Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced its 2004 Model Fleet Sales Program for eligible fleet accounts.

The program period begins at the start of 2004 Model Year production and ends at the 2004 order cutoff date.

Price Assurance

Vehicles ordered before the official announcement of 2004 Model Year prices and reported sold within 120 days will be price assured. Nissan defines price assurance as the final prices of the 2003 Model Year adjusted for changes in equipment (including regulatory costs) plus 3.0%.

Model	2004 Fleet Incentives
Altima	$500
Maxima	$0
Sentra	$500
Murano	$0
Pathfinder	$500
Pathfinder Armada	$0
Quest	$0
Truck/Crew Cab	$800
Titan	$0
Xterra	$500

Cobalt to Replace Cavalier in 2005

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Automotive Fleet reports that when Chevrolet redesigns the Cavalier for model year 2005, it will be renamed "Cobalt".

Built on the GM Delta platform, the Cobalt is expected to have more standard equipment than Cavalier. Like Cavalier, it will be positioned in the small car segment where it will go head-to-head with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, GM said.

"Cobalt will feature a clean, contemporary design, a spacious interior and excellent dynamic performance," said Mary Larson, marketing director for Cavalier and Cobalt. "Our dealers and customers will be thrilled with Chevrolet's newest small car."

GM plans to offer several trim levels on the Cobalt: base, LS, LT, SS and SS Supercharged. It will be introduced as a 2005 model and will be built at GM's Lordstown, Ohio assembly center.

DaimlerChrysler Outlines Intrepid ePool Details

DaimlerChrysler is currently scheduling vehicles to be placed in its 2003 Intrepid Delayed Shipment ePool Program and fleet customers may now begin reserving units.

To receive an ePool Intrepid, vehicles must be reserved by September 15, 2003. Once reserved, the vehicles will be held in Marion, Ohio until the selected shipment date. When requesting a ship date, allow 30 days for shipment to the final destination. Available dates for shipment are September 1, 2003 through November 28, 2003.

Shipment date and ship-to dealers may be changed up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled shipment date, provided that the vehicle has not been invoiced.

The ePool will consist of the 2003 Dodge Intrepid SE model (LHDH41), which will be available in either the 22C or 22D packages. All vehicles will include the 2.7L engine (EER) and the 4-speed automatic transmission (DGX).

Available colors are Bright Silver Metallic (PS2), Stone White (PW1), Butane Blue Pearl Coat (PBE), Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat (PXR), Deep Lava Red Metallic (PMQ) and Graphite Metallic (PDR). Interiors will be Taupe (neutral grey) cloth.

Package configurations will include the following options:

22C

Fleet Commercial Safety/Convenience Group (AWC)
Smoker's Package (AWS)
Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System (GXX)
Daytime Running Lamps (LMK)
AM/FM CD w/Changer Control (RBK)
Side-Impact Air Bags (CGS)
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat * (CSG)

22D

Smoker's Package (AWS)
Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System (GXX)
Daytime Running Lamps (LMK)
Side-Impact Air Bags (CGS)
60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat * (CSG)

*22C and 22D will offer packages with or without 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat.

Clients who are interested in reserving an Intrepid ePool unit should contact their ARI Customer Service Support Representative for assistance.

GM Offers Express and Savana No-Charge Power and Light Package

GM is offering a no-charge Power and Light Package on 2004 Model Year Express and Savana Cargo Vans to qualified fleet customers. All 2004 Express and Savana Cargo Van models (C/T****05) are eligible.

The program period begins at the opening of the 2004 MY ordering system and ends at the 2004 Express and Savana order cutoff date.

To receive the no-charge Power and Light Package, option code (PDN) must be ordered. The option includes power door locks, power windows, power mirrors and auxiliary lighting.

This offer is compatible with the 2004 National Fleet Incentive for both factory ordered units and out-of-stock purchases. However, vehicles ordered under GM's Competitive Assistance Program (CAPS) are not eligible.

2004 Buick Rainier

Buick has announced that the introductory pricing for the all-new 2004 Rainier SUV will start at $35,295 for the two-wheel-drive I-6 model, and $38,745 for the all-wheel-drive V8 model. Both prices include a $650 destination and delivery charge.

Rainier, a full-frame vehicle based on GM's mid-size utility architecture, is the first truck-based SUV in the Buick lineup. The five-passenger RWD/AWD Rainier will join Buick's seven-passenger Rendezvous in dealer showrooms later this year.

Exclusive to Rainier on GM's short-wheel-base, mid-size SUV architecture, the new Rainier offers an optional, all aluminum Vortec 5300 V8 engine, Buick's first V8 in eight model years. The V8 SFI engine provides 290 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, while the standard 4200 I-6 engine delivers 275 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with GM's Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission.

Another Rainier exclusive, QuietTuning, offers occupants a quieter ride with the inclusion of laminated windshield and front door glass, as well as increased use of sound absorption material throughout the vehicle.

Standard features include perforated leather seats, OnStar, locking rear differential, fog lamps and an electronic rear air suspension that includes load leveling. Rainier has up to 6,700 pounds towing capability.

The 2004 Model Year marks Nissan's first entrance in the full-size truck and SUV market with the all-new Titan pickup and Pathfinder Armada SUV. Also in 2004, Nissan introduces the 350Z Roadster convertible, the redesigned Quest minivan and the redesigned Maxima. The Sentra and Sentra SE-R receive a new fascia design.

Following is an overview of Nissan products for the 2004 model year:

Titan King Cab and Titan Crew Cab
The 2004 Titan is built on an all-new, full-length boxed ladder frame, featuring a newly designed Nissan Endurance 5.6-liter DOHC V8 with 300 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque and its paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The Titan is available in King Cab and Crew Cab models with choice of 2WD and 4WD. The model will be available in late 2003.

