ANYONE who IS PLANNING to purchase a vehicle soon has much to anticipate. The excitement of the year 2000 has reached even the automobile industry. In the new millennium, expect upgraded safety features, incredible performance, dynamic style, and the introduction of more vehicles that comfortably suit a variety of lifestyles.
“Automobile manufacturers are more aware of the importance of market segmentation than ever before,” says Carl Sewell, chairman of Sewell Automotive Companies. “They’re building more specific vehicles for the very specific uses customers have. It used to be that a sport-utility vehicle was primarily used on ranches. Now, people use them for carpooling and vacations, and in many homes SUVs are the primary vehicle.”
Sewell also predicts that due to a great economy, the year 2000 could be the highest volume year yet, even topping 1999’s tremendous records. Bobby Baillargeon, general manager and co-owner of Baillargeon Ford, says a good economy, combined with low interest rates has boosted customer confidence, which will most likely make the year 2000 the best year for new car buyers to purchase a vehicle.
“I think in 2000 you’ll see quality across the board in the automobile industry,” Baillargeon says. “There will be a vast improvement, even better than what you saw in 1999. The safety features will be much more advanced, especially child safety features, Safety standards are much higher now, as are environmental standards. Cars are running so much cleaner now- up to five times cleaner than they were 25 years ago.”
Sewell says another area of improvement in the automobile industry in 2000 will be in performance and technology. Stronger body structures are allowing for a much smoother, quieter ride. Improved suspension systems and built-in computers that aid in maintaining traction and direction are only a few of the amenities available in luxury cars in 2000. For instance, some 2000 Lexus and Cadillac-models will have up to six built-in computers that can self-diagnose problems in the vehicle and even help you find a hotel or a great restaurant.
Technology has also touched the automobile industry in yet another way-the Internet. Neil Grossman, vice president and general manager of Park Place Motorcars, predicts the Internet will play a significant role in the Park Place dealerships in the year 2000 and beyond.
“The customer will continue to want more access to more information in less time-whether it is about purchasing a vehicle, obtaining service, or finding out about future vehicles,” Grossman says.
The Internet is also predicted to be a popular tool for leasing a car. The process takes only minutes, making it possible to shop for and lease a car during your lunch break. Sonny Brooks and Richard Wallets, founders of autoleasing4U.com, recently launched a website (www.autoleasing4U.com http://www.autoleasing4U.com) that allows people to leisurely and quickly shop for a vehicle in the convenience and privacy of their own homes or offices.
“Now you can choose any vehicle you want-new or used-and determine how long you want to drive it, how much you’ll be driving, and how much your willing to spend,” Brooks says. “The auto leasing industry is growing by leaps and bounds in Dallas, and this will only make the leasing process even simpler.”
High-tech amenities, safety, and upgraded performance aren’t the only reasons vehicle purchases are expected to increase next year. Sewell expects many people will buy a new car just for the sake of having a year 2000 model.
“Having a 2001 model just isn’t quite as magical as owning a year 2000 model,” Sewell says.
The following is a sampling of some year 2000 models, along with updates to 1999 models, to help you determine which vehicle will best suit you in the new millennium.
AudiS4
New for Audi in 2000 is the S4 quattro model, featuring a powerful 2.7-liter bi-turbo 250 horsepower engine. The car boasts an ultra-sporty appearance with a unique S4 front grille, bumpers, and body trim. Drivers can choose from a C 90 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed HP-24 tiptronic transmission.
Other highlights of this new Audi include 17-inch cast alloy “Avus” wheels with 225/45 R17 performance tires, a “quattro IV” permanent all-wheel drive system, sport suspension, HP2 4-piston front brakes, standard inflatable Side-guard curtain airbags, driver and passenger power sport seats and sport steering wheel, silk Nappa leather upholstery, and a premier audio system, among other features.
CadillacDMiiie
DeVille, Cadillac’s large luxury sedan, has been redesigned and reengineered for the 2000 model year. Moving to a new vehicle architecture, the 2000 DeVille benefits from a significantly improved body structure, contributing to a superb ride and handling performance. DeVille now features Night Vision, the first automotive application of a thermal-imaging technology that can assist drivers in seeing objects beyond headlamp range during nighttime driving.
Safety features include a safety-cage construction, passive restraints, a CD-based navigation system, and OnStar, the revolutionary information and communications service. Special comfort and convenience additions include tri-zone climate control, adaptive seating, massaging lumbar seats, a new flexible center seat, a storage system, theater seating layout for optimum forward visibility, heated seats, and power lumbar adjustments.
