DaimlerChrysler is offering a "Spring Break" Fleet bonus for early orders of the 2004 Grand Cherokee, Sebring Sedan, Stratus Sedan, Intrepid and Concorde. In addition, the special bonus is being offered on select 2003 models, including Durango, PT Cruiser and most Minivan models.

Orders received from January 1, 2003 through April 18, 2003 will be automatically coded for this program and a credit will appear on the factory invoice. Orders must be built or have a PSP date (Preferred Shipping Period) prior to June 30, 2003. Orders received prior to January 1, 2003 with a PSP date equal to or greater than February 1, 2003 will automatically meet eligibility requirements.

The Spring Break Order Bonus is compatible with Fleet Purchase Allowances and the Fleet Volume Incentive Program. Vehicles purchased out of dealer's stock are not eligible.

Eligible Vehicles:
2004	Intrepid/Concorde	$1,000
2004	Stratus/Sebring Sedans	$1,000
2004	Grand Cherokee	$1,000
2003	Durango	$1,000
2003	PT Cruiser	$1,000
2003	Minivans (includes Cargo Vans, excludes eL and eX models)	$1,000

Ford and GM Publish Tentative 2003 Buildout and 2004 Startup Dates

Ford Motor Company and General Motors have released tentative schedules of buildout dates for 2003 and Start Up dates for 2004. In the future, updates will be provided in the "2004 Startup Dates" section of the Purchasing News at www.arifleet.com.

2003 MY Final Order Due Dates are not available at this time.

Ford Tentative 2003/2004 Buildout and Startup Dates
Vehicle Line	2003 Buildout Date*	2004 Startup Date*
Cars
Crown Vic	7/25/03	7/28/03
Crown Vic Police (DSO, RPO, Non-CNG)	TBD	TBD
Focus (4-DR/Wagon)	10/3/03	10/6/03
Focus (3-DR/5-DR)	10/17/03	10/17/03
Grand Marquis	7/25/03	7/28/03
LS	6/27/03	7/14/03
Mustang	8/1/03	8/4/03
Sable **	8/1/03	8/4/03
Taurus **	8/1/03	8/4/03
Thunderbird	6/27/03	7/14/03
Town Car	6/27/03	7/14/03
ZX2	8/29/03	TBD
Trucks
Aviator	8/15/03	8/18/03
Blackwood	8/29/03	N/A
Econoline	9/12/03	9/15/03
Escape	5/2/03	5/5/03
Excursion	6/27/03	7/14/03
Expedition	8/1/03	8/4/03
Explorer **	8/1/03	8/4/03
Explorer Sport/Sport Trac	8/1/03	8/4/03
F-Series LD (incl. SuperCrew) **	5/16/03	6/9/03
F-Series SD **	6/27/03	7/14/03
F-Series SD Strip Chassis	TBD	TBD
Mountaineer **	8/1/03	8/4/03
Navigator	8/1/03	8/4/03
Ranger **	8/1/03	8/4/03
Windstar	7/25/03	7/28/03

GM Tentative 2003/2004 Buildout and Startup Dates
Vehicle Line	2003 Buildout date*	2004 Startup Date*
Buick Cars
Century	6/18/03	6/19/03
LeSabre **	6/4/03	6/4/03
Park Avenue	6/4/03	6/4/03
Regal	6/18/03	6/19/03
Cadillac Cars
CTS	6/6/03	6/9/03
Deville	6/20/03	6/20/03
Seville	6/20/03	6/20/03
XLR	N/A	5/5/03
Chevrolet Cars
Cavalier **	6/6/03	6/9/03
Corvette	6/23/03	6/23/03
Impala	6/18/03	6/19/03
Malibu **	6/2/03	6/2/03
Monte Carlo	6/18/03	6/19/03
Oldsmobile Cars
Alero	6/2/03	6/2/03
Pontiac Cars
Bonneville **	6/4/03	6/4/03
Grand Am	6/2/03	6/2/03
Grand Prix /*	2/7/03	2/3/03
Sunfire **	6/6/03	6/9/03
Vibe	5/5/03	5/5/03
Saturn Cars
ION	6/7/03	6/9/03
L-Series	6/6/03	6/9/03
Buick Trucks
Ranier	N/A	7/14/03
Rendezvous	5/31/03	6/2/03
Cadillac Trucks
Escalade	6/20/03	6/23/03
Escalade EXT	8/1/03	8/4/03
SRX	N/A	6/16/03
Chevrolet/GMC Trucks
Astro/Safari	6/27/03	7/21/03
Avalanche	8/1/03	8/4/03
Blazer	6/13/03	6/16/03
Colorado/Canyon	N/A	10/8/03
C-Series/T-Series	6/27/03	7/14/03
Envoy	6/13/03	6/16/03
Envoy XL **	6/27/03	7/14/03
Envoy XUV	N/A	7/21/03
Express/Savana	6/20/03	6/20/03
S-10/Sonoma /**	6/13/03	6/16/03
Silverado/Sierra **	6/20/03	6/23/03
SSR	N/A	10/31/03
Suburban/Yukon XL **	6/20/03	6/23/03
Tahoe/Yukon **	6/20/03	6/20/03
Tracker	7/4/03	7/21/03
Trailblazer	6/13/03	6/16/03
Trailblazer EXT **	6/27/03	7/14/03
Venture	6/13/03	6/16/03
Hummer Trucks
H2	8/18/03	8/18/03
Oldsmobile Trucks
Bravada	6/13/03	6/16/03
Silhouette	6/13/03	6/16/03
Pontiac Trucks
Aztek	5/31/03	6/2/03
Montana	6/13/03	6/16/03
Saturn Trucks
VUE	8/23/03	8/25/03

