Upcoming 2004 Model Year Final Order Due Dates
* Final order due date is estimated. Please place orders ASAP. ARI recommends that final orders be submitted at least two business days prior to the due date. Manufacturers may change final order due dates without notice. |
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2004 DODGE DURANGO
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On October 17, 2003 Chrysler Group announced pricing for the all-new 2004 Dodge Durango. With a base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $25,920 (plus $645 destination), the new 2004 Durango is priced $1,000 below the 2003 Durango. The volume-leader SLT 4x4 model is priced at almost $2,000 less than the previous Durango SLT 4x4. Redesigned from the ground up, the new Durango is larger inside and out and it features an all-new chassis, new powertrains (including HEMI®) and added refinement. "You can't buy more SUV for your dollar, period" said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing. "The Durango is an exceptional value, with more room, more content and more refinement, all delivered at a lower price than the previous generation Durango. With the new Dodge Durango, we deliver a large SUV with the driveability, fuel efficiency and price of a full-size SUV." The new model is seven inches longer, three inches taller and three inches wider than the current model, but delivers improved fuel efficiency across its new three-engine line-up. For the first time ever, Durango will be offered with a new 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 on two-wheel drive models. The new V-6 powerplant allows Durango to compete directly, on both price and efficiency, with the smaller SUV competition. A 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 is also available, as is the powerful 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum, a first for Durango. New safety features include patented octagonal front frame rail tips that absorb frontal impacts more efficiently and consistently than other designs, a new passenger occupant classification system and available side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seating. The bumper height was also designed within the bumper height zone of passenger cars. The new Durango offers Dodge's transferable seven-year/70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Durango is built at the Company's Newark, Delaware, Assembly plant. |
MAZDA ADDS PACKAGES, INCREASES PRICING AND RELEASES MAZDA3 PRICING
MAZDA3
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Mazda has announced price increases for most of its model line-up as well as introductory pricing for the all-new Mazda3. In addition, the company is now offering two Special Value Packages for the 2004 MX-5 Miata. Price Increases Effective October 17, 2003, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices will increase as follows: • Mazda6 Sport Package with Spoiler increases $60 to $770
and Luxury Package increases $40 to $1540. Mazda3 The all-new Mazda3 will start at $13,680 MSRP – the same as the final price as its successor, the Protégé CX. The five-door model will start at $16,895 MSRP, which is the same as the final price on Protégé 5. The Mazda3 offers two all-new engines, a 2.0L and a 2.3L, with bold styling and dynamic handling. Fleet customers are eligible for a $500 Mazda Fleet Incentive.
New MX-5 Miata Packages Now offered on the MX-5 Miata is an Azure Blue Cloth Package, which includes a Convenience Package plus unique wheels, blue trim and a leather shift knob. The package is priced at $750 MSRP. The package is also available in Azure Blue Leather. The Azure Blue Leather equipped vehicle is priced at $23,518. |
GM STUDY SHOWS DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS REDUCE CRASHES
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General Motors recently announced results
of a study that shows GM customers have avoided well over
37,000 collisions since daytime running lamps (DRLs) became
standard equipment in 1995.
