April 18, 2003 is the deadline for taking advantage of DaimlerChrysler's Spring Break Bonus. Eligible models include 2004 Grand Cherokee, Sebring Sedan and Stratus Sedan as well as the 2003 Durango, PT Cruiser and Minivan models.

The 2004 Intrepid and Concorde are also eligible for the Spring Break bonus; however, the Spring Break order deadline for these models has been extended to May 16, 2003.

Orders received before the deadline will be automatically coded for this program and a credit will appear on the factory invoice.

The Spring Break 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's 2004 Product Preview

Ford Motor Company recently released an overview of its product plans for Model Year 2004 and beyond. Here are some of the highlights:

New for 2004
For 2004 Ford is introducing the all-new Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans, which will replace the Windstar and Villager. The order banks for these two models are tentatively scheduled to open on 5/12/03 and production is set to begin on 8/25/03.

2004 F-150

Order banks are now open for the all-new 2004 F-Series Light Duty (Under 8,500# GVW) model, which goes into production on 6/9/03. Ford will continue to accept orders for the old body style F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCab models until late August. Both the old and new F-150 LD will be built simultaneously as 2004 models; however the SuperCrew will only be available in the new body style.

Taurus and Sable
The 2004 Taurus and Sable get minor exterior and interior freshening. For both models the Duratec engine is required on all California orders.

Dedicated Fleet arrays are being eliminated on Taurus but there will be a Fleet Value Package available on the SE Sedan that includes power driver's seat, in-dash single CD and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Ford will stop building Taurus at the Chicago Assembly Plant in May 2004 but the model will continue production at the Atlanta plant through the 2005 Model Year. 2004 will be the final Model Year for Taurus Wagon.

The GS Plus arrays as well as dedicated Fleet arrays are also being eliminated on the Sable for 2004. A new Fleet Convenience Group will be offered and it includes single CD, power driver's seat, adjustable pedals, heated OSRV mirrors, electrochromic ISRV mirror and dual illuminated visor mirrors. ABS is standard on all 2004 Sables and a 60/40 bench seat is now optional on the GS Sedan.

Focus
Ford is simplifying the Focus Sedan lineup for 2004 and it will have a short Model Year run. It will be offered in three series: LX, SE and ZTS.

The 2.3L Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) engine will be standard on all California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine orders. The model will be available only in select premium series in the remaining states.

Crown Vic and Grand Marquis
The Crown Vic and Grand Marquis are carryover models for 2004 with only a few minor equipment changes. Both models now offer optional laminated side glass and UV-sunlight protection as well as an optional moonroof on Crown Vic LX and LX Sport series and Grand Marquis LS Series.

Crown Vic will offer an LX Premier Group option (replacing 2003 MY standard equipment) which includes power passenger seat with lumbar, AM/FM single CD/cassette, electrochromic mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/climate controls and automatic temperature control. Heated mirrors are also optional.

Traction control is no longer available on the Grand Marquis GS. A single CD is now standard on the base series and a handling package is optional on GS Convenience series.

Escape
Fleet Specifications are essentially carryover from the 2003 MY but the product lineup will be simplified with the deletion of XLS Sport, XLT Popular (4x2) and XLT Premium arrays. The "Popular" and "Popular 2" nomenclature will be removed from arrays 120A, 220A, 310A and 400A. Daytime running lamps are now available.

Explorer and Mountaineer
For both models, Fleet Specifications are carryover from 2003 MY. Three new exterior colors will be offered on Explorer: Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, Pueblo Gold Metallic and Merlot Clearcoat. Medium Dark Platinum cladding, wheel lip moldings and bumper trim on Explorer XLT will be replaced with painted body-color body-side moldings.

Mountaineer will be offered in three groups: Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Quad seats will be available on Luxury and Premier series. A tire pressure monitoring system will be offered on Convenience series.

Ranger
For 2004 Ranger will get a freshened exterior with a raised power dome hood and redesigned grill/bumper valence. The interior features a redesigned 60/40 split-bench seat with integrated features and a new rally gauge cluster in the instrument panel.

E-Series
A new 6.0L Powerstroke diesel engine with electronic 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission will be available starting December 1, 2003. Diesel engines will not be available on E-Series from 2004 MY Job #1 (9/15/03) through 12/1/03.