* Some model lines may have varying buildout/startup dates depending on which assembly plant the vehicle is produced at. The dates shown above represent the earliest tentative buildout/startup date for each model.

** Models with varying buildout/startup dates.

*** The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is not expected to be available for Fleet production until May or June of 2003.

**** The Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma are being replaced by the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. For the 2004MY, S-10 and Sonoma will be available in a 4WD Crew Cab configuration only

Nissan Debuts New and Redesigned 2004 Models at Auto Show

Nissan unveiled the all-new 2004 Titan, the company's first-ever full-size truck, at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Also making their debut at the auto show are Nissan's redesigned 2004 Maxima and Quest.

2004 Nissan Titan

2004 Nissan Titan
Scheduled to go on sale nationwide in late 2003, the 2004 Titan will be a brand new addition to the full-size pickup market. Titan's design features include the King Cab's Wide-Open rear doors that open nearly 180 degrees for optimal interior access, a factory-installed spray-in bedliner, a lockable water-resistant bedside storage compartment and Nissan's Utili-track™ bed channel tie-down system that provides improved cargo hauling flexibility.

The Titan is built on an all-new truck platform, featuring a newly designed Nissan Endurance 5.6-liter DOHC V8 with over 300 horsepower and more than 375 lb-ft of torque, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 9,400 pounds. The Nissan Titan will be available in both King Cab and Crew Cab models, with a choice of 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive.

The Titan will be assembled at Nissan's new $1.43 billion manufacturing facility in Canton, MS.

2004 Nissan Maxima

2004 Nissan Maxima
The sixth generation Maxima enters the 2004 model year with a new look and many new or improved features. The DOHC 24-valve V6 has been refined to produce 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft torque. An all-new multi-link independent rear suspension provides improved handling and increased ride comfort.

New styling features include a Skyview™ roof, with glass panels running lengthwise above the front and rear seats, and an Elite Package, which features a fixed, full rear center console.

The 2004 Maxima is available in two models: the sporty 3.5 SE and the up-level 3.5 SL. A number of options and packages are available including a Premium Audio Package, Sensory Package, Driver Preferred Package, Maxima Journey Package and the Elite Package with 2-passenger rear seating.

For the first time, Maxima will be assembled in the United States, at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, TN. It is scheduled to go on sale in March 2003; however, fleet allocation will be limited at introduction.

2004 Nissan Quest

2004 Nissan Quest
Nissan is bringing back a completely redesigned version of the Quest minivan, which is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2003 as a 2004 model. It will be the first of four new vehicles to be produced at Nissan's new assembly plant in Canton, MS.

The new Quest is larger than the previous two generations and will be built on Nissan's FF-L platform, which is also used on the Altima, Murano and Maxima. With a longer wheelbase, it allows for 2nd and 3rd row flat folding seats.

The Quest also offers 4-wheel independent suspension and powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque.

Like the Maxima, the new Quest also features the Skyview™ roof, a series of four panoramic glass roof panels for the 2nd and 3rd rows that (along with the front sunroof) help enhance the use of natural light throughout the rear of the vehicle.

