Ford May Build Small Mercury SUV in Avon Lake

April 12, 2002

CLEVELAND AP reported that a story that Ford Motor Co. is considering building a small Mercury sport-utility vehicle at the Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, appeared in a newspaper Wednesday.

The Plain Dealer said the plan was dependent on Ohio officials coming up with an acceptable incentive package. The newspaper quoted industry sources who weren't identified.

The new model could save up to 1,000 jobs at the plant west of Cleveland, which will stop building the Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest minivans in June. The minivan twins are being discontinued because of poor sales.

Ford spokesman Rich Voytowich told the newspaper that the automaker is having "meaningful discussions" with state officials "on possible options for the plant." He declined to elaborate.

Ford spokeswoman Della DiPietro said Wednesday that Ford had options under consideration for the plant but she could not provide details.

Ford and state officials have discussed an incentive package and want to complete it in four weeks to six weeks, said Jean Carter Ryan, deputy director of the state's economic development division.