2004 Nissan Titan King Cab

Pathfinder Armada
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, the Pathfinder Armada features a rugged, full-length boxed high-strength steel frame; an independent rear suspension; an all-new 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine and a maximum towing capacity of 9,100 lbs. Pathfinder Armada is all-new for 2004 and will be available in fall 2003.

2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada

Quest
The new Quest has grown in size and has a new, athletic-looking exterior that is marked by a longer wheelbase, wider track, and arching roofline. Quest interior features include 2nd and 3rd row folding seats, a 10-speaker Bose® audio system, a DVD Family Entertainment System and a new Skyview™ roof glass panel system. Quest will begin arriving in dealer showrooms this month.

2004 Nissan Quest

350Z Roadster
In 2004, Nissan rolls out the 350Z Roadster, which continues to offer high performance and a dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster goes from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic soft top stows under a tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.

2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster

Maxima
The 2004 Nissan Maxima, which went on sale this spring, is completely redesigned for 2004 and comes with a standard, industry-first Skyview™ roof that creates an open interior environment for front and rear passengers.

2004 Nissan Maxima

350Z Coupe
The Nissan 350Z sports car, which was introduced in August 2002, continues to offer the powerful VQ35 V6 engine producing 287-horsepower and 274 lb-ft torque. New features include a powered face door for the navigation system, pre-wiring for satellite radio, driver and passenger side knee pads and a new exterior color – Liquid Aluminum.

Sentra / Sentra SE-R
The 2004 Sentra and Sentra SE-R receive a redesigned front and rear fascia, along with a newly styled hood. Sentra is offered in two engines – a 126-horsepower DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine (1.8 and 1.8 S) and a 165-horsepower (175 on SE-R Spec V) 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine (2.5 S, SE-R and SE-R Spec V). Both models are available now.

2004 Nissan Sentra

Murano
The 2004 Nissan Murano sport utility vehicle is Nissan's first entry into the crossover SUV segment. Introduced in 2003, Murano comes with a standard 245 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and offers the first North American standard application of Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Also available on Murano is a new AWD system for enhanced all-weather performance.

Altima
The third generation Nissan Altima is a carryover with minor enhancements including a new exterior color (Smoke) and a 4-cylinder engine that meets California's Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards and Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 standards.

Frontier, Frontier Crew Cab
A carryover for 2004, the Frontier continues to be offered in King Cab, Crew Cab, Crew Cab Long Bed and Supercharged models with a choice of 2WD and 4WD drive. Frontier and Frontier Crew Cab now include 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 265/55R17 tires (standard on SE). The King Cab offers a new Super Value Truck Package.

Xterra
The Xterra compact SUV is a carryover for 2004 but features new standard 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels on SE models, 16-inch 4-spoke alloy wheels on all XE V6 models and two new exterior colors – Silver Lighting and Thermal Red.

Pathfinder
The Pathfinder SUV continues to offer a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 and an available All-Mode® 4WD System. For 2004, all LE models are now Platinum Edition and include new Platinum paint (among other colors), electroluminescent gauges, aluminum kick plates and special dark wood trim. Three new exterior colors are available - Canteen, Luminous Gold and Platinum (LE only)

In the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which tracks the number and type of problems owners have with their vehicles, Toyota and Lexus won nine awards out of twelve segments.

Lexus was the top nameplate for the ninth straight year, ever since it was eligible for inclusion in the study. Also for the ninth consecutive year, the Lexus LS 400 (predecessor to the LS 430) had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles of any car in the study. Additionally, the RX 300 had the fewest problems of any truck/sport utility vehicle. The ES 300 also was the highest-ranked vehicle in its segment.

Toyota was the highest-ranked volume brand and six of its vehicles ranked highest in their segments: Corolla, Avalon, MR2 Spyder, Tacoma pick-up truck, RAV4 and 4Runner.

"At Toyota and Lexus our goal is to build quality into our cars, not just fix problems as they occur," said Robert Waltz, Toyota vice president, director of operations, customer services group. "Our commitment to long-term durability is reflected in this J.D. Power survey. Even after three years on the road, Toyota and Lexus owners are the happiest with the quality of their cars."

The VDS study finds that long-term dependability continues to drive purchase consideration. Over 52 percent of new-vehicle buyers indicated that "long-term dependability" is among their most important purchase decision factors.

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
03	Chevrolet	6	Impala Sedan	4	Mt. Laurel, NJ	$18,964	12484
03	Pontiac	6	Grand Am SE Sedan	4	Kingwood, TX	$15,029	56060

TRUCKS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Location	Invoice	Ref #
03	Chevrolet	8	Suburban 1500 4x2	Carlsbad, CA	$30,208	96657
03	Chevrolet	6	Venture Value Van	Flourtown, PA	$19,170	Multiple
03	Chevrolet	6	Venture Value Van	Mechanicsburg, PA	$19,170	08358A
03	GMC	8	3500 Chassis Cab 4x2	Gilroy, CA	$29,256	Multiple
03	Ford	6	Escape Limited 4x4	Mt. Laurel, NJ	$25,408	23226
03	Ford	8	F150 Regular Cab 4x4	Guyman, OK	$25,121	770309
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 314 – July 14, 2003

Cobalt to Replace Cavalier in 2005

DaimlerChrysler Outlines Intrepid ePool Details

All-New 2004 Buick Rainier Pricing Announcement

Pool Vehicle Inventory

Call your ARI representative for details!