"This joint venture will create opportunities for both General Motors and DaimlerChrysler to utilize their aircraft in air transport services beyond company travel. We're enthusiastic about this innovative initiative, as it allows us to reduce operational costs while not impacting existing air travel services for our employees, which remains a priority for GM," said Ken Emerick, GM's director of Worldwide Travel. The new company, pending approval, and as yet unnamed, will be based in Pontiac, Mich., and is expected to fly from the U.S. to destinations worldwide. Private charter flight service is expected to be available by the end of September. Approximately 20 planes will be available for charter usage.

The new company will lease planes from GM and DaimlerChrysler as needed to meet outside demand for the charter service, but only at times when they are not needed for company travel. Both GM and DaimlerChrysler will continue to operate independent flight departments. "We are always looking for new avenues to increase our capabilities," said Tom Davis, President - DaimlerChrysler Aviation. Y "The birth of this company will allow us to create a more versatile and attractive charter service for our customers." GM will be the majority owner of the company. Certain support services for the new company will be performed under a contract services agreement through DCA.

Land Rover Defender

Photo: Rover

Unique exterior features include mesh-style metal grille, silver powder-coated bumpers, side steps and hinges, body-coloured door mirrors and headlamp surrounds. The interior has full Lincoln Green leather trim, milled aluminium gear knob and ivory faced dials. A cast alloy Land Rover plaque on the rear of the vehicle completes the effect.

Land Rover UK managing director Harry Reilly said: "The Defender Heritage combines a classy retro look, while providing the latest in 4x4 technology such as the acclaimed Td5 engine, anti-lock braking and four wheel electronic traction control systems and factory-fitted air conditioning."

Mr Reilly added: "We expect the 90 Heritage to appeal to families looking for a second car to use for towing or other weekend hobbies. The 110 version with seating for nine people, will be popular with groups such as football teams or youth organisations."

1999 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Photo: Ford

Ford produces more than 800,000 F-Series pickups annually and about 360,000 Ranger compact pickups. Rangers and the SVT Lightning are scheduled to be low emission vehicles by 2001. Last year, Ford began production of low emission sport utility vehicles and Windstar minivans and remains unmatched by other auto makers on that broad environmental commitment. The LEV sport utility vehicles are: Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition; Ford Excursion; Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Navigator.

SUV and Windstar production will equal about 1 million units and, when joined with pickups, Ford will be putting two million Low Emission Vehicle trucks on the road annually at full production. Ford trucks and SUVs that meet Low Emission Vehicle status will emit on average about 48 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than trucks and SUVs that do not meet LEV.

The combined effect of the emissions actions that Ford has taken on SUVs, and will take with full-size pickups is equivalent to eliminating smog forming emissions from 350,000 full-size pickups on the road today.