PURCHASING NEWS

Pool Vehicles

2003 Final Order
Due Dates
AND 2004 MY
Startup Dates

2004 Model Year
Fleet Programs

Issue 317– August 25, 2003

EnviroFleet; ARI's Environmental Fleet Technology Newsletter

GM's OnStar for 2004

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

Engine Changes for Ford F-650 and F-750

In order to meet 2004 emissions requirements, Caterpillar has ceased production of the 3126E engine, previously available on the 2004 MY F-650/750, and replaced it with the Cat C7 engine with "ACERT" emissions technology.

This affects vehicles built on or after July 15, 2003. The Cat C7 retains all of the power ratings of the 3126E.

The following actions have been taken to reflect this change:

There is a $2,000 price increase associated with this engine change. However, a discount of $2,000 will be offered on orders received by November 15, 2003.
Implementation of this delayed price increase will vary by series. Where Cat engines are optional (all series except the F-750-S) the pricing on the C7 engine line-up will be shown as $2,000 higher than the 3126E Series, with a credit of $2,000 appearing as a separate line item on the invoice. The credit line item will be removed when the discount expires and the higher C7 price will remain.
For the F-750-S product, Cat engines are standard, so the base price will remain the same until the discount expiration, then will increase by $2,000.

Express and Savana Full-Size Vans Now Offer StabiliTrak

StabiliTrak is now available on 1-ton extended Express and Savana Passenger Vans (models G*33706), GM recently announced. This is the first time this technology is being offered in full-size extended vans.

StabiliTrak is a stability system that uses a series of sensors and microprocessors to continually monitor the vehicle's movement. It combines data from four different areas including:

Antilock brakes
Steering angle sensors
Yaw sensors
Lateral acceleration sensors

Other inputs, such as steering wheel and throttle pedal position, help the system determine how to improve traction and restore the vehicle's intended path.

StabiliTrak recognizes when the vehicle isn't going where the driver intended and takes action to try to correct the situation. The system takes information from all of the above systems and automatically applies brake pressure and reduces engine torque when needed. These brake and engine adjustments help realign the van's actual path and helps correct oversteer and understeer.

This feature will require RPO (ZQ2) Convenience Group option (tilt wheel and cruise control) and will not be available with the following options:

(G80) heavy duty locking rear differential
4.10 rear axle rati

Nissan Produces First Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle


2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada	2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada fold-flat seats

Nissan North America produced the first Pathfinder Armada full-size sport utility vehicle on August 13th at the company's Canton, Mississippi assembly plant, 10 days ahead of schedule.

The eight-passenger Pathfinder Armada joins a line-up of Nissan SUVs that include the compact Xterra SUV, the mid-size Pathfinder premium SUV and the Murano crossover SUV. The Pathfinder Armada will go on sale at 1,100 Nissan dealers nationwide later this fall.

The Pathfinder Armada's launch comes on the heels of the successful launch of the all-new Nissan Quest minivan on May 27th. The Quest, now available, was the first vehicle built in Mississippi, helping the state usher in an entirely new industry.

The $1.4 billion, 3.5 million square-foot Canton assembly plant is an important contributor to NISSAN 180, a three-year business plan aimed at expanding Nissan's product line-up and establishing sustainable, profitable growth for the company worldwide.

The Pathfinder Armada sports a spacious interior, plenty of cargo room and an all-new 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve Nissan Endurance V8 engine, which is assembled at Nissan's powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn. The Pathfinder Armada is designed for customers with active lifestyles looking for a higher level of style and more flexibility than current full-size SUVs.

Nissan's first full-size SUV features fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, seating for either 7 or 8 passengers and a number of safety features, including Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System, LATCH child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones.

Later this fall, the Canton plant will launch the Nissan Titan King Cab and Crew Cab full-size pick-up trucks. They will be followed in early 2004 by a yet-to-be-named full-size Infiniti luxury SUV. Later in 2004, the Canton plant will become the second production source for the Altima mid-size sedan, which now is built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. assembly plant. When at full capacity, the Canton plant will produce 400,000 vehicles a year.

Nissan has invested nearly $4 billion in its three U.S. manufacturing facilities. In addition to the Altima, Nissan's Smyrna plant builds Maxima sports sedans, Xterra SUVs, the full line of Frontier compact pickup trucks and in the fall of 2004 the next generation Pathfinder mid-size SUV.

Ford Introduces New Police Vehicle Technology

Ford Motor Company and New York State Senator Nicholas Spano recently announced an important step to protect police officers. During the 2005 model year, Ford plans to offer a fire suppression system as a factory option on Crown Victoria Police Interceptors.

The announcement is part of a holistic approach by Ford and the law enforcement community to reduce the risk of fire-related injuries to police officers from high-speed, high-energy rear crashes.

