Ford to use engines

by Mercedes-Benz

Word out of last month's Geneva Auto Show is that Dodge will stop using Cummings diesel engines in its big Ram pickups in favor of a Mercedes-Benz diesels. The change should begin with the next generation Ram pickup, scheduled out in 2002 as a 2003 model.

RV shipments hit

record high in '99

The recreation vehicle industry reports that the value of RV shipments in 1999 reached $10.4 billion. That's $2 billion over 1998's record.

Overall, 321,200 RVs of all kinds -- motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, etc. -- were shipped last year.

And RV-owning families now outnumber the traditional core market of empty-nesters who are over 55 years of age, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Car-truck hybrid is

vehicle of the future

General Motors President Rick Wagoner on what the future holds for the industry as hybrid vehicles blur the line between car and truck: "In the future, the growth will come from crossovers (hybrids), and the reduction will come in traditional cars. If it's not a car, then it'll be a truck."

SUV guide offers

details on 34 models

"The 2000 Authoritative Guide to Sport-Utility Vehicles," published by Land Rover North America Inc., is available free at Land Rover dealers. Though it contains a wealth of information about the Land Rover lineup, you'll also find technical details, specifications, optional and standard equipment, plus pricing on 34 competitive 2000 SUVs.

Published 4/8/2000