availability. Below is a clarification of the changes to help clear up any confusion.

Effective 9/18/02, Taurus LX and SE Arrays 100A (P52 LX Sedan), 210A (P53 SE Sedan) and 500A (P58 SE Wagon Standard) are no longer available for retail ordering. Ford will continue to offer these Arrays to Fleet customers who have a valid Ford Fleet Identification Number (FIN). This action will, however, impact vehicle selection when purchasing a unit out of stock.

2003 Taurus Fleet Arrays are not affected by this change. All Fleet Arrays continue to be offered with a standard 3.0L V6 engine or an optional 3.0L FFV engine.

Volvo and Saab Early Order Incentives Reminder

The deadline for 2003 Volvo and Saab Early Order Incentives is fast approaching.

For 2003 Volvo models, an Early Order Incentive of $200 is available for each unit ordered by September 30, 2002 and delivered by December 31, 2002. *The 2003 XC90 is not eligible.

A $1,000 Early Order Bonus is available on all 2003 Saab 9-5's (including convertible). The order deadline is also September 30, 2002.

Please place all final orders by no later than Thursday September 26, 2002 to allow ARI sufficient time for processing.

2003 Nissan Maxima Early Order Cutoff

Please be advised that the 2003 Nissan Maxima is no longer available for ordering. ARI received a notice from Nissan Fleet on September 5, 2002 stating that the final order due date was scheduled for September 12, 2002.

The early cutoff is due, in part, to a plant changeover that will take place immediately following the final 2003 build. Nissan is moving Maxima production from Japan to a plant located in Smyrna, TN. An all-new, fully redesigned 2004 Maxima is scheduled for release during the spring of 2003.

Nissan has indicated that there will be no Fleet allocation at the time of release and did not provide a timeframe for Fleet availability.

Toyota Announces 2003 Echo, Sequoia, Tacoma and Corolla Pricing

2003 manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) have been announced for the ECHO subcompact sedan, Sequoia full-size SUV, Tacoma compact pickup truck, and the Corolla compact sedan.

Echo

For 2003, the ECHO receives a new look with increased length, and a redesigned front and rear fascia. The front bumper and fenders feature more prominent lines, a new grille, and new headlamps. Optional round fog lamps accent the front-end design. In the rear, a new trunk lid with chrome plate garnish, a new bumper and redesigned taillights provide a more upscale look.

The standard 14-inch wheels get a sporty wheel cover design, and, for the first time, ECHO offers an optional 15-inch wheel package. Five new colors are available: Phantom Gray Pearl, Silver Streak Mica, Impulse Red Pearl, Sand Castle Metallic, and Aqua Ice Opalescent.

For 2003, ECHO prices increase by $110, or 1.0 percent. The MSRP for ECHO ranges from $10,105 for the two-door with a five-speed manual transmission to $11,495 for the four-door with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission.

Sequoia

For 2003 the eight-passenger Sequoia SUV features new 17-inch alloy wheels and tires and an inside rear-view auto-dimming mirror as standard equipment on the Limited model, and as options on the SR5 model. A rear DVD entertainment system with two cordless headphones, and load leveling rear suspension are new features available on both Sequoia models.

The base MSRP for the 2003 Sequoia SR5 4x2 is $31,625, an increase of $360, or 1.2 percent. The SR5 4x4 is priced at $35,155, an increase of $360, or 1.0 percent. Base MSRP for the Limited 4x2 is $40,200, an increase of $795, or 2.0 percent. The Limited 4x4 is priced at $43,520, an increase of $795, or 1.9 percent.

Tacoma

The Tacoma compact pickup is upgraded for 2003 with standard ABS on all models. Additionally, child restraint system lower anchors have been added to the front passenger seat on Regular- and Xtracab models, and to the rear outboard seats on Double Cab models.

Tacoma 4x2 MSRPs range from $12,100 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $15,460 for the Xtracab four-cylinder with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission. MSRP for the performance-focused S-Runner Xtracab V6 is $19,020. The MSRP for the popular PreRunner ranges from $14,015 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder automatic to $19,170 for the Double Cab V6 automatic. On average, 2003 Tacoma 4x2 prices increase only $94, or 0.6 percent.

Tacoma 4x4 MSRPs range from $16,510 for the Regular Cab four-cylinder five-speed manual to $22,320 for the Double Cab V6 automatic. On average, 2003 Tacoma 4x4 prices increase $200, or 1.0 percent. Total Tacoma prices (4x2 and 4x4 combined) increase $139, or 0.8 percent.

Corolla

The ninth-generation 2003 Corolla broke new ground in the compact class for roominess, comfort and value when it debuted in January of this year. Starting October 1, the base MSRP for the Corolla CE with a five-speed manual transmission is $13,570, an increase of $200, or 1.5 percent. The base MSRP for the CE with a four-speed automatic transmission is $14,370, an increase of $200, or 1.4 percent. All Corolla S and LE models remain unchanged. Base MSRP ranges from $14,515 for the S model with a five-speed manual to $15,480 for the LE with an automatic transmission.