In recent months, Ford and members of the law enforcement community formed a Blue Ribbon Panel and Technical Task Force to reduce the risks faced by police officers in highway stops. Law enforcement personnel, independent experts, component suppliers and Ford personnel worked in a number of areas, including improving communications with a dedicated website – www.cvpi.com.

The initial results, including the Upgrade Kit designed to shield the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor's fuel tank from vehicle components, were announced and published on the website. Ford also has developed a Trunk Pack™ to allow police officers to locate police equipment more safely. In addition, Ford engineers have worked with members of the law enforcement community to evaluate alternative traffic stop procedures in a manner that reduces the officer's exposure to danger.

Ford is developing a fire suppression system with Aerojet, a supplier for the United States military with the technology initially developed and tested for use in the interior of U.S. military armored personnel vehicles. The system uses advanced electronics and on-board sensors to measure post-impact vehicle movement to determine the optimal time for deployment of the fire suppression material. The system will be integrated into the CVPI's structure and electrical architecture.

Ford and Aerojet conducted joint testing of many different fire suppression formulas and dispersal methods. Ford and Aerojet will continue to validate the effectiveness and reliability of fire suppression in an automotive application.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is joining with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to look at broader issues of police officer safety. Four members of the original "Blue Ribbon Panel" will participate in the IACP/NHTSA Joint Panel. They will focus on three areas initially: police procedures, police equipment and enhancing the safety of vehicles traveling on the nation's highways. Information from the Joint Panel will be available on the www.cvpi.com website.

Chrysler Introduces Limited Edition Platinum Series Models

2004 Platinum Series Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler recently announced that it will produce a series of new limited edition Platinum models this fall. The Chrysler Platinum Series will consist of six models: the 300M, the Sebring Convertible, the PT Cruiser, Sebring Sedan, Sebring Coupe, and Town & Country.

All Platinum Series Chrysler vehicles will be available in Graphite Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic or Brilliant Black Crystal. Additional features include leather seats, satin silver bezels, chrome or platinum clad wheels, and an array of unique interior features. Each vehicle prominently features special Platinum Series badging.

Chrysler 300M
The Platinum Series Chrysler 300M comes with a distinctive Deep Slate/Light Taupe two-tone interior, chrome door handles, deep gloss black turn signal mirrors, and 17-inch chrome wheels. The model also comes with a standard 360-watt Infinity II Cassette/CD player and a no-charge SIRIUS satellite radio system, complete with a one-year SIRIUS subscription. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for this model is $31,425, including the destination and delivery fee.

Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The Platinum Series Chrysler Sebring Touring Convertible features a black cloth roof, two-tone leather seating with suede inserts, unique 16-inch Platinum clad "Bladerunner" wheels, a power driver seat, satin silver interior accents, and interior chrome door handles. The MSRP for this Touring model is $28,585.

Chrysler Sebring Sedan
The Platinum Series Chrysler Sebring Touring Sedan features Platinum clad "Bladerunner" wheels, distinctive two-tone leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls, satin silver interior accents, and a power driver seat. The MSRP for this Touring model is $22,555.

Chrysler Sebring Coupe
A two-tone leather interior, chrome wheels, power driver seat, four-disc CD changer, and an automatic day/night mirror are featured on the Platinum Series Sebring Coupe. The MSRP for this model is $25,615.

Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Platinum Series Chrysler PT Cruiser features the new 180 horsepower turbo engine option with an automatic transmission. An AM/FM six-disc CD changer radio with SIRIUS satellite radio capability, unique two-tone leather seats with power seat height adjuster, and chrome clad wheels. The vehicle also features bright pedals and a new, leather-wrapped steering wheel with satin silver painted spokes, a chrome/body-color front fascia, chrome bodyside moldings, a chrome exhaust tip, chrome door lock knobs, front door sill scuff plates with bright winged logo inserts, a chrome shifter bezel, and a satin silver shift handle. The MSRP for this model is $24,965.

Chrysler Town & Country
The Platinum Series Chrysler Town & Country includes a no extra-charge Rear Seat Video system, six-disc CD/DVD player, pop-up rear cargo organizer, and removable center console. The minivan comes with a body-color roof rack, platinum clad wheels, two-tone leather interior, chrome interior door handles, and a satin silver instrument panel bezel. The MSRP for this model is $34,320.

Chrysler's Platinum Series vehicles are not eligible for Fleet Purchase Incentives or Fast Start Incentives.

Infiniti Announces 2004 G35 Sport Coupe and Sedan Pricing

Infiniti G35 Sports Coupe

Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America, Inc., has announced 2004 model year pricing on the G35 Sport Coupe and G35 Sport Sedan. The two vehicles shared the 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year award and have helped Infiniti establish record sales this calendar year of 66,345 units through July - an increase of 36.7 percent over the same period a year ago.

