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1999 Villager Sets New Course as America's Favorite Minivan

15 September 1998

1999 Villager Sets New Course as America's Favorite Minivan

    AVON LAKE, Ohio, Sept. 14 -- The new 1999 Mercury Villager,
the minivan with the highest level of customer loyalty in its segment, rolls
off the line today at Ford's Ohio Assembly Plant.  Villager makes
its debut with a sharp new design, more powerful engine and a wealth of
functional improvements.
    "Today's new Villager builds on the vehicle's heritage of maneuverability,
car-like handling, flexible interior and stylish good looks," said Jim Rogers,
Lincoln Mercury general marketing manager.  "Add a standard fourth door, even
more interior space, a great new exterior, a quieter and more powerful engine
and you've got a dynamite combination."
    Rogers and Christina Shea, the mayor of Irvine, California, the new home
for Lincoln Mercury's world headquarters, drove the first 1999 Villager off
the assembly line in ceremonies for plant and company employees and a host of
dignitaries.
    Only two months ago, during dedication ceremonies at the Irvine
headquarters, Mayor Shea presented Lincoln Mercury with a key to the city.  In
return, she was promised the first Villager off the line to be used to support
the city's youth programs.  Following the ceremony, the Villager will be
shipped to Irvine and put into city service.
    "This is a great day for Mercury and for the Ohio Assembly Plant," said
Plant Manager Ron Reaves.  "Speaking for the 2,900 men and women who work
here, I'd like to say we are proud to be the home of the new Mercury Villager.
We look forward to continuing our tradition of building the best minivans in
the world."
    Also attending the ceremony, and driving vehicles off the line, were: Ron
Gettlefinger, vice president of the UAW-Ford Department; Don Schnur, UAW Local
2000 president and UAW unit chairman Jerry Donovan.
    Recently released prices for the 1999 Villager are $22,995 for the base
model and $25,595 for both the Estate and Sport models.

    DEALERS ARE PART OF THE ACTION
    The ceremony was broadcast live, for the first time, to 2,600 Mercury
dealers across the country.  "We wanted to let our dealers join in the
celebration since they are such a key component in introducing the new
Villager," said Al Giombetti, Mercury Group Brand Manager.  "Delivering a
great vehicle to our customers takes the work of the plant, the company and
our dealers, so we felt it was important to have the entire team together on
this big day."
    In addition to viewing the broadcast via satellite, dealership personnel
had an opportunity to call in and ask questions of the team involved in
engineering, building and launching Mercury's new minivan.