DRLs, exterior front lamps that automatically illuminate when a vehicle is started, increase vehicle visibility for other drivers and pedestrians in a variety of daytime conditions including fog, rain, dusk and bright sunlight. To date, GM has sold over 30 million vehicles in the United States and Canada with DRLs as standard equipment. Using information from police and collision reports and traffic registration data from 17 states, the study shows estimated reductions in daytime multiple vehicle crashes ranging from 2.3 percent to nearly 12.5 percent, depending on the driving condition, type of DRL used and type of collision. The study analyzed conditions including daylight or dawn/dusk, daylight with good/poor visibility, daylight on highway/local streets, as well as multiple vehicle, pedestrian, child pedestrian, head-on and motorcycle crashes. "These new findings provide additional support for this simple and inexpensive countermeasure," said Brian O'Neill, president, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "We would like to see every manufacturer make daytime running lights standard equipment." The findings showed statistically significant reductions in several different crash types. The most dramatic reduction involved DRL-relevant vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes. Through 2001, it is estimated that DRLs have helped drivers avoid 772 pedestrian collisions, with children under the age of 12 accounting for 348 of these avoided collisions - up to a nearly 15-percent reduction. This is a 6-percent increase in the rate of reduction of pedestrian crashes since an initial DRL analysis was performed for GM in 2000 by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates. "Daytime running lamps are a low-cost, effective way to reduce crashes," said Robert C. Lange, GM executive director, structure and safety integration. "Nearly all published reports indicate that DRLs reduce daytime multiple-vehicle and pedestrian collisions, potentially saving lives and preventing thousands of injuries." There were 4,808 pedestrian traffic-related deaths in 2002, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Cumulatively, NHTSA estimates motor vehicle crashes cost society $230.6 billion a year, about $820 per person. In December 2001, GM filed a petition with NHTSA asking it to adopt rulemaking that would require all automakers to install DRLs on new vehicles sold in the U.S. The petition covered passenger vehicles, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks and buses. Daytime running lamps already are mandatory in Canada, and in several European countries. |
TOYOTA ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL -NEW TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB PICKUP
2004
TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB
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The newest member of Toyota’s truck family, the 2004 Tundra Double Cab, will start at $15,995 MSRP, Toyota announced. MSRPs for Tundra Double Cab 4x2 range from $25,645 for an SR5 to $29,270 for the upscale Limited model. 4x4 Double Cabs have a base MSRP of $28,975 for the SR5 and $32,600 for the Limited model. The base MSRP for 2004 Tundra Access and Regular Cab models remain unchanged from 2003. The MSRP for Tundra 4x2 models range from $15,955 for the V6 five-speed manual Regular Cab to $27,825 for the V8 automatic Limited StepSide Access Cab. MSRP for Tundra 4x4 models range from $23,875 for the V8 automatic SR5 Regular Cab to $31,165 for the V8 automatic Limited StepSide Access Cab. The new Tundra Double Cab is built on a strong ladder frame chassis that is longer than the chassis shared by the two-door Tundra Regular Cab and the four-door Tundra Access Cab. The Tundra Double Cab rides on a 140.5-inch wheelbase and uses Tundra's existing 4.7-liter i-Force V8. This DOHC 32-valve powerplant produces 240 horsepower with 315 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The V8 is paired with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Tundra Double Cab offers the segment's first vertical power-sliding full-rear window. At 750 square inches of total open area, it is more than four times larger than the open area of the manual sliding rear window in the Tundra Regular and Access Cab models. Standard features include power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, privacy glass, rear window defogger, air conditioning with rear A/C ducts and 60/40 split/fold/tumble rear seats. Tundra Double Cab can also be ordered with key optional equipment such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC), power moonroof, leather-trim interior and heated seats. The Tundra offers up to a 1,875-pound payload capacity (V8 4x2 Double Cab SR5) and up to 7,100-pound towing capacity (V8 4x4 Regular cab). All V8 models also offer a Towing Prep Package to achieve maximum towing capacity. The Towing Prep Package includes a Class IV tow hitch, a seven-pin connector with converter, a 130-amp alternator, and a supplemental transmission oil cooler. Assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, the full-size Tundra pickup is now available in nearly 20 configurations comprising three cab styles, two engines, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two transmissions and three model grades. |
NEW SAAB 9-2X TO DEBUT IN LOS ANGELES IN DECEMBER
2004 SAAB 9-2X
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The new, sporty Saab 9-2X continues Saab's biggest-ever product
offensive by taking the Swedish manufacturer into a new market
segment. Positioned below the 9-3 Sport Sedan in size and price,
the 9-2X is the first production Saab to have all-wheel drive
and will offer excellent driving dynamics, in addition to turbo
performance and hatchback practicality, Saab said. Two versions will be available, both with five-door body styles and standard all-wheel-drive. The entry level Saab 9-2X Linear will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the high-performance Aero model will feature a 227 bhp, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. “We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States
for a premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and we
intend to be among the first in the segment,” said Peter
Augustsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB. “The
