Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Mercury, Misc. Auto Shows
Mercury to debut high-end VOGA trim
UPDATE 2: Official high-res photos added to gallery
UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump
click above image for more pics of the 2008 Mercury Milan VOGA
The Detroit News is reporting that Mercury will debut a new a upper-level trim line called VOGA today at the South Florida International Auto Show. Debuting on the 2008 Mercury Mariner, the VOGA trim will have its own color scheme, an embroidered leather interior (we wonder how it compares to Cadillac's "Cut and Sew" leather interiors), new five-spoke wheels with "VOGA" center caps and other design cues that take inspiration from the fashion industry.
Last year Mercury unveiled the Milan VOGA Concept at the South Florida International Auto Show. That car was designed by Camilo Pardo, who also designed the Ford GT. It featured a stainless steel roof, tasteful body kit, 20-inch wheels and a gorgeous stainless blue metallic paint job. At the time we remarked that these additions would make a terrific trim package for the Milan, and while Mercury appears to agree, the actual VOGA trim debuting on the Mariner sounds as if it will be much more subdued, which is a shame.
The VOGA trim will be available on the 2008 Mercury Mariner early next year according to The Detroit News. We'll bring you more info and official pics from Ford as soon as they're released, but for now we wonder if you think the VOGA trim is a sign of health for Mercury or a quick and inexpensive way for Ford to capitalize on Mercury's success this year.
[Source: The Detroit News]
PRESS RELEASE:
FROM RUNWAY TO DRIVEWAY: MERCURY ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF FASHIONABLE VOGA VEHICLE SERIES
MIAMI, Nov. 9 – Mercury continues pushing fashion-forward design, with a new runway-inspired production series called VOGA.
Literally translated as "fashionable and trend-setting," VOGA hits primetime today at the South Florid International Auto Show, debuting on a 2008 Mercury Mariner. Over time, the VOGA series will be offered on a series of Mercury products.
"Mercury always has been about smart and contemporary design aimed at the style-conscious customer who appreciates a unique look," says Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. "At a time when stores like IKEA and the concept driving Design Within Reach are influencing our choices of style, the Mercury brand and the new VOGA theme, in particular, are ideal for satisfying customers' desires for even more expressive vehicles."
VOGA came to life on a Mercury Milan VOGA concept revealed during Miami Fashion Week in 2006. Reaction to the vehicle and the idea of a more fashion-focused series resonated with consumers, making a dedicated production series a choice move.
"It's great to be back in Miami to announce the new series and show off the Mercury Mariner VOGA," says Eric Peterson, Mercury Mariner Brand manager. "Given the sophistication of the south Florida market and the enthusiasm around the launch of the Mercury Mariner last year, it made perfect sense to debut our first production application of the VOGA styling here."
The Mariner, along with the Milan sedan, continues to draw new, progressive customers to the Mercury showroom. New customer conquest rates for both vehicles are at nearly 50 percent. Sales of the Mercury Mariner, redesigned for 2008, were up 19 percent in October.
2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA
Already known for its distinctive flair and good looks, the stylish Mercury Mariner has been customized to create the VOGA edition.
At first glance, the Mariner VOGA catches looks with Moss Green metallic paint, special chrome brightwork highlighting the grille, rear fascia trim and unique VOGA badging. The additional brightwork matched with the 17-inch VOGA-capped chrome wheels lends this fashionable vehicle a sporty appearance, making the Mariner VOGA appear ready to hit the scene.
"VOGA is about making a fashion statement each time you go for drive," says Chief Designer Camilo Pardo. "I'm really excited to bring the concept of VOGA to reality across the Mercury line-up. It's my passion to design vehicles that emotionally connect with customers – that 'gotta-have-it' appeal is what fashion is all about."
The Mariner VOGA's distinctive style carries through to the interior, as well. A charcoal black environment surrounds the plush, unique VOGA-embroidered Cashmere leather seats, which are trimmed with contrast Ash stitching to match the exterior color. Charcoal black floor mats are embroidered with the VOGA label, reinforcing the personalized feel.
The focal point of the interior is the striking Tarragon metallic instrument panel covered in a unique paint. The subtle silver-green metallic spans across the center console and door switch plates as well. All of these extra touches provide Mercury customers with the look and feel of a personalized vehicle customized to suit their tastes.