Chevroletsumirban
The 2000 Suburban will be available in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, in a choice of 1500- or 2500-Series models. Mark Eddins, president of Friendly Chevrolet in Dallas, says the Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe are two of the dealerships best sellers, helping spur Friendly Chevrolet on to becoming the fastest-growing Chevrolet dealership in the U.S. He says the expansive size of Texas and the need for more space in a vehicle make these two oversized SUVs a must-have for large, active families on the go.
The 2000 Suburbans will be more comfortable through structural enhancements, as well as ride and handling improvements. Suburban’s new interior maximizes space through efficient packaging of components.
New Suburbans will feature versions of the Vortec 5300 and 6000 V8 engines, increasing the vehicle’s power and towing capacity. The 2000 Suburban is also designed to be safer with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, larger brake pads, side-impact airbags for the driver and front outboard passenger, improved visibility through more effective headlamps, and the GM OnStar system.
CheveroletTahoe
Tahoe’s durability has made it a popular choice with the off-road crowd, but its smooth ride and interior appointments have made it a top choice for those searching for a luxurious SUV. The new model is powered by the Vortec 4800 V8 and the Vortec 5300 V8, which are both more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and produce fewer exhaust emissions than ’99 versions. Ride and handling have been improved in the Tahoe through a new five-link rear suspension that provides a smoother, quieter and more stable ride. New on the Tahoe is an advanced third-row bench seat, creating seating for up to nine passengers. Advanced safety features include standard front-seat side-impact airbags and standard four-wheel, ventilated disc anti-lock brakes, among others.
FordExcursion
The 2000 Ford Excursion was designed to provide drivers with a new choice in the heavy-duty utility market.
The Excursion is a great choice for transporting large groups of people or for family trips, as it’s roomy enough to accommodate up to nine people. All models have a split bench seat in the second row with an independent reclining and removable full bench seat in the third row. A unique aspect of the Excursion is its rear tri-panel doors. The top half consists of a liftgate with fixed glass, providing quick access to the cargo area and an unobstructed rear view for the driver. Lower swing-out doors allow for easier liftover than a swing-down gate.
Safety features include Ford’s unique BlockerBeam to prevent a car from sliding underneath the front of the Excursion during a frontal crash, an energy-absorbing vehicle structure, steel side door beams, driver and passenger front air bags, child-seat tethers, the Belt Minder system, and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.
FordTauras
The 2000 Ford Taurus features newly developed advanced safety technology to provide optimum protection to drivers and occupants. The 2000 model features the Advanced Restraint System that is composed of nearly 12 sensors that analyze conditions and time of an impact and automatically deploy the most suitable devices, adjusted for the given crash situation and vehicle occupants.
A popular family car in Dallas, the Taurus is also equipped with optional head and neck combination side-air bags, child safety tethers, and adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, allowing the driver to sit farther away from the steering column. New styling gives the 2000 Taurus a more contemporary look, and the car is more powerful and gives a smoother ride from two 3.0-liter engines. The 2000 Taurus offers two sedan ver-sions-the LX and versatile station wagon.
Land RoverDiscovery Series II
Land Rover’s Discovery Series II model continues to be a dominate presence in the sport-utility vehicle market. With 2000 standard vehicle features such as a 4.0, V8 engine with 250 lb.-ft. torque, permanent four-wheel drive, reclining economically designed front bucket seats, an integrated climate control system, a premium high-power audio system, and numerous security features, this “go anywhere, do anything vehicle” is considered to be among the more luxurious SUVs on the market.
The Discovery II series offers an array of safety features such as driver- and passenger-side airbags, full side-impact protection including front and rear door side-impact beams, four-wheel Electronic Traction Control, a four-channel all-terrain anti-lock brake system, a keyless remote security /entry system with engine immobilization and interior light activation features, and child locks for rear doors, windows, and sunroof operation.
Range Rover
The Range Rover 4.0 SE and the Range Rover 4.6 HSE remain top choices for premium SUVs in 2000. The Range Rover received a myriad of changes to improve performance-a four-wheel electronic traction control, front side airbags and seat belt preten-sioners, a more luxurious interior, and an upgraded stereo system. The vehicle also features an upgraded engine, creating a higher performance level.
Range Rover’s comfort and convenience features include an electronic cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, 10-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats with headrests and lumbar support, two-position preset memory on driver and front passenger seats, and an automatic climate control system.
Safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, driver and passenger side-mounted airbags, side-impact protection, four-channel, all-terrain anti-lock brake system, and an inertia switch to unlock doors, activate hazard lights, and stop fuel flow in the event of an accident.
Lexus
One of Dallas’ favorite driving choices, Lexus has received considerable upgrades and changes across the board for 2000. However, the biggest news for Lexus is the introduction of the 2001 model Lexus IS, a luxury performance sedan expected to offer exceptional performance and a superb ride and handling. It will be available in the U.S. in spring 2000,
The U.S. version of the Lexus IS will have a six-cylinder engine featuring Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and will boast a sharp sporty appearance. The interior is remarkably spacious and features matte, chrome-like accents, sports seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel.
LineolnLS
Lincoln’s newest luxury sedan, the LS, is a definite departure from the large, traditional luxury sedan for which Lincoln is known. External features-such as a long wheelbase and short front overhang-plus the chrome accents on the bumper fascias-give the LS a performance-oriented, dynamic flair. Those who choose the optional Sport Package will get an LS with monochromatic front and rear bumpers.
The LS also offers supreme driving performance in its 3.0-liter DOHC V6, 3.9-liter DOHC V8, a five-speed manual-shift transmission (V6 only), and a five-speed automatic transmission with an optional SelectShift control function.
Safety and security features include driver- and front-passenger air bags, side-impact air bags, adjustable head restraints, four-channel anti-lock brakes, traction control system, anti-theft system, SecuriLock system, a remote keyless entry system, and a panic-alarm button, among others. Available on the V8-powred model, Lincoln’s Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit summons roadside emergency service and can request travel information.
Millennium Auto Trends
“I think the most importun! tbing anybody can do in the millennium is stay focused on customer service. Fads will come and go. It will be important to improve the automotive trends that are already in place. ” – Ned Edwards, owner. Star Tire Company Inc.
” Fromwhat I can tell, customer conveniences that relate to safety and comfort will he at the top of auto manufacturers’ focus in 2000. Global Positioning Satellite systems virtually keep a car from being stolen and offer security 24 hours, seven days a week. Additional safety features, such as side airbag restraint systems, steel reinforcement, and advanced braking and suspension systems are also becoming more common in vehicles.” – Mark Eddins, president,Friendly Chevrolet
Auto Buvers’ Guide Resource Directory
Baillargeon Ford 1819 N, Central Expreisway Richrdson.TX75080 972-231-3491 At Baillargeon Ford, you’ll be treated with respect. Ask around. You ’re likely to bear good things about Baillargeon Ford
Central Volkswagen/Audi Exit 24, North Central Expressway Richardson. TX75083-0768 972-231-4691 “Building Our Future on Service to You” is the guiding principle ’if Central Audi. While price is an important consideration in the purchase or lease of a new Audi, a good service relationship can have even mon- value to our clients.
Dallas-Fort Worth Lincoin-Mercury Dealers Wbetber it is luxury, utility-or both-that you need in your next vehicle, come visit any one of your nine Dallas-Fort Worth Lincoln Mercury dealers fora ’est drive today. For a virtual test drive, visit us atwww.lincolnmercury.com
FriendiyCheurolet 2754 North Stemmons at Inwood Road214-920-1900 Friendly Chevrolet, the nation’s fattest growing Chevy dealership, has hundreds of discounted Suburbans and Taboes WWW.friendlychevy.com
Land Rover Dallas The Discovery Series II is available for a test adventure river the off-road test track at Land Rover Dallas. Conveniently located on Central Expressway between Royal and Forest Lane. To make anappointment, call 214-691-4BY4
north Texas Auto Leasing Lease your next vehicle online. All makes, all models, ’tew or pre-owned. We can deliver to you within bours www.autoleasing 4u.comSewell Automotive Companies with even more choices of vehicles and locations. Sen-el! would like to make you a customer for life. We feture Cadillac, Lexus, Oldsmobile. Infiniti, Pontiac, and GMC vehicles in six Metroplex locations. For more information, call 1-800-5-Sewell or visit us on the web at WWW.Sewell.com
Star Tire Company/Wheel Repair by Adma 10952 Harry HinesDallas, TX 75220 214-357-5762Fax:214-357-5761In addition to wheel repair, we also offer aluminum wheel polishing, color matching, changing center bore and lug patterns, and location service for obsolete O.E. and after-market wheels and tires. Large inventory of O.E. steel, alloy, and -brome-plated O.E. wheels in stock.
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