9-2X will help introduce Saab to a younger customer group.” Leveraging the global resources of the GM Group, Saab Automobile AB is collaborating with Fuji Heavy Industries to create the Saab 9-2X model in cooperation with Subaru, Fuji’s automotive division. The Saab 9-2X is scheduled to go on sale early next summer in the USA and Canada, with other markets still under consideration. It is the latest step in the most aggressive new product and concept development program in Saab’s history. Within the last two years Saab has launched the all-new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible models, as well as three concept cars: the 'four-dimensional' 9-X, the 9-3X 'Cross-over' Coupe and the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept, for which a production version is scheduled. The new Saab 9-2X will be produced in Fuji Heavy Industries’ facilities in Japan, beginning in the spring of 2004. |
2004 INFINITI QX56 REVEALED
2004 INFINITI QX56
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Infiniti's expanding product lineup takes a step forward in spring 2004 with the addition of an all-new full-size luxury sport utility vehicle. The new Infiniti QX56 is the fourth V8-powered Infiniti, joining the Q45 and M45 sedans and FX45 crossover SUV, and the third to feature all-wheel drive, along with the FX and the newly introduced 2004 G35 Sport Sedan all-wheel drive model. The QX56, which will be the first Infiniti model assembled in North America, is designed to provide luxury on a grand scale, with eight-passenger seating (seven-passenger with 2nd row captains chairs), progressive styling, advanced technology and exceptional on-road and off-road performance. QX56’s standard 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 produces 315 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque through the use of advanced design features. The engine is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm – where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Every QX56 also comes with a standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission is geared specifically for use in high torque situations and includes an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for smooth shift quality. A gated floor shifter provides enhanced shift control when towing. The transmission's tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling. The QX56 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,900 pounds (properly equipped). Optionally available (as part of a package with the RearView Monitor) is Infiniti's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, which allows the QX56 driver to maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead. An advanced voice-operated control system and an ultrasound-based driver information system take convenience even further. The ultrasound technology directs the sound at the driver so that only he or she can hear the information from the navigation system, the traffic news and other sound-based information sources, while the front passenger and rear passengers remain undisturbed. In the dark or in poor visibility, a special night vision system projects images onto the right-hand display. The night vision system consists of two infrared laser headlights on the front of the vehicle which "illuminate" the road with invisible light and a camera on the windscreen. This allows the driver to spot hazards much earlier than in a vehicle operating on conventional headlamps.
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NISSAN HOLDS THE LINE ON 2004 MURANO PRICING
2004 NISSAN MURANO
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Nissan North America, Inc. recently announced pricing for its 2004 Murano crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Nissan dealerships nationwide. The Murano is offered in two models, the SE and the SL, each with a choice of all-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive. For 2004, Murano SE Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will increase $151 to reflect the introduction of a manual shift mode and other product upgrades; the SL price will not change significantly ($1) from model year 2003. The Murano, equipped with a standard 245-horsepower, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, starts at a MSRP of $28,200 for the SL 2WD and $29,800 for the SL AWD. The Murano SE features an MSRP of $29,150 for the 2WD and $30,750 for the AWD. Enhancements for 2004 include a manual shift mode for the standard Nissan Xtronic CVT(Continuously Variable Transmission) on SE models, while a standard 10-way power driver’s seat, including power lumbar, replaces the 8-way power seat with manual lumbar on both models. A Premium Package and Sunroof Package are also now available on SE. |
Download Feature News Word Document
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CARS |
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Year |
Make |
Cyl |
Model |
Dr |
Location |
Invoice |
Ref # |
| 03 | Ford | 6 | Taurus SE | 4 | Anniston, AL | $18,837 | 279556 |
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TRUCKS |
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Year |
Make |
Cyl |
Model |
Location |
Invoice |
Ref # |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Silverado 2WD Reg. Cab P/U | Kenner, LA | $21,640 | 11897 |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Silverado 2WD Reg. Cab P/U | Kenner, LA | $21,640 | 11898 |
| 04 | Dodge | 8 | Ram Quad Cab 4x2 P/U | Simi Valley, CA | $25,541 | 04002 |
| 04 | Ford | 10 | F450 Chassis Cab 4x2 | Tustin, CA | $25,008 | 19101 |
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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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2004 MODEL YEAR STARTUP & FINAL ORDER DUE DATES
DaimlerChrysler
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars/Minivans
Sebring Sedan, Convertible 1/21/03 TBD Stratus Sedan 1/21/03 TBD Sebring/Stratus Coupe 7/24/03 TBD Neon 7/21/03 TBD 2004 Concorde, Intrepid, 300M ** ** Special Paint: Intrepid Police, Special Service TBD TBD Voyager, Caravan, Grand Caravan *** 7/21/03 10/31/03 Town & Country *** 7/21/03 10/31/03 2004 Pacifica 1/16/03 TBD Trucks
Grand Cherokee 1/2/03 TBD Durango 10/1/03 TBD Wrangler 7/21/03 TBD Liberty 7/7/03 TBD DR Ram 1500 7/28/03 TBD DR Ram 2500 7/28/03 TBD DR Ram 3500 7/28/03 TBD Special Equipment: Ram Regular Pickup, Quad Cab 7/28/03 TBD Dakota Regular Pickup, Quad Cab, Club Cab 7/28/03 TBD Special Equipment: Dakota Regular Pickup, Quad Cab, Club Cab 7/28/03 TBD PT Cruiser 6/23/03 TBD *Final order dates, startup dates and order bank opening dates are subject to change. To ensure consideration for production when placing final orders, orders must be placed in the DaimlerChrysler Order System by the above mentioned dates. Actual production, however, is subject to capacity limitations. Please submit your orders to ARI at least two business days prior to the final order date.
