Mercury's future product plans. - Focaljet

**biker16** · 02-06-2002, 01:35 AM

Ford media.

<blockquote>quote:<hr> CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2002 ? Mercury will play a key role in Ford Motor Company?s product-led transformation, with eight new products planned during the next five years. That was the message from Ford President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Scheele, who helped reveal the Mercury Marauder Convertible concept at the Chicago Auto Show.

?Over the years, Mercury has been a consistently profitable, volume brand for Ford Motor Company,? Scheele said. ?We plan to build on Mercury?s history with a significant investment in new products as well as a new, dedicated leadership team to drive the brand?s vision forward.?

This year, Mercury will introduce the all-new 2003 Mercury Marauder, a four-door performance sedan that delivers a 1960s muscle car experience with contemporary driving dynamics, comfort and safety. Also coming is a significant upgrade to the 2003 Grand Marquis, for improved ride, handling and safety.

In addition, a new Mercury minivan will bow in 2003, along with an improved Mercury Sable. These vehicles complement the successful Mercury Mountaineer, which is all new for the 2002-model year.

By mid-decade, the lineup also will include an all-new sedan, an entry in the growing hybrid market and several specialty niche products.

Also this year, Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley added three seasoned executives dedicated to bring additional focus to the Mercury brand and to lead its product initiative. They include:

<ul type="square"> * Darrell Behmer, 40, Mercury chief designer, who reports to Gerry McGovern, Lincoln Mercury Design Director. Behmer brings 19 years of experience to Mercury.
* Elena Ford, 35, Mercury Group brand manager, who reports to Anne Belec, Lincoln Mercury General Marketing Manager. Ford brings more than 15 years of sales, marketing and advertising experience to Mercury.
* Susan Pacheco, 39, Mercury Product Programs director, who reports to Al Kammerer, director, Lincoln Mercury Product Development. Pacheco has more than 17 years of product development and
[/list]
?Our new leadership team brings a sharp new focus to the Mercury marketing and design vision. That will translate that into new product programs for the next generation of vehicles,? Kelley said. ?As we refine the vision for Mercury, look for our future Mercury products to deliver designs you desire, precision you feel and purpose you use.?

<hr></blockquote>

**biker16** · 02-06-2002, 03:02 PM

bumps!

**Peloton25** · 02-06-2002, 03:13 PM

Please let the new sedan be an unaltered Mondeo!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

It is nice to hear that they have 'future' product plans. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

>8^)
ER

**biker16** · 02-06-2002, 03:42 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Peloton25:
Please let the new sedan be an unaltered Mondeo!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

It is nice to hear that they have 'future' product plans. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

>8^)
ER<hr></blockquote>

I doubt it would be the current mondeo. 2005 is when the mondeo is due to be redone. Maybe it will be the next mondeo or a version of the Mazda 6.

**raitchison** · 02-06-2002, 03:45 PM

I wonder if the new Minivan will be a re-badged Madza MPV? Since their existing deal with Nissan to build the Villager/Quest is no more.

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**focusdchaos** · 02-06-2002, 04:27 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by biker16:

I doubt it would be the current mondeo. 2005 is when the mondeo is due to be redone. Maybe it will be the next mondeo or a version of the Mazda 6.<hr></blockquote>

Isn't the 6 the same platform as the next Mondeo?

**biker16** · 02-08-2002, 09:49 PM

Automotive news

<blockquote>quote:<hr> Mountaineer to inspire designs of new Mercurys

By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / February 11, 2002

The styling of Mercury's products will be inspired by the Mountaineer, the brand's successful sport-utility.

"I think the Mercury Mountaineer is a pretty good indication of where we are heading from a design standpoint - the sculptured look, urban look," said Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley.

Ford Motor Co. says it will field a new generation of Mercurys starting in 2005, with a consistent design. Last month, Mercury appointed the brand's first design chief, Darrell Behmer, from the Ford design staff.

Until the new lineup is ready, the company says it will bring fresh products to market:

* The 2003 Grand Marquis, a re-engineered version of the 2002 model.

* The 2003 Marauder, a performance version of the Grand Marquis.

* A 2004 minivan, based on the Ford Windstar.

The lineup for 2005 and beyond will include a new sedan, possibly based on Mazda architecture, and a crossover vehicle, expected to be based on a Ford branded vehicle, Ford sources said.

In addition, a convertible or a performance vehicle will be added to the Mercury portfolio between 2004 and 2006, sources said.