A 4.6L V8 engine will replace the standard 4.2L V6. Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle (CFFV) certification remains optional for the 2004 MY.

F-Series Super Duty
An all-new Crew Cab 60/40 rear bench seat is available for 2004. It comes with a fold-flat feature with load floor, dual integrated cupholders with tray, two outboard head restraints, SIR seat belts and is available on XLT and Lariat models. A wireless keypad has been added to the optional Advanced Security Group.

Diesel emissions are improved for 2004.

DaimlerChrysler Extends 2003 Final Order Due Dates

Due to the Easter Holiday, DaimlerChrysler has decided to extend the order cutoff date on all orders with an April 18^thcutoff date. The revised order cutoff date is April 22, 2003.

The following 2003 MY vehicles are affected by this change and have a revised final order due of April 22, 2003:

PT Cruiser

Neon

Caravan, Grand Caravan, Voyager and Town & Country

Durango

Wrangler

Liberty

Ram Pickup

Dakota

In addition, the 2004 Sebring/Stratus Sedan with a Flex Fuel Engine has a final order due date of April 22, 2003.

Please submit final orders to ARI at least three business days prior to the due date.

Lexus Launches New RX 330 Luxury SUV

2004 Lexus RX 330

The all-new Lexus 2004 RX 330 luxury sport utility vehicle is now available at dealerships nationwide, Lexus announced. Building on the award-winning RX 300, the new RX 330 offers a wide range of features designed to surpass its predecessor, Lexus said.

New features include: an Adaptive Front Lighting System that swivels the headlights independently to improve visibility on curving roads; a power rear liftgate operated by the key remote or an interior switch; an adaptive cruise control system; and a rear backup camera that projects an image from behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse.

The RX 330 has more room than the previous generation model. The body is 6.1-inches longer and the wheelbase is almost four inches longer. Width has also grown by 1.1 inches while height has increased by just under half an inch. Sliding split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats and under-floor storage bins enhance cargo area utility.

A larger 3.3-liter V6 engine provides increases in horsepower and torque and is backed by a new 5-speed automatic transmission. The RX330 goes from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds while achieving a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (2WD models). The four-wheel drive model uses a new traction control system that eliminates the need for viscous control of the center differential.

Improved suspension systems, standard 17-inch wheels and tires, and a new, stiffer body structure provide better steering and handling. An optional Sport Package that includes an adjustable-height air suspension system with 18-inch wheels and tires provides automatic load leveling and aids vehicle access.

Safety features on the new RX include a new driver's side knee airbag, multi-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags and a large new side airbag for the front seats designed to protect the torso, abdomen and pelvis. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist are also standard, along with a new tire pressure monitoring system and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The new instrument panel features high contrast electroluminescent gauges and a redesigned center stack with metallic trim. A large-capacity sliding center console adds greater utility to the front seat area. A dual-zone automatic climate control with dust filter is standard and is complemented by an available one-touch power moonroof or a wide-opening multi-panel moonroof.

The all-new RX 330 will carry a base MSRP of $35,025 for the two-wheel drive model - $100 less than its predecessor. The four-wheel drive version has a base MSRP of $36,425, or $500 below current pricing. The destination charge remains at $575 for both RX models.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigue and drowsiness are the principal causes for approximately 100,000 reported accidents a year. Annually, more than 71,000 people have suffered injuries and 1,500 have died from accidents involving a driver falling asleep at the wheel.

Although there are no tests that can measure a driver's level of fatigue at an accident site, there are some common characteristics that are found in accidents related to fatigue or sleepiness, including:

The accident occurs during late evening, early morning or mid-afternoon hours.
The accident is serious - fatigued drivers frequently fail to brake before the crash, causing a greater crash impact.
The accident involves a single car that has run off the road.
The accident shows no indication that the driver tried to prevent the crash (i.e. skid marks).
The accident involves a single driver with no passengers.

Fatigue is physically and mentally impairing - with side effects such as exhaustion, distraction, drowsiness and sleepiness. In a driving situation, fatigue slows a driver's reaction time, makes the driver less alert and challenges his/her ability to process information.

