PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2003 Final Order
Due Dates
AND 2004 MY
Startup Dates

2003 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 308 – April 22, 2003

EnviroFleet; ARI's Environmental Fleet Technology Newsletter

GM's OnStar for 2003

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

Upcoming Final Order Due Dates

The following 2003 models, options and/or exterior paint colors have final order due dates scheduled for the remainder of April and early-to-mid May:

Model/Equipment/Color	Final Order Due Date
Ford
F-Series LD Chestnut (B4) and Charcoal Blue (KW) Paints	4/24/03
Escape	4/25/03
Windstar Wagon (except A50 3-Door)	5/2/03
LS, Town Car, Crown Vic Police, Crown Vic AFV, T-Bird	5/16/03
F-Series Super Duty, Excursion	5/16/03
GM
Seville, Deville, Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, Denali, Denali XL, Escalade, Escalade EXT, Hummer H2	4/29/03
Kodiac C4500 & C5500, Topick C4500 & C5500	5/5/03
Century, Regal, Impala, Monte Carlo, Cavalier, Sunfire	5/6/03
Venture, Trailblazer EXT, Astro, Envoy XL, Safari, Silhouette, Montana	5/6/03
Mazda
Protégé, Protégé 5, Mazda 6	5/15/03
Nissan
Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier	5/1/03
Saab
9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-5 Sedan, 9-5 Sport Wagon	5/16/03
Subaru
Forester	5/15/03
Toyota
Camry, Celica, RAV4, 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, Echo	5/14/03

ARI recommends that final orders be submitted at least three business days prior to the due date. Manufacturers may change final order due dates without notice. Please visit the on-line version of the Purchasing News frequently for updates. Just go to www.arifleet.com, select the current issue of the Purchasing News then select "2003 Final Order Dates".

All-New Chrysler Crossfire Starts at Under $35k

2004 Chrysler Crossfire

Arriving at dealerships this summer, Chrysler’s all-new 2004 Crossfire two-seat sports coupe will start at under $35,000, the automaker recently announced. MSRP for the six-speed manual version is $34,495. With the optional five-speed automatic and AutoStick the vehicle is priced at $35,570. Both prices include an $875 destination charge.

With the exception of transmission and tire options, Crossfire comes fully-equipped with standard features such as heated leather seats, power windows, cruise control, dual-zone temperature control, four-wheel ABS with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), all-speed traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and customized luggage.

Crossfire was developed in just 24 months after a concept version was revealed at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A production version was unveiled one year later at the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

DaimlerChrysler said that there will be limited Fleet allocation for the new Crossfire. The manufacturer will consider each order on a case-by-case basis.

GM Medium Duty Truck Ordering Announcement

GM has reached production capacity for the 2003 Chevy Kodiac and GMC Topkick C6500, C7500 and C8500 models. To maintain production timing, all orders are now non-cancelable, GM said.

Orders are still being accepted for C4500 and C5500 models through May 5, 2003. If orders received for 2003 models exceed production capacity, GM will build those orders as 2004 models during normal 2004 Model Year production. Price protection will apply to sold orders placed for immediate production by May 5, 2003.

Effective immediately, GM is accepting orders for 2004 Kodiac and Topkick C6500, C7500 and C8500 models. GM said it anticipates opening the order banks for the C4500 and C5500 in early May.

Price assurance levels from 2003 MY to 2004 MY are set at a 1.5% increase for base models ordered before the 2004 Kodiac and Topkick pricing is announced and produced by December 31, 2003. Price assurance does not cover increases due to government mandated safety improvements, emissions changes, or additional equipment made standard.

Mazda Pool Vehicles Available

Mazda has made available a pool of Mazda 6 vehicles built with various emissions and Fleet specifications for immediate delivery to commercial accounts.

ARI has a complete list of all available units. To learn more, please contact your ARI Customer Service Representative for assistance.

