DaimlerChrysler has published final order due dates for all remaining 2003 Model Year vehicles. In addition, the manufacturer has released tentative final order due dates for early 2004MY vehicles that have a short model year run.

Orders should be placed no later than 3 business days prior to the due date to help ensure production scheduling.

All published final order dates, buildout and startup dates are subject to change without notice.

Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Model	2003 Final Order Due Date
Sebring/Stratus (Coupe only)	3/14/03
Neon	4/18/03
PT Cruiser	4/18/03
Minivans (excluding eL and eX models)	4/18/03
Minivans (including eL and eX models)	Order acceptance complete
Durango	4/18/03
Wrangler	4/18/03
Liberty	4/18/03
Dakota	4/18/03
Special Equipment: Dakota	4/4/03
Ram Pickup	4/18/03
Special Equipment: Ram Pickup	4/4/03
Ram Van	3/14/03
Special Equipment: Ram Van	3/1/03
Chrysler/Dodge Model	2004 Final Order Due Date
Concorde/Intrepid/300M	5/16/03
Intrepid – Police Special Service	5/16/03
Sebring/Stratus Sedan with Flex Fuel Engine	4/18/03

Ford Motor Company has also released 2003 final order due dates; however, it is important to note that these dates are estimated and should only be used as a temporary guideline until a more definitive schedule is released. All updates will be posted in the "2003 Final Order Due Dates" section of the ARI Purchasing News online edition.

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Model	2003 Estimated Final Order Due Date
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis	6/6/03
ZX2	6/13/03
Taurus/Sable	6/13/03
Focus	8/22/03
Town Car	5/16/03
LS	5/16/03
Thunderbird	5/16/03
Econoline	7/25/03
Escape	4/25/03
Excursion	5/16/03
Expedition/Navigator	6/13/03
Explorer/Mountaineer	6/6/03
Explorer Sport	2/21/03
Explorer Sport Trac	6/6/03
Ranger	6/6/03
Windstar Passenger	5/2/03
Windstar Cargo	TBD
Windstar (A50) 3-Door (excl. A50 w/4^th door option)	TBD
Aviator	6/6/03
F-Series Light Duty - Super Crew and Flareside	3/28/03
F-Series Light Duty - Super Cab and Regular Cab	7/25/03
F-Series Super Duty	5/16/03

GM Releases 2004 Grand Prix Introductory Pricing

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

GM has announced introductory pricing for the newly redesigned 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.

For 2004, the base model SE has been eliminated, leaving a choice of the GT1, GT2 or GTP. The 2004 GT1 is comparable to the former SE model and has an MSRP of $22,395 – the same as the 2003 SE MSRP. The 2004 GT2 model has an MSRP of $24,295, which represents an increase of $50 over the 2003 GT. Finally, the GTP model carries an introductory MSRP of $26,495 – $550 less than the 2003 GTP. These prices include a $635 destination charge.

Retail production for the 2004 Grand Prix was scheduled to begin on February 3, 2003. There will be no Fleet allocation through April and limited Fleet production is expected to begin in May or June 2003.

For more information about the new 2004 Grand Prix, visit the Purchasing News archives at www.arifleet.com and look for issue number 221 dated October 28, 2002.

DaimlerChrysler Announces Pricing for Early 2004 Models

Introductory base prices have been released for early 2004 Chrysler Group models including the Intrepid, Concorde, 300M, Stratus, Sebring Sedan and Sebring Convertible. These prices represent initial 2004 Model Year firm prices; therefore, price protection is not applicable. Prices shown below do not include destination charges.

Intrepid Sedan
Intrepid enters 2004 with a few minor equipment changes. For the new model year the Intrepid SE 22D Package comes with Illuminated Entry and 16" Aluminum Wheels.

The ES/STX 27M Package now features an Overhead Console and Leather Seat trim. In addition, a new 26G Package features available Daytime Running Lamps (Fleet only) and a choice of the following exterior paint colors: Deep Lava Red Metallic, Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl, Graphite Metallic, Light Almond Pearl Metallic, Onyx Green Pearl and Steel Blue Pearl.

Model	MSRP
Intrepid SE	$21,385
Intrepid ES/STS	$24,705

Concorde and 300M
In their final model year the Concorde and 300M will offer two new late-availability colors - Butane Blue and Dark Midnight Blue. Each will replace Steel Blue and Deep Sapphire Blue respectively. All other colors remain the same.

A new Premium Discount Package, which offers a variety of equipment at a discounted price, is available on the Concorde Limited and 300M. A new Navigation/Sirius Satellite Radio Package is offered on the 300M and 300M Special.

Model	MSRP
Concorde LX	$23,480
Concorde LXi	$26,210
Concorde Limited	$29,105
300M	$29,185
300M Special	$32,615

Sebring Sedan and Convertible
All new Sebring models feature multiple enhancements including: ABS with Traction Control; new front fascia, grille and scalloped headlamps; new cast aluminum Radiation wheels (n/a Limited); new instrument cluster design; steering wheel audio controls; new walnut wood grain; and Satin Jade and Graphite Metallic exterior colors.

