


Upcoming 2004 Model Year Final Order Due Dates, Incentive Deadlines
* Final order due date is estimated. Please place orders ASAP. DaimlerChrysler Fast Start Incentive DaimlerChrysler’s revised Fast Start Program expires on November 30, 2003. It is important to note that the expiration date falls on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. DaimlerChrysler, as well as ARI, will be closed for the holiday on Thursday November 27th and Friday November 28th, so orders must be placed by Tuesday November 25th at the very latest. Fast Start Incentives are not compatible with “all-inclusive” Volume Incentive Programs (VIP). Ford Early Order Incentive and Free Taurus ABS December 31, 2003 is the deadline for the Ford Early Order Incentive Program and Free Taurus ABS. Vehicles ordered with either of these incentive programs must be produced by March 31, 2004 to qualify. Ford’s Early Order Incentives are compatible with National Fleet Incentives and Competitive Price Agreements (CPA). GM Early Order Bonus To receive GM’s Early Order Bonus, orders must be received by no later than January 2, 2004 and delivered by March 31, 2004. Eligible out-of-stock units must be delivered by January 2, 2004. GM’s Early Order Bonus is compatible with the National Fleet Incentive Program but not with the Competitive Assistance Program (CAP). |
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Beginning with Job #2 production on December 31, 2003, the standard aluminum wheels on the 2004 Taurus SE will be replaced with steel wheels. The aluminum wheels will become optional with an associated charge. As a result, the base price of the Taurus SE will be reduced. If the previously standard aluminum wheels are desired, the vehicle should be ordered with option code (64M). Price-protected Fleet customers with a Competitive Price Agreement (CPA) who order the optional aluminum wheels will not be charged additionally for the wheels. Those who choose the standard steel wheels will receive a credit. The credit will either be off- invoice or it will be distributed in the form of a payment – depending on the type of Agreement the customer has with Ford. For additional clarification, please contact your ARI Customer Support Services Representative. |
VOLVO XC90 BUYERS GET FREE DRIVING LESSON
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Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced the launch of the "Drive for Life - Owner Experience," an innovative new approach to improving driver behavior through the use of an interactive behind-the-wheel program. The program is included at no charge to buyers of the new Volvo XC90 and is the first program of its type to be offered exclusively to SUV purchasers. With minimal classroom instruction, the Owner Experience is designed to focus on the driver, maximizing seat time behind the wheel of their vehicles. The program teaches drivers how to best utilize the XC90's active safety systems and how to respond during accident avoidance situations. "We pride ourselves on building safe cars. This program, however, is developed to improve driver behavior, which is integral to safety on the road," said Vic Doolan, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. "Very few consumers have the opportunity to test vehicle control and understand their vehicles' limits in a controlled environment. This program addresses the final frontier of road safety - the driver." The program is scheduled to roll out during the first quarter of 2004, and will initially be available in five regional locations: Laguna Seca (northern California); California Speedway (southern California); Road America (Wisconsin); Daytona Beach (Florida); and, Lime Rock (Connecticut). |
NISSAN ANNOUNCES 2004 PATHFINDER AND XTERRA PRICING
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Nissan announced that the 2004 Pathfinder’s MSRP will increase $101 for SE models and $251 for LE models, over last year’s prices. The Xterra XE V6 MSRP decreases $999 to reflect the reduction in equipment (Utility Package) while all other models will not change significantly ($1 increase) from model year 2003. The unique Pathfinder LE Platinum Edition includes platinum edition badges, body colored door handles, platinum wheel color, electro-luminescent gauges, special dark wood trim and aluminum kick plates with a Pathfinder logo. While offering several additional features, pricing for the 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum Edition increases $251 with a MSRP of $31,350 for the 4x2 and $34,050 for the 4x4. SE models carry a MSRP of $26,900 for the SE 4x2 and $28,900 for the SE 4x4. In 2004, Xterra again offers three engine models – 2.4-liter 4-cylinder producing 143 horsepower, 3.3-liter SOHC V6 producing 180 horsepower and the supercharged 3.3-liter V6 producing 210 horsepower. Prices for select 2004 Xterra models are $18,000 for the XE 4x2 I4 with manual transmission; $20,400 for the XE 4x2 V6 with automatic transmission; and $28,000 for the top-of-the-line SE 4x4 supercharger with automatic transmission. |
HEAD RESTRAINTS IMPROVING
BUT STILL NEED ADJUSTING
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According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), head restraints are improving in an increasing number of vehicles, resulting in better protection from whiplash injuries. But the Institute says that many motorists do not adjust the head restraints properly, failing to maximize protection. In the 2003 model year, 45 percent of passenger vehicle head restraints received a “good” rating, compared to only 3 percent in 1995. At the same time, the percentage of 2003 model vehicles with “poor” restraints had dropped to 10. In today’s vehicles, the majority of head restraints have to be adjusted manually upward to protect many occupants. But such restraints often remain in the lowest position, IIHS said. A well-designed head restraint, in concert with the seatback, can reduce the risk of whiplash injury by reducing the differential motion of an occupant’s head and torso in a rear-end crash. This, however, is only possible when the head restraint is properly adjusted. A properly positioned head restraint should be as high and as close to the back of the occupant’s head as possible, according to IIHS. A study by Institute researchers shows that when the restraints are positioned at or above the driver’s ears, protection is maximized. |
FORD S2RV WINS POPULAR SCIENCE AWARD

Ford S2RV Concept Vehicle
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Ford Motor Company’s latest technology concept vehicle has been named Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" grand prize winner in the Automotive Tech category. The winning vehicle is called S2RV, which stands for "Smart Safe Research Vehicle." It combines advanced accident avoidance systems and intelligent vehicle technology in a modified Ford Explorer. Many of the features of S2RV can be separated into two categories -- those that represent new "smart" technology and those new features that pertain to making the vehicle more "safe." The S2RV "Smart" technology includes: • Voice System – controls vehicle features including reconfigurable instrument
clusters, phone and accident avoidance systems. S2RV "Safe" features are those that improve safety performance by helping to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, but if they do, protecting occupants from harm. Features include:
• Active Night Vision – a laser, invisible to our eyes but visible to a camera,
illuminates an area larger than the high beam headlights. An infrared sensor located
inside the vehicle views the scene and the clear, high contrast image is presented
on a heads-up display mounted on the dash. "While there have been technology demonstration vehicles before, there has never been any vehicle with more advanced features than the S2RV, " said Miller. "It is a concept vehicle – to show what we can do. It’s not ready for production, but you can bet that many of these features will be seen in the Ford Motor Company vehicles of the future. The S2RV was designed and constructed by Ford Research and Advanced Engineering personnel in Dearborn, Michigan. |
PONTIAC ANNOUNCES GTO PRICING,
FUEL ECONOMY

2004 Pontiac GTO
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General Motor’s Pontiac division recently announced introductory pricing for the 2004 GTO, which arrives in dealer showrooms in December. In addition, EPA city and highway mileage ratings were also released. The GTO’s MSRP is $32,495 including a destination charge of $700. The only available option is a six-speed Tremec manual transmission for $695. EPA fuel economy for the manual transmission is 17 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, for an average rating of 24.8 mpg. A GTO equipped with an automatic transmission is rated at 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 21.5 combined. The GTO equipped with the automatic transmission will be subject to a $1,000 federal gas guzzler tax. |
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/Wagon/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. 2003 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 12/15/03 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 12/15/03 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 XC70 5/1/03 TBD