PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2003 Final Order
Due Dates
AND 2004 MY
Startup Dates

2003 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 311 – June 2, 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 models, options and/or exterior paint colors have final order due dates scheduled in June.

Model/Equipment/Color	Final Order Due Date *
Ford/Lincoln/Mercury
Explorer 4DR, Explorer Sport Trac, Mountaineer, (508A) F-150 Lariat model, F-150 (43M) moonroof, F-150 5.4L V8 w/4-speed automatic, (353A, 354A) Ranger Tremor Pkg.	6/4/03
Ranger, Aviator	6/6/03
Expedition paint colors: (E9) Laser Red, (AQ) Arizona Beige and Navigator (GT) Autumn Red, (62H) Monochrome Appearance Pkg.	6/10/03
F-150 Reg. Cab & SuperCab, Mustang paint colors: (L2) True Blue, (B7) Zinc Yellow, (SU) Tropic Green	6/11/03
Taurus, Sable, Mustang, Navigator, Expedition	6/13/03
Econoline Van/Wagon/Cutaway	6/27/03
GM
Special Equipment models: S-10 & Sonoma (non-Crew Cab)	6/17/03
Subaru
Legacy/Outback, Baja	6/15/03
Toyota
Sequoia, Highlander	6/12/03

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 Purchasing News in the Industry News Center and then select "2003 Final Order Dates".

GM’s Oklahoma City Plant Remains Closed


Damage sustained at GM’s Oklahoma City Assembly Center

As reported in the previous issue of the ARI Purchasing News, a fierce tornado struck the GM Oklahoma City Assembly Center where the Chevy Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL are produced.

The extent of the damage to the plant and the impact on production is still being assessed. Some new vehicles were in the direct path of the tornado and suffered severe damage, while others received cosmetic damage as a result of flying debris. On site there were 640 new vehicles that were exposed to high winds and flying debris.

GM said that any Trailblazer EXT or Envoy XL orders currently in-system or built and on-site will be delayed indefinitely. It is anticipated that the plant will be closed for at least several more weeks.

Once the assessment is complete and the status of the orders and vehicles are determined, GM will provide further communication.

Ford Announces ‘Fleet Partial Fill Gas’ Program

Effective immediately, 2004 MY fleet orders (except F650 and F750 models) will be automatically coded with (693) Fleet Partial Fill Gas. In conjunction with this change, the Fleet Fuel Credit that was associated with this option has been eliminated.

Here is a breakdown of the differences between the old and the new program:

	2003 Model Year and Prior	2004 Model Year
Option Name:	693 Fleet Fuel Credit	693 Partial Gas Fill
	Base vehicle price includes a charge for a full tank of gas.	Base price no longer includes a charge for gas.
	693 is optional on all other Fleet orders	693 will be automatically generated on *ALL* *FLEET* orders, except F650 and F750 vehicles. Delivering dealer will not fill tank.
	A credit line associated with the 693 option is shown on Dora's and invoices.	No credit is given.
	Gas fill is approx. 1/2 tank of gas (varies by vehicle line/assembly plant).	No change.
	Gas is charged at a national full service rate.	Gas charge is at a national self-service rate.

Toyota Announces Prices for 2004 Corolla and Matrix

Toyota has released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2004 Corolla and Matrix models. Both models began production in April and are available for fleet ordering.

For 2004, the Toyota Corolla remains relatively unchanged from the current model year and maintains its excellent value with no price increase on the CE and S models, which have an MSRP of $13,570 and $14,515 respectively. The Corolla LE models will receive a minimal price increase of $100, to $14,780 for the 2004 model year.

Pricing for the 2004 Toyota Matrix model lineup will remain unchanged and continue to carry a base MSRP of $14,670. For 2004 the Matrix will offer new extra value packages on standard and XR models, which combine popular options and amenities at substantial savings.

A new Power Package will be available on Matrix that offers power windows, power door locks and keyless entry for $480. Available on the XR models, The Extra Value Package #1 will include a sporty underbody front and rear spoiler, cruise control and fog lamps for $270. The all-new Extra Value Package #2, which will offer 16-inch alloy wheels and power moonroof in addition to the contents of Extra Value Package #1, will be available on 2004 models for $880.