Chevrolet Adds All-New Malibu Maxx to its 2004 Lineup

2004 Malibu Maxx

For 2004, GM is offering a mid-size, five-door version of its Malibu model - the all-new 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx. The Malibu Maxx has a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the Malibu sedan, yet its overall length is a half-inch shorter. GM categorizes the new model a "five-door extended sedan".

The rear seat slides nearly 7 inches fore and aft and is split 60/40 in both the seat back and cushion. The seat backs recline allowing different sized rear passengers to adjust their seating position in a way similar to a front-seat passenger. The Maxx has 106 cubic feet of passenger space and 41 inches of legroom with the seats pushed all the way back.

The model also features a standard glass fixed rear skylight that provides an open atmosphere over the rear seats. The skylight comes with a retractable shade.

For rear seat passengers a heating/air conditioning system proves airflow to the feet. In addition, two vents on the center of the dash - dubbed "turbo blasters" by the car's engineers - are designed to provide heated or cooled air directly into the back seat.

The cargo area is approximately 22 cubic feet. The rear seats and the front passenger seat fold forward flat, creating a space that can accommodate longer items. The rear cargo area features a standard power outlet and a multi-functional cargo panel with four-positions for two-tier loading. The cargo panel also can be positioned as a table.

Safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags, three-point safety belts for all occupants, safety belt pretensioners for front-seat passengers, optional head curtain side-impact air bags, standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control and a LATCH child-seat attachment system in all rear seating positions.

The Maxx comes with a standard 200-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and four-speed electronic-shift automatic transmission. All Malibu models will be equipped with electric power steering (EPS) with variable assist for low and high speed steering maneuvers and power brakes. Other standard features include a driver information center (DIC) integrated into the radio display that enables personalization of electrical features and provides over 15 warning messages including low key-fob battery life, the possibility of ice forming on the road and an oil life monitor. Power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a tilt/telescopic steering column and a power seat height adjuster are also standard.

Options include heated front seats, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, a rear DVD entertainment system and four different stereo systems. Both the 2004 Malibu sedan and Maxx will offer an optional factory-installed remote vehicle starter system that is designed to work from up to 200 feet.

The Malibu Maxx and the Malibu sedan are the first North American applications of GM’s "Epsilon" global architecture, which also provides the foundation for the new Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3.

"A lot of customers may not care that we call this the 'Epsilon architecture,' but if they have driven a previous version of the Malibu, they will immediately notice a firmer, quieter, more linear feel in the ride and handling of the '04 version," said Gene Stefanyshyn, Malibu vehicle line executive.

The 2004 Malibu Maxx will be manufactured at GM's Kansas City assembly plant. Start of production is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2003.

Ford Ranger Freshened for 2004


2004 Ranger	2004 Ranger interior

For 2004 the Ford Ranger gets a freshening with interior enhancements, a new audio system and new exterior styling. Fleet customers can begin ordering the 2004 Ranger on May 12 with production commencing on August 4, 2003.

The 2004 Ranger exterior shares design cues with the all-new 2004 F-150. A new front fascia with a power dome hood and nostril grille gives the model a more aggressive stance. Three new Clearcoat Metallic colors are available: Dark Shadow Grey, Dark Green Satin and Silver.

Inside, Ranger offers all-new seats with optional leather-trimmed seat surfaces (late availability) in both split bench and sport bucket seat configurations. "We did extensive market and internal research to develop a seat that feels great when you first sit in it as well as after you’ve been in it for hours," said Matt O’Leary, Ranger Chief Engineer.

Ranger will be offered in five trim levels - XL, Edge, XLT, Tremor and FX4.

The XLT features an all-new Pioneer® Stereo System that delivers 290-peak watts of power through nine speakers. The system also features an integrated power subwoofer unique to its segment. An AM/FM in-dash 6-disc MP3 player is standard. The Tremor model also features a Pioneer® Stereo System with subwoofer that delivers 510-watts of power through a new in-dash CD/MP3 player.

New for 2004, Tremor will be offered with a 4x4 drivetrain, in addition to the 4x2 offered in previous years. Also new for this year is an optional manual transmission (late availability) on the FX4 model.

Under the hood, the model offers three engines, including a recently introduced 2.3-liter I-4 and two V-6 engines. The 2.3-liter I-4 produces 143 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 154 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm. Ranger's 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 154 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3900 rpm. This engine is standard on all 4x2 SuperCab models equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission. Ranger also is available with a 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 that produces 207 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 238 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm. All three engines are available with a five-speed automatic transmission or a heavy-duty, five-speed manual transmission.

For 2004, the Ranger suspension is revised with improved bushings, springs and tires. Retuned shocks are optimized for better handling.

Ranger is built at Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul, Minn. and Edison Assembly Plant in Edison, N.J.

Saab Announces Upcoming Entry-Level Model

Saab 9-2

Introduced to the media on April 15, 2003 just prior to the start of the New York Auto Show, the 9-2 is the latest addition to Saab’s model lineup. At the press conference Saab said it will collaborate with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan to produce the 9-2 in cooperation with Subaru, Fuji's automotive division.

The Saab 9-2 is a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive entry-level model with a hatchback body style. "We see an emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan," said Peter Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB.

Saab will offer two versions of the new 9-2, both with five doors and all-wheel-drive. The base model will be equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the Aero version will feature a high performance, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Initially, the model will be offered in the United States. It will be produced in Fuji’s facilities in Japan beginning in the spring of 2004.

Ford Introduces all-new futura mid-size sedan

The 2006 Ford Futura

Ford Motor Company announced at the New York Auto Show that it will follow the introduction of four all-new cars in 2004 with a new mid-size sedan in 2005, the 2006 Ford Futura, as part of a comprehensive revitalization of the Ford brand’s car line up.

"We have an incredible array of new products coming next year — a freshened Focus, the Five Hundred, the Freestyle, the Ford GT and the all-new Mustang," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "We’re applying every lesson we have learned about vehicle interior design, packaging, driving dynamics and powertrain performance while adding a dose of design edge from the Ford 427 concept to create the new Ford Futura."

Futura will compete in the mid-size car segment where sedans like the Honda Accord have achieved considerable success. It will feature both I-4 and V-6 engines and will come with a range of fuel efficient transmissions, including manual, automatic and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Futura also will become Ford’s second full hybrid vehicle, following the Escape Hybrid.

The Futura, Five Hundred and Freestyle are among the 65 new products Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will introduce in North America during the next five years. The Futura is built on a new vehicle architecture that will form the basis for up to 10 new products and 800,000 units of volume across all three brands within the next three years.

Ford will use flexible manufacturing at the Chicago Assembly Plant to tailor production of Five Hundred and Freestyle to line up with consumer demand. Manufacturing plans for Futura will be announced at a later date.

Cadillac Announces XLR Pricing

2004 Cadillac XLR

The 2004 Cadillac XLR luxury roadster, which is scheduled to arrive at dealerships this summer, will be priced at $76,200 MSRP including destination charges. The price includes equipment such as a power retractable hardtop, keyless access with push-button start, StabiliTrak, Magnetic Ride Control and adaptive cruise control.

Other 2004 Cadillac XLR features include:

Next generation 4.6L Northstar V8 with variable valve timing
320-hp at 6400 rpm and 310 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
Hydra-Matic five-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control
Head-up display
Heated and cooled seats
Run-flat tires
Magnetic Ride Control
Magnasteer
DVD navigation and entertainment
Bose audio system with 6-disc in-dash changer
Optional XM Satellite Radio

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Purchasing News Home

Pool Vehicle Inventory

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	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	Dodge	8	Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4x2	Crane, TX	$22,181	20031
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	F150 Crew Cab 4x4	Appleton, WI	$27,248	03006
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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