"Customers definitely care about choice and personalization – from their MP3 player case to their cell phone ring tone – that's why Mercury strikes a chord with savvy individualists who aren't looking for the run-of-the-mill products," says Peterson.
The Mariner VOGA will include the same great host of features as the Mariner Premier edition, offering one of the most advanced safety packages in the compact SUV segment with standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. It also delivers fuel economy up to 24 miles per gallon.
Customers will be able to show-off their sense of style with the new Mercury Mariner VOGA beginning early 2008 when vehicles hit dealer showrooms. Mariner VOGA will join the Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid produced at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.
UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump
click above image for more pics of the 2008 Mercury Milan VOGA
The Detroit News is reporting that Mercury will debut a new a upper-level trim line called VOGA today at the South Florida International Auto Show. Debuting on the 2008 Mercury Mariner, the VOGA trim will have its own color scheme, an embroidered leather interior (we wonder how it compares to Cadillac's "Cut and Sew" leather interiors), new five-spoke wheels with "VOGA" center caps and other design cues that take inspiration from the fashion industry.
Last year Mercury unveiled the Milan VOGA Concept at the South Florida International Auto Show. That car was designed by Camilo Pardo, who also designed the Ford GT. It featured a stainless steel roof, tasteful body kit, 20-inch wheels and a gorgeous stainless blue metallic paint job. At the time we remarked that these additions would make a terrific trim package for the Milan, and while Mercury appears to agree, the actual VOGA trim debuting on the Mariner sounds as if it will be much more subdued, which is a shame. The VOGA trim will be available on the 2008 Mercury Mariner early next year according to The Detroit News. We'll bring you more info and official pics from Ford as soon as they're released, but for now we wonder if you think the VOGA trim is a sign of health for Mercury or a quick and inexpensive way for Ford to capitalize on Mercury's success this year.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Gallery: 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA
PRESS RELEASE:
FROM RUNWAY TO DRIVEWAY: MERCURY ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF FASHIONABLE VOGA VEHICLE SERIES
MIAMI, Nov. 9 – Mercury continues pushing fashion-forward design, with a new runway-inspired production series called VOGA.
Literally translated as "fashionable and trend-setting," VOGA hits primetime today at the South Florid International Auto Show, debuting on a 2008 Mercury Mariner. Over time, the VOGA series will be offered on a series of Mercury products.
"Mercury always has been about smart and contemporary design aimed at the style-conscious customer who appreciates a unique look," says Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. "At a time when stores like IKEA and the concept driving Design Within Reach are influencing our choices of style, the Mercury brand and the new VOGA theme, in particular, are ideal for satisfying customers' desires for even more expressive vehicles."
VOGA came to life on a Mercury Milan VOGA concept revealed during Miami Fashion Week in 2006. Reaction to the vehicle and the idea of a more fashion-focused series resonated with consumers, making a dedicated production series a choice move.
"It's great to be back in Miami to announce the new series and show off the Mercury Mariner VOGA," says Eric Peterson, Mercury Mariner Brand manager. "Given the sophistication of the south Florida market and the enthusiasm around the launch of the Mercury Mariner last year, it made perfect sense to debut our first production application of the VOGA styling here."
The Mariner, along with the Milan sedan, continues to draw new, progressive customers to the Mercury showroom. New customer conquest rates for both vehicles are at nearly 50 percent. Sales of the Mercury Mariner, redesigned for 2008, were up 19 percent in October.
2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA
Already known for its distinctive flair and good looks, the stylish Mercury Mariner has been customized to create the VOGA edition.
At first glance, the Mariner VOGA catches looks with Moss Green metallic paint, special chrome brightwork highlighting the grille, rear fascia trim and unique VOGA badging. The additional brightwork matched with the 17-inch VOGA-capped chrome wheels lends this fashionable vehicle a sporty appearance, making the Mariner VOGA appear ready to hit the scene.
"VOGA is about making a fashion statement each time you go for drive," says Chief Designer Camilo Pardo. "I'm really excited to bring the concept of VOGA to reality across the Mercury line-up. It's my passion to design vehicles that emotionally connect with customers – that 'gotta-have-it' appeal is what fashion is all about."
