Ford Marks Full-Scale Production of 2nd Hybrid; Mercury Mariner Pulled Ahead By a Full Year

* Full-scale production of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford's second full hybrid SUV, is under way at the company's Kansas City Assembly Plant * Mariner and Escape Hybrids are integrated on same assembly line with conventional vehicles, thanks to Ford's lean and flexible manufacturing processes * Mercury Mariner Hybrid production was pulled ahead by a year, with vehicles now arriving at dealerships

KANSAS CITY, Nov. 16 -- Ford Motor Company today marks full-scale production of its second hybrid vehicle at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. The new Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV continues the company's commitment to increasing hybrid production ten-fold -- to 250,000 units annually -- by the end of the decade.

Lean and flexible manufacturing processes and specially trained employees at the plant allow the hybrids to be built on the same production line as conventional Mariner and Ford Escape SUVs. Mariner production was pulled ahead by a year as part of Ford's stepped-up hybrid commitment.

The Mariner joins the Escape Hybrid as two of five hybrids Ford will have on the road in the next three years. Ford today is the only American automaker with a hybrid on the road and was the first in the world to offer a hybrid SUV.

By 2010, Ford plans to increase hybrid production to approximately 250,000 units annually -- with more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup offered with hybrid capability.

"The innovative approach to manufacturing showcased at the Kansas City Assembly Plant is a key component in Ford's hybrid strategy," explains Nancy Gioia, director of Ford's Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid programs. "Our goal is to build hybrid and conventional models on the same line and to offer hybrids with the same style and same functionality as conventional vehicles.

"We didn't have to invent an entirely new vehicle to house our hybrids. We're putting hybrids into mainstream products that are popular today. The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids were born and built in the USA, and they are the only hybrid SUVs made in America. We are very proud of this accomplishment."

The Kansas City plant accommodates installation of unique Mariner Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid components at normal line speed. Among the hybrid components are a temperature management unit, electric battery pack, in-dash electrical outlet, regenerative braking system, power cables, electronic power assist steering, DC-to-DC converter, Atkinson-cycle engine and eCVT transmission.

Initial production of the Mariner Hybrid began in October. Full-scale production is now under way, with vehicles beginning to arrive in dealer showrooms.

"Hybrid vehicles are a perfect fit with the Mercury brand," said Tom Brewer, general marketing manager for Lincoln and Mercury. "Our Mercury customers are very attracted to new technology. They also want good value, without being part of the mainstream. The Mariner Hybrid delivers for these customers through its distinctive Mercury styling and powertrain technology that is still on the cutting edge."

Kansas City Plant Manager Ken Ward credits a committed and well-trained workforce with seamlessly delivering the company's second full hybrid.

"Thanks to our talented workforce, Kansas City is home to two of the company's most innovative products," says Ward. "First was the Escape Hybrid, and now comes the Mariner Hybrid. We're proud to be at the forefront of Ford's hybrid leadership commitment."

To assemble the hybrids, employees completed a special training course. It provided in-depth training on how to install and handle hybrid-specific components, such as the electric battery pack, cooling system, regenerative braking system and the instrument cluster.

Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1953. It builds the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute, Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew.