PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2002 Model Year
Final Order Dates

2003 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 219– September 30, 2002

EnviroFleet; ARI's Environmental Fleet Technology Newsletter

GM's OnStar for 2003

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

DaimlerChrysler Mid-Year Price Increases

Most 2003MY Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models have received mid-year base price increases, effective September 16, 2002. Select option pricing has also increased, but most options are unaffected. Destination charges remain unchanged. Price protection applies to bona fide sold orders obtained prior to the effective date.

Increases for all Chrysler and Dodge cars range from $70 - $80 (300M Special remains unchanged)
The increase for all Minivans is $70 ($120 for eX and eL models)
All Jeep models are increased by $75 (Rubicon remains unchanged)
All other Dodge trucks, including Dakota, Ram 1500 pickup, Ram Van and Durango, are increased by $75

Reminder: 2003 MY Early Order Incentives Cutoff

The deadline for receiving 2003MY Early Order Incentives is October 31, 2002 for some product lines.

DaimlerChrysler
For select DaimlerChrysler models, Fast Start Incentives are available on orders placed from June 1, 2002 through October 31, 2002 and produced by December 31, 2002.

The DaimlerChrysler Fast Start Incentive is compatible with the 2003 Fleet Purchase Allowance, Fleet Purchase Incentive and Fleet Volume Incentive Programs.

The 2003 Fast Start Program amounts will appear on the vehicle invoice as a separate line item credit.

Fast Start Incentives are offered on the following 2003MY DaimlerChrysler models:

• Sebring/Stratus Sedan	$500
• Intrepid/Concorde/300M	$1,000
• Caravan/Voyager SWB	$500
• Grand Caravan/Town & Country	$500
• Liberty	$500

GM
To receive GM's 2003MY Early Order Bonus, unit musts be ordered by 10/31/02 and invoiced by 12/31/02. In addition, free ABS will be included on Impala units ordered with VX5 Fleet Incentive and (JL9) by 10/31/02 and invoiced by 12/31/02. Early Order Bonuses and Impala free ABS are not compatible with GM CAPS (volume incentive) programs.

The Early Order Bonus will be paid as an open account credit upon application.

Early Order Bonuses are offered on the following 2003MY GM models:

• Buick Century	$1,000
• Chevy Impala	$500
• Pontiac Grand Prix	$500
• Chevy Blazer	$500
• Chevy Venture	$500

Ford
A $500 off-invoice Early Order Incentive is available on select 2003 Ford and Mercury models ordered by 12/31/02. In addition, No-Charge ABS (a $600 MSRP value) is also available on Taurus LX & SE sedan for fleet orders received by 10/31/02 and produced by 12/31/02. Ford Early Order Incentives are compatible with CPA (volume incentive) programs.

Early Order Incentives are offered on the following 2003MY Ford and Mercury models:

Taurus/Sable	$500
Windstar	$500
Explorer/Mountaineer	$500
Explorer Sport/Sport Trac	$500
E-Series (except RV Cutaway)	$500
F-150 (incl. SuperCrew)	$500
F-Super Duty (except F53)	$500

2003MY Early Order Incentives for all other product lines, including Toyota, Volvo and Saab, are now expired.

Ford Faces Canadian Auto Workers Union Strike

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union has chosen Ford Motor Company for its next strike target. The union has set the strike deadline for 11:59pm October 1, 2002.

Ford and CAW are preparing for a week of contract negotiations, but the main topic of discussion will be the fate of the Ontario Truck Assembly plant in Oakville. As part of its restructuring plan announced earlier this year, Ford said that it would close the plant in late 2003 or early 2004. As a result, approximately 1,400 union workers would lose their jobs.

While Union President Basil Hargrove is optimistic about a fair solution, he said that Ford "should be ready for a shutdown" if the automaker cannot commit to a new product line in Oakville.

Since Ford has 13,000 CAW members, a strike would freeze several plants including those that produce the Windstar, F-150 and engines that are used in many of Ford's SUVs. As a result, plants in the U.S. that rely on parts from Canada would also be crippled as shipments from across the border would cease.

Ford spokesperson John Jelinek said the automaker is prepared for negotiations. "We recognize that we have a lot of work to do in a very short period of time," he said. "But we will continue to work toward reaching a fair and realistic agreement before the deadline."

During the 35 year relationship between Ford and CAW there has been only a single strike.

2003MY Stratus, Sebring and Grand Cherokee Cutoff Dates

In the previous issue of the Purchasing News, ARI advised that there would be an early model year launch for the 2004 Stratus Sedan, Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Grand Cherokee models.

DaimlerChrysler's current production plan calls for 2003MY Grand Cherokee production to end in December 2002 and the 2003MY Stratus/Sebring to end in January 2003.

*Orders for 2003 models will be accepted until the following Final Order Due Dates:*
Grand Cherokee	October 15, 2002
Stratus/Sebring	November 13, 2002

Under special circumstances DaimlerChrysler may accept orders after the above dates - depending on production availability, however, ARI recommends that all final 2003MY orders be placed at least 3 business days prior to the due date.

Nissan Announces 2003 Frontier and Xterra Pricing

2003 Nissan Frontier

Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced 2003 model year pricing for its Xterra SUV and Frontier compact truck models. The Frontier features a base MSRP of $12,989 for the well-equipped King Cab, while the Xterra has a starting MSRP of $17,999 – unchanged for the third consecutive year.

Both the Frontier and Xterra receive an additional 10 horsepower on all normally aspirated V6 models. The 3.3-liter SOHC V6 now rates at 180 horsepower and 202 lb-ft torque. These V6 models also receive an average of one MPG improvement.

Pricing for other 2003 models include the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, which starts with an MSRP of $18,989 and the Super Charged Xterra, which is offered in a 4x2 SE model and has an MSRP of $25,999.

2003 Frontier
Frontier enters 2003 with over a dozen improvements including the addition of 4-wheel ABS as standard equipment on all configurations. Additionally, Nissan will introduce the segment's first application of Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and tire pressure monitoring system to enhance performance and safety (select 4x4 models). A variety of other improvements include enhancement to the Value Truck Package on King Cab, expanded application of Body Color Package on Crew Cab, standard Electronic Brake force Distribution and the availability of a variety of new interior comfort and conveniences features.

2003 Nissan Xterra

2003 Xterra
In addition to the 10 extra horsepower to Xterra's V6 engine, all XE V6 models come standard with the popular Utility Package. Many new packages are available for 2003, including curtain side air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (4X4 only), and a brand new Rugged Leather Package (SE only.) Also, the Premium Audio Package (standard on SE, optional on XE V6) has been enhanced to include a Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer, which puts out 300 watts of power.

Also for 2003, all Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails. Four new exterior colors are available: Canteen, Granite, Atomic Orange (limited availability) and Camouflage (limited and late availability).

Returning for 2003 is the powerful factory-installed supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine (optional on SE). This engine, shared with the Frontier S/C compact truck, produces 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque.

Supercharged Xterras are available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive with 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Toyota Announces Tacoma Truck Assembly in Tijuana

During simultaneous press conferences in Mexico City and Tijuana, Toyota announced plans to assemble Tacoma pickup trucks at its new manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Baja California. Toyota intends to invest $140 million (USD) in this plant, with a workforce of 460 team members when vehicle assembly begins in 2005.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC) will have the capacity to build approximately 20,000 Tacoma pickup trucks annually. In addition, the plant will have the capacity to make approximately 170,000 Tacoma truck beds to be used at TMMBC and New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) -- a joint venture plant in Fremont, California, co-owned by Toyota and General Motors.

"This announcement expands our commitment to Mexico and the production increase will allow us to meet the strong demand for Tacoma in the U.S.," said Atsushi Niimi, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America.

Toyota ceremonially broke ground for TMMBC in June 2002. Since that time the automaker has secured an architectural/engineering firm and agreements for the site work contract are currently being finalized. The initial site preparation will begin this fall, followed by foundation and structural steel erection stretching into the first quarter of next year.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California, S. de R.L. de C.V. is the latest addition to Toyota's increasing manufacturing investment in North America. This announcement coupled with an earlier announcement at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario, gives the automaker capacity to build 1.5 million cars and trucks and 1.16 million engines a year in North America by 2005.