DaimlerChrysler Announces Early 2004 Model Year Launches

DaimlerChrysler has announced that all Stratus Sedans, Sebring Sedans and Sebring Convertibles scheduled for production beginning February 2003 will be produced as 2004 Model Year vehicles. These models are being refreshed and will include a new front fascia, new grille and new wheels.

In addition, all Grand Cherokee orders scheduled for production in January 2003 will be built as 2004 models. There will be a front-end facelift consisting of a new fascia, 3 new grilles and new fog lamps.

2004 Model Year pricing will be provided at a later date.

2003 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing Announcement


2003 Nissan Pathfinder	2003 Nissan Pathfinder interior

In late August, Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on its 2003 Pathfinder flagship sport utility vehicle. Pricing ranges from $26,799 MSRP for the Pathfinder SE 4x2 to $33,799 MSRP for the Pathfinder LE 4x4.

For 2003, Pathfinder is offered in four well-equipped models: 4x2 SE, 4x2 LE, 4x4 SE and 4x4 LE. All four come with a standard 3.5-liter, 240-horsepower engine and 4-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan has further refined the Pathfinder for the 2003 model year with a restyled 4-spoke steering wheel, electronic remote rear hatch window release, and the LATCH child safety seat system. In addition, the SE has newly restyled 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while Pathfinder LE comes standard with side curtain supplemental side-impact air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, and all of the elements of the Leather Package (including perforated leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger front seats and dual visors).

Two new features are also offered for 2003. A Dynamic Control Package, priced at $749, that includes Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System and a tire pressure monitoring system. Also newly available is integrated satellite radio, with a price of $399, which includes activation and two months of service from either XM or Sirius.

Ford Offers 5-Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Plan on 2003 Focus

2003 Ford Focus Sedan

Ford is offering a 5-year/ 100,000 mile powertrain coverage plan for the 2003 Focus. The Powertrain Extended Service Plan, which includes full roadside assistance coverage, complements the 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year anti-corrosion warranty currently offered on Ford products.

The award-winning Focus is offered in four distinct body styles: sedan, wagon, three-door hatchback and five-door hatchback. The base manufacturer's suggested retail price for a 2003 Focus is $13,195, including destination and delivery.

Mercedes-Benz Introduces All-New E-Class for 2003

2003 Mercedes-Benz E500

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan makes its U.S. debut for the 2003 model year with new technological innovations and new standards in safety, comfort and driving dynamics.

Two new E-Class sedans will be available in the United States for 2003 –the V6-powered E320 and a new 5.0-liter V8-powered E500 sedan that replaces the former E430. The E320's V6 engine produces 221 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The E500 gets its name from its 5.0-liter V8, which produces 302 horsepower and 339 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Both engines are teamed with an adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which allows quick and convenient manual shifting if desired.

The E500 also comes with a standard Airmatic DC air suspension and larger 245/45R17 tires. The E320 wagon will continue on the previous platform for 2003. The air suspension is available as an option on the E320. Safety features include ABS with Brake Assist, straight-line traction control and ESP stability control.

The new E-Class is one of many select models eligible for the Mercedes-Benz Executive Choice Program, which offers volume incentives to Fleet customers. For more information about the Program, please visit the Fleet Resource at www.arifleet.com and look for Purchasing News issue number 209 dated May 13, 2002.

Ford Excursion to be Discontinued in 2004

Ford Motor Company has officially announced that the Excursion SUV will be discontinued in late summer of 2004.

Steve Lyons, President of Ford Division had this to say: "As a part of our overall corporate restructuring plan and investment in new product, I firmly believe that this decision is in the best interest of our company and our dealers – but more importantly, this will be a step in the right direction in addressing the needs of our customers."

He continued, "Discontinuing any of our products is a tough decision to make, but in the interest of allocating resources to our current and future product lineup, this is the right decision at the right time. Well will continue to look at other product alternatives to meet the needs of (Excursion) customers".

Ford said it will continue to support Excursion customers and honor all warranty issues.

Jeep® Unveils a New Logo; Relaunches Popular Tag Line

Beginning later this month, Jeep® brand vehicles will be marketed with an advertising tag line from the 80's and an all new logo. The changes were designed to capture the brand's core values of "fun, freedom and legendary capability," the automaker said.

The new logo, which is the first change in the 60-plus year history of the Jeep brand, is a graphic representation of the front grille and windshield of the Wrangler. The "Jeep" trademark is centered within the windshield.

The "Only in a Jeep" tagline that was first used by American Motors Corporation to market Jeep vehicles from 1984-89 will replace the current "Jeep. There's Only One".

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Purchasing News Home

Pool Vehicle Inventory

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
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!

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