Standard safety equipment includes a Zone Body Structure with front and rear crushable zones and occupant zone, the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which utilizes crash zone sensor and advanced occupant sensing capability to control front air bag deployment force) and front seat supplemental side-impact air bags. Also standard are Head Curtain Air Bags to help protect 1st, 2nd and 3rd row outboard occupants from side-impact collisions and 3-point seat belts and height-adjustable head restraints for all seating positions.

The 2004 Nissan Quest will be offered in three well-equipped models – Quest 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE.

Chrysler Group Models Restyled for 2004

For the 2003 Model Year, the Grand Cherokee, Sebring/Stratus Sedan and Sebring Convertible all had a short run to make way for their restyled renderings in the 2004 MY.

Production of the 2004 Grand Cherokee began the first week of January. Startup for the Sebring/Stratus Sedan and Sebring Convertible is scheduled for January 21, 2003.

Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee enters 2004 with a new appearance and an expanded model line that includes the Laredo, Special Edition, Limited and Overland. All models feature a restyled front fascia, grille and fog lamps. Two new exterior colors are available: Midnight Blue and Lava Red.

Also new for the 2004 Grand Cherokee is an optional Navigation Radio that combines a 4.9-inch full-color display, AM/FM stereo, CD player and a navigation system that uses DVD technology.

Sebring & Stratus Sedan
For 2004 the Sebring Sedan features a restyled fascia and grille as well as three new interior colors: Dark Slate Gray, Taupe and Deep Jade. New 16-inch painted aluminum wheels are standard on LX and LXi models, and chrome clad aluminum wheels are optional on the LXi.

The 2004 Stratus Sedan also features a restyled front-end. New interior colors include Dark Slate Gray, Taupe and Sandstone.

All 2004 Sebring and Stratus Sedans come standard with new door trim panels and seat fabrics. Both also offer front disc/rear drum brakes on vehicles ordered with the 2.7-liter engine without antilock brakes. All vehicles with antilock brakes will have four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. Traction control is now optional with antilock brakes.

Sebring Convertible
The 2004 Sebring Convertible has a new look with a freshened front fascia, grille and wheels. Like the Sebring Sedan, the Convertible will come with new 16-inch painted aluminum wheels on LX and LXi models and available chrome clad aluminum wheels on the LXi.

Steering wheel radio controls are available along with two new interior color combinations: Deep Slate Gray with Sandstone and Deep Jade with Light Taupe. The Limited model now includes suede accents on leather seats.

The Convertible also offers front disc/rear drum brakes on vehicles ordered with the 2.7-liter engine without antilock brakes. Vehicles equipped with antilock brakes will have four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. Traction control is now optional with antilock brakes.

Subaru Introduces Baja Sport Model

2003 Subaru Baja

Subaru of America, Inc. announced that it has added a Sport model to the Baja lineup where it will join the original All-Wheel-Drive model. The Sport version of the Baja crossover vehicle, Subaru's newest model, is expected to arrive at dealerships across the country in February.

The Baja Sport is equipped with more than 60 standard features including:

Air Conditioning
Power moonroof
Power windows, mirrors and door locks
An 80-watt, 4-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD
Tilt steering wheel and Cruise control
Remote keyless entry
Digital outside temperature gauge

Both Baja models feature the Subaru-designed Switchback – system that provides the ability to reconfigure the rear seating area, as well as the cargo bed, to meet a variety of transporting needs. The rear seatbacks fold down to add interior storage, and the Switchback panel between the cargo bed and interior section can be lowered to extend the cargo area length.

The 41.5-inch pickup bed can be lengthened to 60.5 inches by lowering the tailgate and attaching an optional accessory bed extender. Lowering the rear seat and Switchback cargo bed door can then provide a maximum load floor length of about 75 inches.

Subaru equipped the bed with an easy-to-clean, durable bedliner as well as other features such as bed sports bars, a dual-illumination bed light and four tie-down hooks. Both models also come standard with roof rails, cross bars and towing capacity of 2,400 pounds.

Baja AWD and Sport models are configured as 4-passenger vehicles. The Sport interior shares the same design features as the original model, including instrument gauges with silver trim rings and silver metallic-finished trim on the left dash switch bezel, the audio bezel, shifter trim plate and door switch plates.