Pricing for the 2004 G35 Sport Coupe and G35 Sport Coupe Leather models remains unchanged with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $29,250 and $31,550 respectively. The G35 Sport Coupe Leather 6MT model increases $250 to $32,450.

Enhancements to the G35 Sport Coupe for 2004 include a new front center console for the Coupe Leather 6MT model (adds center armrest and an additional front cupholder), a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System and improved standard 6-disc CD changer on all models.

The 2004 G35 Sport Sedan receives a number of upgrades, including standard 17-inch wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, Tire Pressure Monitor System and improved 6-disc CD changer operation. Heated front seats and 4-way power front passenger's seat are now standard on G35 Sport Sedan with Leather and Sport Sedan Leather 6MT models. Rear viscous limited-slip differential is now standard on the G35 Sport Sedan Leather 6MT model.

Prices for the 2004 G35 Sport Sedan are $27,950 for the G35 Sport Sedan with cloth interior and 5-speed automatic transmission (an increase of $150 over 2003); $30,100 for the G35 Sport Sedan Leather with 5-speed automatic transmission (an increase of $450); and $29,850 for the G35 Sport Sedan Leather 6MT with leather-appointed interior and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (an increase of $750).

All G35 models come equipped with an advanced DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine (rated at 280 horsepower for the Sport Coupe and 260 horsepower for the Sport Sedan), advanced racing-inspired FM (for Front Mid-ship) platform, aerodynamic styling and a full array of luxury and convenience features.

For more information on the complete line of Infiniti luxury vehicles, visit Infiniti online at www.infiniti.com.

Ford Voluntarily Recalls Certain Explorers and Mountaineers

Ford Motor Company has initiated a voluntary safety recall involving 1998-2001 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Sport Trac sport utility vehicles, to correct potential product issues. Customers with affected vehicles will be able to have their vehicles upgraded, free of charge, at their Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.

The first action involves 499,988 1999 through 2001 model year Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport and Mercury Mountaineer models, and 2001 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0 liter V-6 engines and the optional speed control system. The company has received some customer reports alleging the speed control may not disengage when the vehicle is under power. This condition can be caused, over time, by the speed control cable wearing out prematurely on some of these vehicles. The cables will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced free of charge by the dealer. Not all vehicles will require replacement of the speed control cable.

The second action, which may also include vehicles with the affected speed control cable, involves approximately 1.6 million 1998 through 2001 model year Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models, and 2001-2002 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models with high-back seats. There have been customer reports of the driver's side upper recliner seat-back frame attachment bolt fracturing on certain vehicles. Some customers have reported "looseness" and "noise" in the mechanism. There is the potential of the bolt fracturing completely, forcing the seat to fully recline unexpectedly, and the driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel and/or foot pedals.

No accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to either of these product issues.

Customers with the affected vehicles will be notified by mail in early September. Most customers – those with the affected seat bolts, but not the affected speed control cable – will require only one repair. Customers whose vehicles have both the affected seat back bolt and the affected speed control cable can have both repairs made in one visit to their dealer

Tips for Avoiding Encounters with Angry Drivers

Recent studies show that the number of violent incidents resulting from aggressive driving on U.S. highways has been steadily growing over the past decade. Motorists who wish to avoid confrontations should be informed about the precursors leading to aggressive driving or how to defuse potentially dangerous traffic situations.

AAA offers the following tips to help motorists avoid becoming victims of injuries as a result road rage.

Avoid cutting someone off – Use your turn signal to show your driving intentions. If you make a mistake and accidentally cut someone off, try to apologize to the driver with an appropriate gesture. If someone cuts you off, slow down and give the driver room to merge.
Tailgating – Drivers get angry when they are followed too closely. Allow at least a three-second space between your car and the car ahead of you. In the evening hours, you should be able to see the headlights of the car behind you in the rear-view mirror. If you're being followed too closely, signal and pull over to allow the other driver to pass.
Gestures – Almost nothing makes another driver angrier than an obscene gesture. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Avoid making gestures that might anger another driver – even harmless gestures like shaking your head.
Don't start a fight – You can protect yourself against aggressive drivers by refusing to become angry with them. Give angry drivers lots of room. Think about what kinds of crashes their actions or your actions could cause. Then cool off and continue your trip.
Avoid eye contact – If another driver is acting angry with you, don't make eye contact. Avoid looking or staring at another driver; this can turn an impersonal encounter into a personal duel.

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Purchasing News Home

Pool Vehicle Inventory

CARS
Year	Make	Cyl	Model	Dr	Location	Invoice	Ref #
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	Mechanicsburg, PA	$19,170	08358A
03	Chevy	8	G3500 Express Passenger Van	Huntington Beach, CA	$25,836	Multiple
03	Ford	6	Explorer 4DR 4x4 XLT	Ivel, KY	$24,965	914158
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!

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