New 2004 Nissan Sentra and Sentra SE-R Pricing Announced


2004 Nissan Sentra	2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced pricing for its sporty new 2004 Sentra and Sentra SE-R. The new Sentra features a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,200 for the Sentra 1.8 model, $14,200 for the well-equipped Sentra 1.8 S, and $16,700 for the upgraded Sentra 2.5 S. The race-inspired Sentra SE-R starts at an MSRP of $17,100.

For 2004, the Sentra receives several exterior styling enhancements, including a redesigned front and rear fascia and a newly styled hood. Sentra also adds a new exterior color: Bronze Shimmer. There are several interior upgrades as well, including a trip computer (standard on 2.5 S, SE-R and SE-R Spec V) and an enhanced Rockford Fosgate sound quality.

The 2004 Sentra continues to offer a 1.8-liter engine that produces 126-horespower and 129 lb-ft of torque. All 1.8-liter engines continue to meet U.S. federal governments SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) standards, with zero evaporative emissions (if sold with California emissions specifications). The 2.5 S model offers a 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 165-horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.

Also receiving changes for 2004 is the Sentra SE-R. New features include a brake package for SE-R Spec V with Brembo front discs, a new interior charcoal fabric and two new exterior colors — Volcanic Orange and Sapphire Blue.

Sentra SE-R models continue to offer the 16-valve 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque (SE-R Spec V) and 165 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque (SE-R). A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is standard for the Spec V and a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard for the SE-R. Other prominent features that increase the SE-R’s performance are the sport-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension, large front and rear stabilizer bars and sport-tuned rear Multi-Link Beam™ suspension.

Nissan is currently accepting orders for the 2004 Sentra and Sentra SE-R and the models are already in production. The models will continue to be assembled by Nissan Mexicana SA de CV in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

GM to Equip 2004 15-Passenger Vans with Vehicle Stability Enhancement System

General Motors will begin installing vehicle stability enhancement systems in GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express 15-passenger vans during the 2004 model year production cycle.

The new safety enhancement will be standard on all 15-passenger vans and will be incorporated as an interim change during the 2004 production year, which begins later this summer.

Vehicle stability enhancement systems (VSES) help drivers maintain control of vehicles during certain difficult driving conditions such as ice, snow, gravel, wet pavement and uneven road surfaces, as well as in emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers.

VSES works by recognizing wheel skid. Sensors detect the difference between the steering wheel angle and the direction the driver is actually turning by "reading" the steering wheel position, the amount of sideways force in play, vehicle speed and the vehicle's response to steering wheel input.

The system then uses the brakes to enhance control of the vehicle's direction and to help keep it on course. It automatically reduces the engine torque and applies precise amounts of pressure to front right or left brakes to help keep the vehicle on track. These brake and engine interventions help realign the vehicle's actual path with that being steered by the driver.

GM began installing VSES in passenger cars in 1997, and now has more than 2 million equipped vehicles on the road. On other models, the system is called StabiliTrak, Precision Control and Active Traction. The 15-passenger vans will be badged StabiliTrak

Subaru Introduces All-New Forester 2.5 XT, Announces Pricing

2004 Forester 2.5 XT

As Subaru of America gears up for shipment of 2004 Model Year Foresters later this month, the automaker is introducing a new model to the line-up — the Forester 2.5 XT.

All-New Forester 2.5 XT

Powered by a 2.5-liter intercooled turbocharged boxer engine, the 2.5 XT delivers 210 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque at just 3600 rpm. The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing enhances power at all engine speeds.

The 2.5 XT is available with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission. The model is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and a 4-channel/4-sensor antilock brake system. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) helps to optimize the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Forester 2.5 XT also features a functional hood scoop, six-spoke 16-inch wheels, body-color side cladding and door handles, and aluminum finish on the standard roof rails.