Because Mercury's new models will be based on other Ford vehicles, Behmer said: "We have to be creative from a design standpoint about offering customers as much differentiation as they expect with as little investment as we can. We have to be smart about it."

Asked to describe Mercury, Kelley said the brand is "energetic, dynamic, innovative, for individualists, and it has some charisma. There is this kinetic energy in Mercury that has always been part of the heritage, and basically that transforms into product performance."

Mercury will introduce the re-engineered 2003 Grand Marquis and the new 2003 Marauder this summer. The Marauder is based on the Grand Marquis sedan and packs a 300-hp 4.6-liter V-8.

The Villager will be replaced with a 2004 model minivan that will be based on the Ford Windstar.
<hr></blockquote>

**biker16** · 02-08-2002, 09:51 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by focusdchaos:

Isn't the 6 the same platform as the next Mondeo?<hr></blockquote>
excatly. If ford was going to sell the current mondeo here, they should have made the decision 2-3 years ago.If they did decide right noe thye could choose between a restyled Mondeo or a new sedan based on the Mazda 6. As I said before I don't work for Ford, so could be completely wrong. My bet is they will choose the cheapest route.

But that retooled plant in flatrock can make up to 3 different variants of the 6 platform on the same line, For some reason Mazda seems to think they will need more capasity than the ~200,000 units per year they have now. also if the Mustang did come in a mercury version it would be relatively cheap to add it to the Mix.

[ 02-08-2002: Message edited by: biker16 ]

**NacronSE** · 03-17-2002, 07:20 AM

Mecury Focus! I want a mondeo...cheap luxury, my kind of car...

**ZX3-GTR** · 03-17-2002, 06:48 PM

What do you think the odds of Mercury producing a true sports car in the cougar platform?

**biker16** · 03-17-2002, 09:41 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by ZX3-GTR:
What do you think the odds of Mercury producing a true sports car in the cougar platform?<hr></blockquote>

the cougar platform is dead.

the coupe rumor about is maybe the capri, the Focus Coupe. optional AWD and turbo I4.

**ZX3-GTR** · 03-17-2002, 10:12 PM

Interesting. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

02-06-2002, 01:35 AM	#1
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Mercury\'s future product plans. Ford media. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2002 ? Mercury will play a key role in Ford Motor Company?s product-led transformation, with eight new products planned during the next five years. That was the message from Ford President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Scheele, who helped reveal the Mercury Marauder Convertible concept at the Chicago Auto Show. ?Over the years, Mercury has been a consistently profitable, volume brand for Ford Motor Company,? Scheele said. ?We plan to build on Mercury?s history with a significant investment in new products as well as a new, dedicated leadership team to drive the brand?s vision forward.? This year, Mercury will introduce the all-new 2003 Mercury Marauder, a four-door performance sedan that delivers a 1960s muscle car experience with contemporary driving dynamics, comfort and safety. Also coming is a significant upgrade to the 2003 Grand Marquis, for improved ride, handling and safety. In addition, a new Mercury minivan will bow in 2003, along with an improved Mercury Sable. These vehicles complement the successful Mercury Mountaineer, which is all new for the 2002-model year. By mid-decade, the lineup also will include an all-new sedan, an entry in the growing hybrid market and several specialty niche products. Also this year, Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley added three seasoned executives dedicated to bring additional focus to the Mercury brand and to lead its product initiative. They include: <ul type="square"> * Darrell Behmer, 40, Mercury chief designer, who reports to Gerry McGovern, Lincoln Mercury Design Director. Behmer brings 19 years of experience to Mercury. * Elena Ford, 35, Mercury Group brand manager, who reports to Anne Belec, Lincoln Mercury General Marketing Manager. Ford brings more than 15 years of sales, marketing and advertising experience to Mercury. * Susan Pacheco, 39, Mercury Product Programs director, who reports to Al Kammerer, director, Lincoln Mercury Product Development. Pacheco has more than 17 years of product development and [/list] ?Our new leadership team brings a sharp new focus to the Mercury marketing and design vision. That will translate that into new product programs for the next generation of vehicles,? Kelley said. ?As we refine the vision for Mercury, look for our future Mercury products to deliver designs you desire, precision you feel and purpose you use.? <hr></blockquote>

02-06-2002, 03:02 PM	#2
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. bumps!

