SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 ISSUE #720

1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER

Chevy Blazer, the only compact sport utility to offer a Driver Control System and a choice of seven premium suspensions, steps further "upscale" in 1998 with a bold new look and a host of new safety, comfort and convenience features.

The refinements are first noticeable on the outside, with new looks for Blazer. Composite halogen headlamps, new turn signals and optional fog lamps (on all models except 2-Door 4x4 models) are relocated in a tight cluster above the front bumper. Combined with new grille and bumper treatments, the result is a bolder appearance with traditional Chevy styling. In addition, new power remote rearview mirrors with a defogging feature, standard on LT and optional on LS models, help clear mist, snow and ice.

A new integral body-color rear-step bumper is standard on all models. The new bumper design also includes a trailer hitch and safety chain provisions and is capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs.

There are also new safety and security features for 1998. A front-passenger air bag is now standard on all models, providing extra protection for front-seat passengers. All models also feature four-wheel disc brakes for outstanding braking performance. Standard Daytime Running Lamps now feature Automatic Exterior Lamp Control, which senses reduced outside light, and automatically engages full exterior lighting.

On the inside, Blazer received a thorough makeover for 1998. The redesigned instrument panel features repositioned controls for easier driver access. And, new luxury touches include a "turn signal reminder" chime that engages if the signal is not turned off, and an electrochromic rearview mirror, standard on LT models, that automatically dims, reducing glare to the driver. New battery-rundown protection turns off any light left on after 20 minutes. There's even an electronic climate control system that adds the convenience of automated temperature control for LT models.

Redesigned front high-back reclining bucket seats on all models feature new foam cushioning, fabric, lumbar support, a console with cup holders and passenger-side easy entry on 2-Door models. New, optional heated seats for Blazer LT with leather seating surfaces feature HI/LOW/OFF settings. To conserve energy, the passenger seat heating system has "logic" and will not engage unless its safety belt is fastened.

Contact your ARI representative if you wish more information on this 1998 sport utility

1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER

1998 4x4 CHEVROLET BLAZER 4-DOOR

Overall Length
181.1 in.

Overall Width
67.8 in.

Overall Height
64.4 in.

Wheelbase
107.0 in.

Ground Clearance

7.5 in.

Fuel Tank Capacity
18.0 gal.

Curb Weight
4,023 lbs.

Towing Capacity
3,500 lbs.

TRUCK SALES ARE STILL HOT!

Mercedes-Benz is launching its new ML320 sport utility this fall. This is the first product of the new Mercedes factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They expect to produce about 60,000 sport utilities per year, only half of which will be sold in the United States. Most Mercedes dealers report that they have orders to cover all of their allocation until the end of the calendar year. The Lincoln Navigator has been a huge success, since its introduction in July and Ford dealers report that they cannot keep the new Expedition on their lot for more than a few days. General Motors reports that the Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon are still in short supply at dealerships.

Overall, truck sales so far this year represent 44.5 percent of total sales. The figure ten years ago was less than one-third of all sales.

Some dealers in the western states report that truck sales have increased from 50 percent of their business to 75 percent. Chrysler expects to tap the trend next month when it introduces the Dodge Durango.

DEALERSHIPS IN THE U.S.

Automotive News, a trade publication for the auto industry, reported several months ago that there are 20,575 dealerships in the U.S. that handle cars and trucks. Handling cars only are another 1,537 dealerships and trucks only account for 315. Here is the breakdown:

Chrysler Corp.	4,612
Ford Motor Co.	5,014
General Motors	8,546
Total	18,172
Minus
intercorporate duals	300
Net Big 3	17,872
Import Exclusives	3,551
Import-only duals	1,004
Total New-Car and Light Truck Dealerships
	22,427

FORD BUILDS LAST T-BIRD

Ford built the last 1997 Thunderbird on Thursday September 4, 1997 at the Lorain assembly plant.

Production of the T-Bird started in 1955 to compete with the Corvette. Over the 42-year run more than 4.3 million T-Birds were produced at the same assembly plant in Ohio. The press and reporters were not permitted to watch the last red T-Bird roll off the assembly line. Ford expects to reintroduce the Thunderbird after the turn of the century.

MALIBU OPTIONS ENHANCED

Chevrolet announced on September 12, 1997 that the base Malibu option package 1SA will now be available with Speed Control (K34) and Power Door Locks (AU3). These two options were not available with the base package prior to this date.

VEHICLE-RELATED ABBREVIATIONS

Listed below are some of the most common abbreviations that you may encounter when communicating with both car or truck people.

This is a continuation of the "list" we started four weeks ago in Purchasing News issue number 718, dated September 1, 1997, and continued in 719, dated September 15, 1997:

PassLock 2: Anti-theft device used by General Motors on certain models; consists of a microchip glued to the ignition key which prevents the vehicle from being started in any way except by using that key.

SIPS: Vol vo's designation for its side-impact protection system.

SRS: Supplemental restraint system; symbol usually found on airbag covers, identifies vehicles equipped with airbags.

PLASTIC CARS
FROM CHRYSLER?

Chrysler announced recently that it has found a way to make a low-cost body largely from plastic that is as easy to assemble as a toy.