**Anticipated production start-up of the replacement vehicle for Concorde, Intrepid and 300M, based on DaimlerChryslerís new LX platform, is first quarter 2004.
*** AWD Minivan models are no longer available for ordering.
Ford, Lincoln & Mercury
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars/Minivans
LS 7/14/03 TBD Town Car 7/14/03 TBD Crown Victoria 7/21/03 TBD Crown Victoria Police 7/21/03 TBD Crown Victoria Natural Gas (CNG) January 2004 TBD Grand Marquis 7/21/03 TBD Marauder TBD TBD Mustang 8/4/03 2/19/04 Focus 9/22/03 1/30/04 Taurus 8/4/03 2/26/04 Sable 8/4/03 2/26/04 Taurus Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 8/4/03 2/26/04 T-Bird 7/14/03 TBD Freestar 8/25/03 TBD Monterey 8/25/03 TBD Trucks
Econoline Van/Cutaway 9/15/03 TBD Econoline Van/Wagon/Cutaway Dedicated Natural Gas January 2004 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Crew (all-new F-150) 7/21/03 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Cab and Regular Cab "Heritage" 8/18/03 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Cab and Regular Cab (all-new F-150) 6/9/03 TBD F-Series Super Duty 7/14/03 TBD F-Series SD Strip Chassis 8/4/03 TBD F150 Bi-Fuel CNG 11/10/03 TBD F150 Dedicated CNG 9/15/03 TBD F150 LPG 11/10/03 TBD Escape 6/9/03 10/17/03 Ranger 8/4/03 TBD Navigator 8/4/03 TBD Expedition 8/4/03 TBD Explorer 4Dr 8/4/03 TBD Mountaineer 8/4/03 TBD Explorer Sport Trac 8/4/03 TBD Excursion 7/14/03 TBD Aviator 8/18/03 TBD F650/750 12/9/02 1/28/04 * Some model lines may have varying buildout/startup dates depending on which assembly plant the vehicle is produced at. The dates shown above represent the earliest tentative buildout/startup date for each model. Models that may have varying dates include: Taurus/Sable, Explorer/Mountaineer, F-Series LD, F-Series SD and Ranger. All dates are tentative and may change without notice. Selected options may be balanced out earlier due to high demand and capacity shortages. Fordís acceptance of an order is not a production commitment
GM
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars
BUICK Century 6/19/03 TBD Regal 6/19/03 TBD LeSabre 6/5/03 TBD Park Avenue 6/5/03 TBD CADILLAC Seville 6/20/03 10/15/03 Deville 6/20/03 TBD CTS 6/9/03 TBD XLR 5/5/03 TBD CHEVROLET Malibu Classic 6/2/03 TBD Malibu (all-new) 8/11/03 TBD Malibu Maxx TBD TBD Impala 6/19/03 TBD Impala Police/Taxi TBD TBD Monte Carlo 6/19/03 TBD Cavalier 6/9/03 TBD Cavalier w/KL6 CNG Bi-Fuel Eng. TBD TBD Corvette 6/23/03 TBD Oldsmobile Alero 6/4/03 TBD PONTIAC Sunfire 6/9/03 TBD Grand Am 6/2/03 TBD Grand Prix 2/3/03 TBD Bonneville 10/15/03 TBD Bonneville GXP Dec-03 TBD Vibe 5/5/03 TBD Trucks/Minivans
CHEVROLET Tracker 6/16/03 11/7/03 Avalanche 8/4/03 TBD Special Equipment: Avalanche TBD TBD Venture 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Venture TBD TBD Colorado 10/8/03 TBD S-10 Crew Cab 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: S-10 Crew Cab TBD TBD Blazer 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Blazer TBD TBD Trailblazer 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Trailblazer TBD TBD Trailblazer EXT 7/14/03 TBD Special Equipment: Trailblazer EXT TBD TBD Express 6/20/03 TBD Special Equipment: Express TBD TBD Silverado ** 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Silverado TBD TBD Tahoe 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Tahoe