02-06-2002, 03:13 PM	#3
Peloton25 Mr Know-It-All Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Moorpark, CA USA Posts: 21,808	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. Please let the new sedan be an unaltered Mondeo!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] It is nice to hear that they have 'future' product plans. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] >8^) ER

02-06-2002, 03:42 PM	#4
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Peloton25: Please let the new sedan be an unaltered Mondeo!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] It is nice to hear that they have 'future' product plans. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] >8^) ER<hr></blockquote> I doubt it would be the current mondeo. 2005 is when the mondeo is due to be redone. Maybe it will be the next mondeo or a version of the Mazda 6.

02-06-2002, 03:45 PM	#5
raitchison Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: West Hills, CA, Canada Posts: 3,073	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. I wonder if the new Minivan will be a re-badged Madza MPV? Since their existing deal with Nissan to build the Villager/Quest is no more. ------------------ Rainforest Green ZX3 5 Speed "Kona Car" K&N Cone Filter Tint 51% Rear / 71% Front ----- ----- My Home Page ----- Founding Member and Earl of Team Slow: SoCal (SlowCal)

02-06-2002, 04:27 PM	#6
focusdchaos [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 8,357	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by biker16: I doubt it would be the current mondeo. 2005 is when the mondeo is due to be redone. Maybe it will be the next mondeo or a version of the Mazda 6.<hr></blockquote> Isn't the 6 the same platform as the next Mondeo?

02-08-2002, 09:49 PM	#7
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. Automotive news <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> Mountaineer to inspire designs of new Mercurys By Rick Kranz Automotive News / February 11, 2002 The styling of Mercury's products will be inspired by the Mountaineer, the brand's successful sport-utility. "I think the Mercury Mountaineer is a pretty good indication of where we are heading from a design standpoint - the sculptured look, urban look," said Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley. Ford Motor Co. says it will field a new generation of Mercurys starting in 2005, with a consistent design. Last month, Mercury appointed the brand's first design chief, Darrell Behmer, from the Ford design staff. Until the new lineup is ready, the company says it will bring fresh products to market: * The 2003 Grand Marquis, a re-engineered version of the 2002 model. * The 2003 Marauder, a performance version of the Grand Marquis. * A 2004 minivan, based on the Ford Windstar. The lineup for 2005 and beyond will include a new sedan, possibly based on Mazda architecture, and a crossover vehicle, expected to be based on a Ford branded vehicle, Ford sources said. In addition, a convertible or a performance vehicle will be added to the Mercury portfolio between 2004 and 2006, sources said. Because Mercury's new models will be based on other Ford vehicles, Behmer said: "We have to be creative from a design standpoint about offering customers as much differentiation as they expect with as little investment as we can. We have to be smart about it." Asked to describe Mercury, Kelley said the brand is "energetic, dynamic, innovative, for individualists, and it has some charisma. There is this kinetic energy in Mercury that has always been part of the heritage, and basically that transforms into product performance." Mercury will introduce the re-engineered 2003 Grand Marquis and the new 2003 Marauder this summer. The Marauder is based on the Grand Marquis sedan and packs a 300-hp 4.6-liter V-8. The Villager will be replaced with a 2004 model minivan that will be based on the Ford Windstar. <hr></blockquote>

02-08-2002, 09:51 PM	#8
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by focusdchaos: Isn't the 6 the same platform as the next Mondeo?<hr></blockquote> excatly. If ford was going to sell the current mondeo here, they should have made the decision 2-3 years ago.If they did decide right noe thye could choose between a restyled Mondeo or a new sedan based on the Mazda 6. As I said before I don't work for Ford, so could be completely wrong. My bet is they will choose the cheapest route. But that retooled plant in flatrock can make up to 3 different variants of the 6 platform on the same line, For some reason Mazda seems to think they will need more capasity than the ~200,000 units per year they have now. also if the Mustang did come in a mercury version it would be relatively cheap to add it to the Mix. [ 02-08-2002: Message edited by: biker16 ]</p>

03-17-2002, 07:20 AM	#9
NacronSE [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Repostville... Posts: 5,795	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. Mecury Focus! I want a mondeo...cheap luxury, my kind of car...

03-17-2002, 06:48 PM	#10
ZX3-GTR TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 123	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. What do you think the odds of Mercury producing a true sports car in the cougar platform?

03-17-2002, 09:41 PM	#11
biker16 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Posts: 4,710	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by ZX3-GTR: What do you think the odds of Mercury producing a true sports car in the cougar platform?<hr></blockquote> the cougar platform is dead. the coupe rumor about is maybe the capri, the Focus Coupe. optional AWD and turbo I4.

03-17-2002, 10:12 PM	#12
ZX3-GTR TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 123	Re: Mercury\'s future product plans. Interesting. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

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