Mercury showroom transformation continues with all-new 2006

Milan Sedan

The product onslaught that is opening new doors for new customers in

Lincoln Mercury showrooms continues in 2005 with the introduction of

the all-new Mercury Milan, a sleek, entry-level sedan.

In announcing its new advertising campaign and tag line -- “New

Doors Open” -- Mercury also unveiled a sketch of its fourth new

vehicle in just two years.

“We use the words ‘different’ and ‘smarter’ quite a bit when

talking about Mercury,” said Darryl Hazel, Lincoln Mercury president.

“They absolutely apply to the new Milan. Milan will bring a different

customer to Mercury dealers -- significantly younger customers drawn

to the upscale design and smart feature packaging that define

Mercury’s new products.”

The five-passenger Milan will enter the midsize-sedan market,

which remains one of the industry’s largest segments.

The 2006 Milan takes its design inspiration and cues from the

modern, savvy new Mercury design DNA that has developed into a family

of contemporary new cars, SUVs and minivans. The Milan will be based

on Ford Motor Company’s CD3 architecture.

The Mercury Milan has sophisticated design appeal with clean,

crisp lines, a distinctive interior and driving excitement. “The name

‘Milan’ connotes visions of a modern, fashionable European city,

fitting the car’s design theme and target customer like a fine

Italian suit,” said chief designer Darrell Behmer.

The sketch hints at the “U”-shaped lines that will carry through

Milan’s hood, front fascia with waterfall grille and bumper as well

as through its rear deck-lid, lift-gate, LED tail lamps and bumper.

Clean, contemporary aluminum rims fill out the wheel wells, which are

pushed out to the corners of the vehicle adding to its tapered

stance. Inside, Mercury’s distinct personality and commitment to

craftsmanship will be apparent with upscale materials, precision

fit-and-finish, and satin-aluminum appearance trim accents.

The Mercury Milan goes into production at Ford’s assembly plant

and supplier park in Hermosillo, Mexico in the third quarter of 2005.

Over the next four years, Lincoln Mercury will introduce 11 new

products to its showroom, six Mercurys and five Lincolns. These

vehicles are among the 65 new products Ford, Lincoln and Mercury are

introducing in North America during a five-year period.

Among the six new Mercury vehicles are:

The Mercury Montego -- The all-new 2005 Montego arrives in

showrooms this fall. It is Mercury’s first all-new sedan in almost 20

years and represents modern design, spacious interior, a smooth quiet

ride and outstanding value in an upscale sedan. Montego also offers

all-wheel drive capability.

The Mercury Mariner -- The all-new 2005 Mariner also arrives in

showrooms this fall. It introduces modern Mercury design, refined

driving dynamics, 4-wheel drive and unique product features in a

small, fuel-efficient SUV. Mariner builds on the style and success of

the Mountaineer and will be the entry-level SUV in the Lincoln

Mercury showroom.

The Mercury Monterey -- The 2005 Monterey enters its second year

in the Mercury showroom. It offers class-leading safety technologies

-- such as a three-row Safety Canopy side curtain air bag -- and

innovative cargo management solutions in a long-wheelbase luxury

minivan. Monterey offers upscale design, innovative family-friendly

features -- such as front- and rear-parking sensors and an optional

power liftgate -- and exceptional comfort.

In addition, a new crossover vehicle for the Mercury showroom is

planned for future production at the Chicago assembly plant and a

hybrid version of the Mariner has been announced for the 2007 model

year.

For more information, contact Irvine Lincoln Mercury Ford at 42

Auto Center Drive, Irvine. Call (888) 520-3539.