TBD TBD Suburban 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Suburban TBD TBD Astro 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Astro TBD TBD SSR 10/31/03 TBD Kodiac C4500, C5500 TBD TBD Kodiac C6500, C7500, C8500 TBD TBD GMC Sonoma (Crew Cab) 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Sonoma (Crew Cab) TBD TBD Canyon 10/8/03 TBD Envoy 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy TBD TBD Envoy XL 7/14/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy XL TBD TBD Envoy XUV 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy XUV TBD TBD Savana 6/20/03 TBD Special Equipment: Savana TBD TBD Sierra ** 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Sierra TBD TBD Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali/Denali XL 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali/Denali XL TBD TBD Safari 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Safari TBD TBD Topkick C4500, C5500 TBD TBD Topkick C6500, C7500, C8500 TBD TBD BUICK Rendezvous 6/2/03 TBD Ranier 7/14/03 TBD CADILLAC Escalade 6/23/03 TBD Escalade EXT 8/4/03 TBD SRX 6/16/03 TBD OLDSMOBILE Silhouette 6/23/03 TBD Bravada 6/16/03 TBD PONTIAC Montana 6/23/03 TBD Aztec 6/2/03 TBD * The above GM dates are estimated and may change without notice. Some model lines may have varying buildout/startup dates depending on which assembly plant the vehicle is produced at. The dates shown above represent the earliest tentative buildout/startup date for each model. ** The final order due date for all 2500 Series Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Regular and Extended Cab models with option (C6P) 8600 LB GVWR is 10/10/03.
Hummer
Model 2004 Production Startup Date 2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date H2 8/18/03 TBD
Mazda
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Protégé/Protégé 5 9/16/03 TBD Miata 7/22/03 TBD MPV 8/20/03 TBD Tribute Mid-June TBD B-Series Truck August TBD Mazda6 8/4/03 TBD RX8 3/14/03 TBD
Nissan
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Altima (50 State Emissions) 9/22/03 TBD Altima (CA Emissions) 10/20/03 TBD Sentra (50 State & CA) 5/1/03 TBD Maxima 4/23/03 TBD Pathfinder 11/1/03 TBD Pathfinder Armada 11/1/03 TBD Xterra 11/1/03 TBD Quest 7/1/03 TBD Frontier 11/1/03 TBD Murano 10/1/03 TBD Titan 12/1/03 TBD
SAAB
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
9-3 Sport Sedan 8/11/03 TBD 9-3 Convertible TBD TBD 9-5 Sedan 8/11/03 TBD 9-5 Sport Wagon 8/11/03 TBD
Saturn
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
ION 7/17/03 TBD L-Series 7/14/03 TBD VUE 8/25/03 TBD
Subaru
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Forester May-03 TBD Legacy/Outback June-03 TBD Impreza March-03 TBD Baja June-03 TBD
Toyota
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Corolla April-03 TBD Camry August-03 TBD Camry Solara July-03 TBD Celica August-03 TBD Avalon June-03 TBD Sienna April-03 TBD RAV4/RAV4 EV August-03 TBD 4Runner August-03 TBD Tacoma August-03 TBD Tundra August-03 TBD Sequoia September -03 TBD Land Cruiser August-03 TBD Highlander September-03 TBD Echo August-03 TBD Pruis September-03 TBD Matrix April-03 TBD
Volvo
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
S40 5/1/03 TBD S60 5/1/03 TBD S80 5/1/03 TBD V40 5/1/03 TBD V70 5/1/03 TBD C70 Coupe 4/1/03 TBD C70 Convertible 4/1/03 TBD XC90 5/1/03 TBD