A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower is standard on both models. EPA fuel efficiency ratings are 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 21/26 mpg with the 4-speed automatic.

Both the Baja Sport and AWD models were inspired by the Subaru ST-X concept vehicle and are based on the Legacy and Outback platform. The Sport version, however, will be priced lower than the AWD version. Subaru will announce pricing at a later date.

2004 Toyota Sienna

An all-new second-generation Toyota Sienna was recently unveiled at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The model is set to be built on a new assembly line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Princeton, Indiana.

The 2004 Sienna rides on an all-new chassis with a wheelbase that is over five inches longer than its predecessor. Both its front and rear tracks are nearly four inches wider, yet the turning radius is reduced by more than three feet. Its interior volume has increased by more than 44 cubic feet.

The new Sienna offers two different second-row seating options that can be adjusted, tumbled or removed. In its seven passenger configuration, it features second-row captains chairs with a passenger-side chair that can be moved side-to-side, offering either a bench or bucket arrangement. In its eight passenger configuration, Sienna features a second-row, three-way split/folding bench with a front and center middle seat that can be moved almost 13 inches closer to the front seat, making child seats more accessible. Standard on all models is a 60/40 split & stow 3^rd row bench seat that folds flat into the floor.

An all-new 230-horsepower engine and 5-speed automatic transmission is offered and it is capable of launching Sienna from 0-60 in 8.4 seconds, according to internal testing at Toyota. The powertrain will be certified as a Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and will deliver up to 25 miles per gallon.

Four-wheel antilock brakes are standard and Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control will be offered as optional equipment.

The new Sienna will be available in four trim levels: CE, LE, XLE and the up-level XLE Limited – all come in a standard 2WD configuration. The LE, XLE and XLE Limited will also be offered in AWD.

Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche recently announced plans for Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to jointly operate the North American production facility that will produce a co-developed World Engine.

In a speech a the Los Angeles Auto Show, Zetsche said that the automakers have signed an agreement that will allow the North American plant to be co-managed by all three automakers with Chrysler Group taking the lead. Zetsche said that the partner companies will each be responsible for a specific area of development and implementation, including plant layout, production processes and workforce strategy.

The World Engine, which was first announced in May 2002 as the "Global Engine Alliance", will be manufactured in facilities located in Korea, Japan and the United States. Prior to Zetsche's announcement, which affects only the U.S. facility, it was expected that all production facilities would be individually managed.

A decision on the U.S. facility's location and its ground breaking is expected some time this quarter. Actual production at the North American facility will begin in 2005.

The new engines produced will power future generations of fuel-efficient Chrysler Group, Hyundai and Mistubishi small and mid-size vehicles. According to Zetsche, many of the vehicles will be in compliance with California's more stringent emissions standards.

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Buick	6	LeSabre Custom	4	Phoenix, AR	$22,683	03441
03	Chevrolet	6	Impala LS Sedan	4	Council Bluffs, IA	$22,719	20313

TRUCKS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Location	Invoice	Ref #
02	Chevrolet	8	3500 HD Chassis Cab	Grand Island, NE	$25,686	Multiple
03	Chevrolet	6	Astro Passenger Van	Raleigh, NC	$21,524	22050
03	Chevrolet	6	Astro Passenger Van	Cincinnati, OH	$21,527	22052
03	Chevrolet	6	S-10 Crew Cab 4x4	Wahpeton, ND	$22,650	23016
03	Chevrolet	6	S-10 Crew Cab 4x4	Council Bluffs, IA	$22,573	Multiple
03	Chevrolet	6	Trailblazer LS 4x2	Springdale, OH	$23,900	38744
03	Ford	6	Ranger 4x4 Super Cab	Smyrna, GA	$18,421	21285
03	Ford	8	F150 Super Cab 4x2	Jackson, MS	$21,977	10284
03	Ford	8	F150 Super Cab 4x4	Pittsburg, CA	$26,183	10263
03	Ford	8	F250 Chassis Cab 4x2	Norwalk, CA	$19,182	Multiple
03	Ford	8	E250 Cargo Van	Multiple Locations	$30,310	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!

Feature News

Pool Vehicles

Issue 301 – January 13, 2003

Nissan Debuts New and Redesigned 2004 Models at Auto Show

Chrysler Group Models Restyled for 2004

All-New Toyota Sienna Makes its Debut

Pool Vehicle Inventory

Call your ARI representative for details!