The MSRP for the Forester 2.5 XT with a standard 5-speed manual transmission is $24,970, excluding destination charges. The optional automatic transmission is $800 MSRP. The model will also come in a Premium Package that includes leather trimmed upholstery and an automatic transmission for a MSRP of $27,520.

The destination and delivery charge for all 2004 Foresters will be $550.

Following the introduction of a fully redesigned model last year, all 2004 Foresters will now receive a safety brake pedal system that is designed to yield during a serious frontal impact. The 2004 Forester lineup will continue to feature the 2.5 X, 2.5 XS and the 2.5 XS with Premium Package. These Foresters will receive a nominal $50 price-increase over the 2003 models.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio to be Offered on Ford Products

Available in September, Ford Motor Company and SIRIUS satellite radio broadcaster will offer satellite radio as a dealer-installed option on ten different Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models in the 2004 model year.

2004 models offering SIRIUS include:

Ford: Thunderbird, Mustang, Explorer, Sport Trac and Expedition
Lincoln: Navigator, Aviator, LS and Town Car (available December)
Mercury: Mountaineer

Ford also plans to offer SIRIUS satellite radio on additional models, with details to be announced in the future.

Satellite radio is technically referred to as Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS). SDARS enables the delivery of a digital signal from an uplink facility on ground to orbiting satellites in space. The signal is then projected back to antennas and receivers across the continental US to a governmental-specified frequency.

Broadcasting with satellite technology allows listeners to hear programming from all over the US without having to change a channel while driving cross-country.

SIRIUS offers 60 music channels with no commercials, along with 40 world-class sports, news and entertainment channels for a monthly subscription fee of $12.95. Pricing for Ford’s optional satellite-compatible radio will be announced at a later date.

Mercedes-Benz Presents First Seven-Speed Automatic Transmission

The world’s first seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars will make its debut in future Mercedes models, the automaker announced. Dubbed the 7G-TRONIC, the new transmission will be a standard feature in the E 500, S 430, S 500, CL 500 and SL 500 models beginning in autumn 2003.

Compared to the current Mercedes 5-speed automatic transmission, the 7G-TRONIC uses less fuel, increases acceleration and makes quicker sprints, Mercedes said. Engineers have achieved these improvements above all through the use of seven gear ratios. These allow the automatic transmission to retain the small increases in engine speed which are important in ensuring optimum gear ratios, while at the same time offering a larger ratio spread between the lowest and highest gear. This gives the electronic control unit more flexibility to adjust shifting in such a way as to keep fuel consumption low and the transmission's reactions fast. In addition, it lowers the average engine speed which also helps to reduce fuel consumption as well as lower the engine noise level.

The 7G-TRONIC transmission development represents the fifth generation of automatic transmissions made by the Mercedes-Benz brand. It will be produced at the Mercedes plant in Germany.

Mazda6 Receives Two Fleet Industry Awards

2003 Mazda6

The Mazda6 has been voted "Best User Chooser Car" in the 2003 Fleet World Honors - a monthly industry magazine. The award follows on the heels of the Mazda6 winning the "Best Upper Medium Car" title at the annual Fleet News awards.

"Fleet industry recognition is fantastic because awards' judges are not only taking into account a vehicle's ride, handling and performance, but, crucially its whole-life costs", said Jeremy Thompson, Mazda’s fleet and remarketing director. "A combination of ultra-competitive list prices and strong residual values means the Mazda6 is an enticing package for fleets and company car drivers alike," said Thompson.

In a market that is down 2.6 percent overall, Mazda’s new car sales are up 43.5 percent at 12,551 units this year.

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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
03	Chrysler	6	300M	4	Bloomfield Hills, MI	$26,308	09753

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	F150 Super Cab 4x2	Scottsdale, AZ	$21,261	30412
03	Ford	8	F150 Crew Cab 4x4	Appleton, WI	$27,248	03006
03	Ford	8	F250 4x2 w/Service Body	Maplewood, MO	$28,058	03326F
03	Ford	10	F350 4x2 Crew Cab DRW	Holdrege, NE	$26,440	114234
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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