Company officials in Frankfurt, Germany, unveiled the process for making such a body at the International Auto Show. It could be a breakthrough, enabling automakers to sell cars for as little as $6,000 in India, China and other developing nations, said Ken Mack, a Chrysler executive engineer.

The Composite Concept Vehicle, as Chrysler calls it, is still just an idea. It will take three years of testing to see if the body is durable and maintains its appearance after repairs.

The body would be molded in four pieces, bonded together and placed on a steel frame. It would have about 1,100 parts, compared to 4,000 parts for a typical car. Car parts would be molded in color, so plants could save on painting expense.

The auto industry has been experimenting with using plastic in car bodies for at least 40 years, according to Carl Olson, Chairman of the Transportation Design Department at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. But the problem has been finding a plastic body that is both cheap to make and doesn't fade under the sun's ultraviolet rays.

1998 FORD TAURUS ORDERING GUIDE

Ford changed the model designations for 1998, and it has caused some confusion among people who order vehicles. Here is a comparison of 1997 and 1998 model designations. We hope this is helpful:

IN 1997 YOU ORDERED: IN 1998 YOU SHOULD ORDER:

P51 - TAURUS G SEDAN P52 - TAURUS LX SEDAN

P52 - TAURUS GL SEDAN WITH PACKAGE 204A P52/60E - TAURUS SE SEDAN *

P53 - TAURUS LX SEDAN P53 - TAURUS SE COMFORT SEDAN *

P57 - TAURUS GL WAGON P57 - TAURUS SE WAGON

P58 - TAURUS LX WAGON P58 - TAURUS SE COMFORT WAGON

* In addition to these sedans, by coding option 60S, you will get an SE Sport Sedan on the P52 model, and an SE Comfort/Sport Sedan on the P53 model. The Sport Package includes a 3.0L 24 valve V-6 engine, rear spoiler, bucket seats with console and floor shift, and chrome wheel covers on the SE sedan.

DODGE DURANGO PRICING ANNOUNCED

Chrysler Corporation announced on September 18,1997, pricing for its all-new 1998 Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle. The suggested retail price for a Durango 4x4 SLT with a 5.2-liter Magnum V-8 engine is $28,025, including destination. The Durango SLT with a 3.9-liter Magnum V-6 engine, to be introduced mid-year, is $27,435, including destination.

"We are in an enviable position," said Ray Fisher, Dodge Division General Manager. "Compared with our truck-based compact SUV competitors, Durango is larger, more powerful, roomier, tows more, hauls more and is the only one with eight-passenger capability, yet is priced competitively with them."

Durango enters the SUV market with a "right-size" package that combines the best attributes of the compact market -- nimble ride and handling, maneuverability and comfort -- with many features the compact market lacks, including better towing and hauling, greater cargo room and eight-passenger capability. The base Durango 4x4 SLT with the V-8 engine includes preferred equipment package 26D. Standard equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission; dual air bags; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; roof rack; AM/FM cassette radio and cruise control. Optional features include a 245-horsepower 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 engine and the compact segment's only available third seat.

1998 DODGE DURANGO AS PREVIEWED IN PURCHASING NEWS ISSUE 711

Purchasing News Extra

SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 ISSUE NUMBER 720-I

Manufacturers' 1998 Fleet Incentive Programs

FORD MOTOR COMP ANY

** A commercial Fleet Credit (Order Code 20F) of $750 will be available on all Taurus and Sable models. This credit is available in addition to the $600 National Fleet incentive, and will be included in the fleet incentive when determining an amount equivalent to retail in lieu of fleet.

*** A commercial Fleet Credit (Order 56S) of $546 is available in addition to the National Fleet incentive on P72 models and will be included in the fleet incentive when determining an amount equivalent to retail in lieu of fleet.

@ Ford authorized pool accounts cannot ORDER vehicles with a fleet incentive. A Ford dealer must apply for the fleet incentive for eligible commercial applications after the pool account reassigns the chassis to the Ford dealer and the pool account or customer provides the appropriate end-user FIN code.

# The RV Cutaway (Series code E30/40) is not eligible for fleet incentives when SOLD/LEASED for motor-home applications.

GENERAL MOTORS

1. P-Model trucks are also eligible for $500 invoice credit on I-beam suspension if FK4 or FK5 option is ordered. Excludes motor home chassis and political subdivision assistance/public utility and railroad assistance (PSA/PURA) vehicles.

* Any GM models not specifically listed are not eligible for fleet incentives (Includes Suburbans, Tahoes and Yukons).

CHRYSLER CORPORATION

All eligible vehicles must be registered to and retained in service by the Registered Fleet Account for a minimum of 12 months or 20,000 miles.

GENERAL PROGRAM STATEMENT

This program is intended to encourage the use of Chrysler Corporation products by Registered Fleet Accounts engaged in commercial, fleet leasing or daily rental activties.

PROGRAM PERIOD

The program Period shall commence with the purchase of any 1998 Eligible Vehicle and shall continue through December 31, 1998.

MAZDA

NISSAN

TOYOTA

SUBARU

* Plus Keyless Entry at no additional cost.