Model	MSRP
Sebring LX Sedan	$18,330
Sebring LXi Sedan	$20,905
Sebring LX Convertible	$24,280
Sebring LXi Convertible	$27,205
Sebring Limited Convertible	$30,015
Sebring GTC Convertible	$25,880

Stratus Sedan
The freshened 2004 Stratus Sedan offers a few enhancements for 2004 including: two new colors (Satin Jade and Graphite Metallic); new front fascia and grille; 16" painted aluminum wheels; new interior colors and fabric; new door trim; new instrument panel trim; steering wheel audio controls (ES and R/T); ABS with Traction Control; and EC Mirror.

Model	MSRP
Stratus SE	$18,080
Stratus SXT (incl. discount)	$17,950
Stratus ES	$21,590
Stratus R/T	$22,125

Ford Offers Racks & Bins Upgrade Packages on E-Series Van

Effective immediately, Racks & Bins Upgrade Packages are available on 2003 E-Series Vans. The packages are as follows:

(667) Contractor's Upgrade Package includes ladder and rack and can be combined with other upgrade packages (668), (669) and (66C)
(668) Electrical/Appliance Repair
(669) Plumbing/HVAC Service
(66C) EconoCargo Upgrade - General Delivery Package

Each of the above upgrade packages has a Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price of $480

Saab Implements Wheel Substitution on 9-3 Sport Sedan

Due to a late switch in wheel suppliers, a validated 15" all-season tire was not available at the start of production for the Saab 9-3 Linear Sport Sedan. As a result, the standard 15" alloy wheels and all-season tires have been substituted with 16" alloy wheels and all-season tires at no cost to the customer.

Saab said the validation process is nearly complete and all 9-3 Linear models will be built with the 15" alloy wheels and all-season tires beginning the week of March 3, 2003. The new tire will be a 205/65R15 from Continental, however; Michelin-brand tires will be used upon initial application

Effective January 27, 2003, OnStar is offering subscribers the ability to select Spanish or French as their preferred language at the time of enrollment.

Subscribers electing Spanish or French as their preferred language will be directly connected to a Spanish- or French-speaking advisor when they press the OnStar button to connect to an advisor for Blue Button or Emergency services.

Services related to OnStar Personal Calling or Virtual Advisor will not be offered in Spanish or French because the system hardware embedded in the vehicle is programmed for English only.

OnStar will be mailing Spanish communications to support customers who have indicated a Spanish language preference starting in April 2003. Initial communications in English may be received, as GM is in the process of converting their OnStar mailings to Spanish. GM currently has no plans to convert OnStar mailings to French.

OnStar advisors who service Spanish- or French-speaking customers are bilingual; therefore they will be able to assist an English-speaking driver as well.

A customer has the ability to change their language preference at any time after enrollment by first pressing the blue OnStar button in the vehicle and then asking the advisor to have their language preference changed to English, Spanish or French.

2004 F-150

For the 2004 Model Year, Ford is offering an all-new, redesigned F-150 pickup truck. The 2004 F-150 will offer a wider variety of body and trim configurations, more passenger and cargo space, new engines, new safety features, and four doors on all cab configurations – including the Regular Cab model.

With more choices than the previous model year, customers can now specify the pickup box according to load length and body style. The lineup includes:

Three cab choices

Regular Cab – a single row of occupant seating and rearward-swinging access doors that reveal a behind-seat stowage area up to 13 inches wide.
SuperCab – a two-door extended cab version featuring a second row of seating accessed by two rearward-swinging doors.
SuperCrew – a crew cab that features two rows of seating and four forward-swinging full-size doors.

Three box lengths and two box styles

8-foot, 6 ½-foot and 5 ½-foot box lengths are available. For the first time, the SuperCab configuration is now available with a 5 ½-foot box.
Two different box styles, Styleside and Flareside, are available.

Five trim offerings

The series includes XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat trim levels.

When designing the new F-150, Ford wanted each trim level to have individual interior design elements. There are three different instrument cluster designs, as well as new colors, textures and materials to give each series a unique appearance.

All models feature a two-tone instrument cluster and a flow-through center console. The FX4 and Lariat offer optional captain's chairs with a floor shifter trimmed in steel and chrome. Vehicles equipped with a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat have a different instrument panel center stack designed to give middle passengers more legroom.

A modular overhead rail system that is standard on XLT, FX4 and Lariat SuperCab and SuperCrew models allows drivers to customize interior storage options. The system, with integral power supply, allows drivers to snap in additional late-availability aftermarket accessories such as first aid kits, toolboxes, flashlights and two-way radio holders.