The Mariner VOGA's distinctive style carries through to the interior, as well. A charcoal black environment surrounds the plush, unique VOGA-embroidered Cashmere leather seats, which are trimmed with contrast Ash stitching to match the exterior color. Charcoal black floor mats are embroidered with the VOGA label, reinforcing the personalized feel.
The focal point of the interior is the striking Tarragon metallic instrument panel covered in a unique paint. The subtle silver-green metallic spans across the center console and door switch plates as well. All of these extra touches provide Mercury customers with the look and feel of a personalized vehicle customized to suit their tastes.
"Customers definitely care about choice and personalization – from their MP3 player case to their cell phone ring tone – that's why Mercury strikes a chord with savvy individualists who aren't looking for the run-of-the-mill products," says Peterson.
The Mariner VOGA will include the same great host of features as the Mariner Premier edition, offering one of the most advanced safety packages in the compact SUV segment with standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. It also delivers fuel economy up to 24 miles per gallon.
Customers will be able to show-off their sense of style with the new Mercury Mariner VOGA beginning early 2008 when vehicles hit dealer showrooms. Mariner VOGA will join the Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid produced at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alex 9:14AM (11/09/2007)
I don't know what Ford plans to do with Mercury but this really isn't a strong sign that they are putting up the kind of investment needed to spark new life in Mercury.
Reply
Kyle 9:15AM (11/09/2007)
If Mercury makes a Milan that looks like that I will be the first one to purchase it!!!
Reply
Jon 10:14AM (11/09/2007)
Amen! My wife loves the Milan. Maybe this is a step in the right direction. If Ford decides to take Mercury the "high fashion" way, that might differentiate it enough. Emphasis on MIGHT!
vdk 4:21PM (11/09/2007)
x2... the milan looks sooo sooo goood...
markf 9:17AM (11/09/2007)
VOGA - isn't that what morticians do to 'spruce up' the Mercury corpse so it looks good while rotting away from corporate neglect? markf
Reply
Will 9:23AM (11/09/2007)
I think both the Milan and Mariner look very nice.
Reply
SuperSkyline89 9:31AM (11/09/2007)
I will admit that I had to do a Google image search to find out which one was the Milan and which was the Mariner. Having said that, the Milan pictured above looks really nice but honestly the Mariner doesn't. The Mariner looks how a car is supposed to look before it gets modified, not after. Either way, I wouldn't buy either since they're simply not anything I'm interested in.
Reply
Guenther 9:41AM (11/09/2007)
VOGA?
"...But what does it all mean, Basil?"
Reply
Sandeep 9:50AM (11/09/2007)
Taking a page from the Mustang now?
Reply
1337 9:51AM (11/09/2007)
Can I get a "From the designers of the Ford GT" sticker on the back? It'd look great next to a Chrysler TC by Maserati!
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joe23521 10:09AM (11/09/2007)
Maybe they should work on a Mariner Hybrid interior that doesn't make you want to puke every time you see it.
I guess the good news is that when you do puke on it, it'll hardly be noticeable.
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Thunder 10:17AM (11/09/2007)
VOGA = Virtually Obsolete Garage Accessory? ;-)
Man they're struggling. Just bring the European lineup already.
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TriShield 10:38AM (11/09/2007)
Nobody will care besides Ford diehards. Kill this worthless brand already.
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Leaf 11:09AM (11/09/2007)
Mercury who?
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mr.ed 11:10AM (11/09/2007)
VOGA. That's second cousin to Vega, right?
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500 11:57AM (11/09/2007)
Nice, but the fact that this is headline news for Mercury is sad. Give them a Mustang-based Cougar and a RWD sports sedan!
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Frank in L.A. 12:39PM (11/09/2007)
Yeah, Give me a Cougar
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JN 2:05PM (11/09/2007)
Ugh. If this is the best they can do, they might as well pull the plug now.
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Matt W 2:46PM (11/09/2007)
Notice how Voga and Vulgar are almost natural replacements for each other?
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CastleCharles 3:33PM (11/09/2007)
Mercury.... go towards to light, Oldsmobile is waiting for you.
Reply