Learn to recognize the signs of drowsiness and fatigue so you can do something about them before an accident happens. Some of the signs are:

You can't recall the last few miles driven.
You have difficulty focusing and keeping your eyes open.
You can't keep your head up.
You drift from your lane - sometimes jerking the car back into your lane.
You daydream or have disconnected thoughts.
You misjudge traffic situations.
You miss traffic signs.
You vary your vehicle speed for no apparent reason.
You feel impatient and begin to make hasty driving decisions.

In a 1999 National Sleep Foundation study, 62 percent of all adults polled reported that, during the prior year, they had experienced driving a car or other vehicle while feeling drowsy. In the same study, 27 percent reported having dozed off while driving.

All of us are at risk for fatigue driving. It is a serious problem, but fortunately, one that can be prevented.

Make sure you get adequate sleep the night before a trip. (Studies show the typical person requires seven to eight hours of sleep each night.)
Limit your nighttime and early morning driving; avoid driving between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
Avoid long drives after work.
Avoid drinking alcohol - even minimal amounts.
Adjust your car's environment to keep you alert and awake. Keep the inside temperature cool in the summer by opening windows or turning on air conditioning; use sparing amounts of heat in the winter. Your radio can also be a device for keeping you alert - using volume controls and varying channels.
Avoid using cruise control, so you are engaged in the driving process.
Take frequent breaks, ideally stopping every two hours. These breaks are a good opportunity to stretch, get some exercise and eat light meals or snacks.
Keep good posture when driving. Drive with your head up, shoulders back, buttocks against the back of the seat and legs flexed at about a 45-degree angle.
Don't let your eyes become hypnotized or fatigued. Wear sunglasses to fight glare during the day.
Share the driving with a friend, particularly on longer trips when you'll be driving late at night or early in the morning.
If you are taking medication, find out from your doctor or pharmacist if your medication will affect your driving.

If these fatigue prevention measures fail, and you feel your driving is an
endangerment to yourself or others, stop driving. Go to a hotel, if necessary, where you can sleep.

By being aware, staying informed and taking precautions to avoid becoming fatigued, you can steer clear of the dangers of fatigue driving.

The information in this article was provided by GM Motor Club.

The following 2003 models, options and/or exterior paint colors have final order due dates scheduled during the remainder of April (please note changes in bold print):

Model/Equipment/Color	Final Order Due Date
DaimlerChrysler
Neon, Voyager, Caravan, Grand Caravan, Town & Country, PT Cruiser	4/22/03
Durango, Wrangler, Liberty, Ram Pickup, Dakota	4/22/03
Ford
F-Series LD Chestnut (B4) and Charcoal Blue (KW) Paints	4/24/03
Escape	4/25/03
GM
LeSabre, Park Avenue, CTS, Bonneville, S-10 Crew Cab, Blazer, Sonoma Crew Cab, Rendezvous, Aztek	4/15/03
Malibu, Alero, Grand Am, Trailblazer, Envoy/Envoy XL, Bravada	4/22/03
Seville, Deville, Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Savana, Sierra, Yukon/Yukon XL, Denali, Yukon Denali, Escalade/Escalade EXT	4/29/03

Please submit final orders to ARI at least three business days prior to the due date. Manufacturers may change final order due dates without notice.

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
03	Ford	6	Taurus SE	4	Wakefield, RI	$16,780	15188

TRUCKS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Location	Invoice	Ref #
03	Chevrolet	8	Suburban 1500 4x2	Carlsbad, CA	$30,208	96657
03	Dodge	6	Caravan SE Passenger Van	Eastpointe, MI	$20,462	23085
03	Dodge	6	Caravan SE Passenger Van	Belford, NJ	$20,462	23088
03	Dodge	8	RAM 1500 Quad Cab	Moline, IL	$25,922	11772
03	Dodge	6	Caravan SE Passenger Van	Wellesly Hills, MA	$20,019	031511
03	Dodge	6	Caravan SE Passenger Van	South Lawrence, MA	$20,672	01056
03	Ford	8	Excursion Limited 4x2	Colton, CA	$41,518	22026
03	Ford	8	F150 Super Cab 4x2	Scottsdale, AZ	$21,261	30412
03	Ford	8	E350 SD Cargo Van	Las Vegas, NV	$20,815	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 307– April 7, 2003

Ford's 2004 Product Preview

DaimlerChrysler Extends 2003 Final Order Due Dates

STEER CLEAR of Driving While Fatigued

Pool Vehicle Inventory

Call your ARI representative for details!