On the outside, the 2004 F-150 features a wider stance, larger standard tire and wheel combinations, new quad-circle-styled headlamps and a new wrap-around fascia treatment.

Each of the five series offers new attributes and comfort and convenience features. They include:

F-150 XL
The XL is available in both Regular Cab and SuperCab models with a choice of vinyl or cloth interior. The Regular Cab configuration is equipped with Ford's new rear access doors, which open up a more spacious area behind the 40/20/40 split-bench seat for stowage. The XL has a new grille design, tailgate-assist and standard 17-inch steel wheels. New features also include standard tilt steering wheel and a center display system in the instrument panel.

F-150 STX
The STX combines work truck capabilities with a sporty package. Powered by a new 4.6-liter Triton™ V-8 engine, STX is available in Regular Cab or SuperCab and features body-color bumpers and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. It comes with a standard 6 1/2-foot Styleside or optional Flareside box. It also offers a 5 ½-foot Styleside box option.

F-150 XLT
XLT is available in all cab configurations and, depending on cab choice, all three Styleside box lengths and Flareside configurations are available. XLT features an optional Silver two-tone paint finish, unique grille treatment and standard 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. Premium cloth is featured on the standard 40/20/40 split-bench seat or optional dual captain's chairs, and chrome instrument panel accents are standard. The XLT features the new overhead rail system and fog lamps on 4x4 models. For SuperCab and SuperCrew models, second-row power windows are standard.

F-150 FX4
FX4 models are available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew body styles. Box configuration choices include: 6 ½-foot Styleside, 6 ½-foot Flareside or the new 5 ½-foot Styleside, depending on cab choice. It also features optional 18-inch machined cast aluminum wheels, body-color bumpers, a unique grill treatment and a new Dark Shadow Gray lower two-tone exterior paint treatment. Inside, FX4 has unique accents on the instrument panel, center console, doors and steering wheel. Optional captain's chairs that come with a flow-through center console with floor shifter can be specified in either cloth or leather,

F-150 Lariat
The top-of-the-line Lariat features optional premium heated dual power leather captain's chairs with the flow-through console or a standard 40/20/40 leather split bench seat. The instrument panel and center console feature stitched surfaces in Medium Pebble or Ebony, augmented by woodgrain accents on the doors and instrument panel center stack. Lariat's instrument cluster also is unique, with cream-colored gauges ringed in chrome. The steering wheel features audio and climate controls. Other Lariat features include an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power-adjustable memory seats and pedals.

2004 F-150 Lariat interior

The new F-150 offers two engine choices: a 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton™ V-8 and a 4.6-liter Triton ™V-8.

The all-new 5.4-liter engine is designed with three valves per cylinder, variable cam timing and other features that provide increased power. It delivers 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

Also available is the 4.6-liter Triton™, which achieves 231 hp at 4,750 rpm and 293 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Ninety percent of this torque is available at 2,000 rpm for improved towing performance and steady acceleration while hauling heavy loads.

While certification is not yet complete, Ford expects the new F-150 to offer competitive fuel economy.

The new F-150's safety features now include the Ford Personal Safety System™™ and new occupant sensing technology. With the Personal Safety System™, frontal air bags offer multiple deployment levels to adjust inflation force to the severity of the crash as determined by a sensor mounted to the seat track. If the sensor detects no weight or very little weight in the front passenger seat, the passenger-side air bag is automatically turned off. If more weight is detected in the seat, as with a small child, the air bag remains turned off. If an adult is seated properly in the passenger seat, the air bag is automatically switched back on.

Fleet availability and ordering information for the all-new 2004 F-150 will be provided at a later date.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 4MATIC

With the 2003 debut of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system in its C-Class and S-Class lines, Mercedes-Benz is anticipating an emerging trend in the luxury car market. As a result, the company has announced the return of 4MATIC to its E-Class line with the debut of the 2004 E-Class wagon. This will mark the first time that 4MATIC is offered on all Mercedes-Benz sedans and wagons.

The full-time four-wheel-drive system used in all Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs features a mechanical center differential that can vary front-to-rear torque distribution for optimal on-road handling and traction in a wide range of conditions. In addition, the system includes four-wheel electronic traction control that allows the vehicle to go forward even if only one wheel has traction. With a mechanical all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel traction control eliminates the need for complicated locks or limited-slip devices.

While 4MATIC cars use a single-range five-speed automatic transmission, Mercedes-Benz SUVs add a two-speed transfer case that provides ten forward gears, including a low range for better control while going up and down steep grades. When low range is engaged, a modified transmission shifting program and ABS mode are engaged for better off-road performance.

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	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 303– February 10, 2003

DaimlerChrysler Announces Pricing for Early 2004 Models

Ford Offers Racks & Bins Upgrade Packages on E-Series Van

OnStar Subscribers Can Now Specify Language Preference

Pool Vehicle Inventory

Call your ARI representative for details!