Toyota's North American-produced vehicles include the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sienna, Solara, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra. Beginning in the fall of 2003, the Lexus RX300 will be produced at TMMC.

Toyota Motor Sales began selling vehicles in Mexico in April 2002, with the launch of the Camry. Corolla sales in Mexico began in June 2002.

Cadillac Gets Ready to Launch Escalade ESV


2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV	2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV interior

Cadillac is introducing a larger, more powerful version of its luxury SUV – the all new Escalade ESV. The ESV will begin touring the auto show circuit this month and will be arriving at dealer showrooms in early 2003.

The 2003 ESV shares the same bold exterior design of the Escalade and Escalade EXT. The front-end is distinguished by Cadillac's signature egg-crate grill and high intensity discharge headlamps with chrome bezels.

Inside, a new instrument panel and cluster features a simple design with chrome halos now highlighting only the tachometer and speedometer. A new driver Information Center monitors and reports up to 34 system functions. An available nine-button steering wheel control allows drivers to personalize several functions and access new infotainment systems.

ESV offers ample cargo-carrying capacity as well as seating for eight. Standard Nuance leather seating surfaces are designed for support and comfort. The standard front bucket seats are equipped with 10-way power cushion adjusters for both driver and passenger. The second row also offers standard reclining buckets, which feature heated cushions. A second row bench seat with heated cushions is optional. To make room for cargo, the second-row buckets can be flipped and folded flat. The third row bench seat can be folded flat or removed.

Safety features include GM'S Passenger Sensing System, which detects if there is a small adult or child seat in the front passenger seat and will automatically turn the front passenger-side airbag off. In addition, the ESV has dual stage air bags that control the rate of deployment based on the seat location relative to the instrument panel. Side-impact door beams and energy-absorbing foam blocks help protect occupants against head injuries.

For added safety, the ESV also features Cadillac's Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, which uses audio and visual cues to convey information on the distance of objects behind the vehicle, assisting the driver in rear parking maneuvers.

The Vortec 6000 produces 345 hp at 5200 rpm and 380 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It links to the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E HD electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. The engine features an advanced Electronic Throttle Control system, which precisely tailors throttle progression to improve driveability, fuel economy and emissions. ESV meets ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) certification requirements in California and other states with similar laws.

ESV features a standard full-time all-wheel-drive system that continuously transfers power to the wheels in a seamless manner. As part of its Stabilitrak system, the ESV offers computer-controlled Road Sensing Suspension – a fully automatic system that provides body stability, ride comfort, trailering performance, wheel control and overall handling under all load conditions.

Escalade ESV drivers can also enjoy the benefits of OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar's Directions and Connections service is standard for one year. XM Radio is also standard and features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels from every genre and 29 channels of sports, talk children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the vehicle, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously only available in the home.

Pricing for the all-new Escalade ESV will be announced in the coming months.

GM Will Recall Some Full-Size SUVs

General Motors is voluntarily recalling about 597,000 model year 2000-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon and Denali sport utility vehicles to help protect customers from pinching their fingers in a seat.

Not included in this recall are Chevrolet Suburbans and Avalanches, Cadillac Escalade EXTs and GMC Yukon XLs.

The vehicles, built between September 1999 and February 2002, have a mechanical head restraint designed to fold when the second-row seats are moved from their upright to stowed position. Fourteen people, including 10 children, have pinched their fingers by inadvertently inserting them through the slot in the upholstery when the headrest was being folded down.

While GM maintains that the head restraints in these vehicles provide all of the occupant protection for which they were designed, they will install plastic shields over each head restraint mechanism to provide additional protection when the headrests are being folded down.

GM will notify drivers of this recall and provide instructions for repair of their vehicles. Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC dealers will perform the repair free of charge

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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
03	Ford	6	Taurus SE Fleet	4	Madison, WI	$17,262	30054
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
02	Ford	6	F-150 Regular Cab 4x2	Modesto, CA	$16,959	09855
03	Ford	8	F-250 SuperCab 4x2	Bristol, TN	$22,737	22854
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!

Download Pool Vehicles Word Document