Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

On June 25, Ford launched its "Recycle Your Ride" website. The site is an easy guide to determine if your vehicle is eligible for Cash-for-Clunkers, and which Ford family vehicles are a good fit as a replacement. So far, Ford says it's had over 250,000 potential customers fill out the short form, and surprisingly, the modest-selling Mercury Milan is in a statistical dead heat with the Ford Fusion for the top replacement vehicle chosen.

To test out the site, we chose a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Ford's site brought up 16 vehicles eligible for the $4,500 incentive, including the Focus, Escape, Mariner, Taurus, Fusion and Milan. The picking-up-sales-steam Fusion and the underrated Milan currently account for 30% of overall selections, and Ford tells us that the public is split right down the middle on which vehicle they prefer.

While it's quite surprising that the Milan is garnering as much attention as the more popular Fusion, the real proof is in the sales data. We're guessing that the Milan won't outperform the Fusion's 19,000 June sales any time soon.

[Source: Ford]

Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersford fusionFordFusionmercury milanMercuryMilanrecycle my rideRecycleMyRidesalvagetrade intrade instrade-intrade-insTradeInTradeInsFri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Mercury Sable - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercury's born-again Sable sedan is dead again - or, more accurately, it will be come so on Thursday. According to The Detroit News, Ford's gussied-up Taurus (itself a gussied-up Five Hundred) will expire later this week, leaving Mercury with just four models: the Milan, Mariner, Mountaineer, and Grand Marquis.

And while the Taurus is getting a brand-spanking new replacement model for 2010, a Sable stablemate is apparently not in the cards, in large measure because Ford reportedly chose to spend more money on developing and marketing its Taurus replacement.

Ford's middle-tier brand is expected to lose both the Mountaineer and Grand Marquis within the next couple of model years, and the only new product mooted for the waterfall-grille brand is a new small car that has yet-to-be confirmed.

Eerily, the Blue Oval recently tested the small car waters for its Lincoln luxury brand with its Concept C showcar that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The presence of the tidy Euro-look hatchback once again set tongues wagging that Ford may be pondering whether or not to axe the Mercury marque altogether. For its part, Blue Oval officials dismiss such plans, but there is no denying that Mercury's stable is getting smaller, and at the moment, little product appears to be in the replacement pipeline.

According to the DetNews, Ford sold just 1,158 Sables in April, a drop of nearly 40% year-over-year versus 2008.


Gallery: 2008 Mercury Sable


[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalDetroit NewsDetroitNewsFordFord TaurusFordTaurusLincolnLincoln MercuryLincoln-MercuryLincolnMercuryMercury sableMercurySableNAIASTaurusMon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: NHTSA investigating if 2002-05 Ford Explorers/Mercury Mountaineers can slip out of park ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun looking at Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers from the 2002-2005 model years. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, out of some 1.4 million SUVs produced, more than 200 complaints have been filed with the government agency regarding transmission issues: 11 owners have said that the vehicle will go from park to reverse on its own, and 61 have said that the gearshift mechanism has failed when trying to get the SUV into or out of park.

NHTSA's action isn't a full-on investigation, and there is no recall - it is a "preliminary evaluation... to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect and any relationship of the alleged gearshift lever mechanism failures to the alleged vehicle rollaway incidents." For its part, a Ford spokesman has said, "We do not see a safety risk and we will be fully cooperating with the government with the investigation."

[Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

REPORT: NHTSA investigating if 2002-05 Ford Explorers/Mercury Mountaineers can slip out of park originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explorerfordford explorerFordExplorermercurymercury mountaineerMercuryMountaineermountaineernhtsarecallsafetySUVtsbThu, 30 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Take me out to the ball game / take me out to the crowd / buy me a... Lincoln and Mercury?" The premium end of Ford's domestic portfolio may not have rewritten the song (yet), but it has brokered a new deal to remain the official vehicle of the New York Mets.

Like the deal that placed Ford with the Yankees (but unlike Audi's partnership with the same team), the contract wasn't brokered by corporate headquarters but by the association of Tri-State Lincoln Mercury dealers, and amounts to about as much fun as you can shake a Louisville Slugger at. All it boils down to is that they'll be parking display vehicles outside the Mets' new home at Polo Grounds Shea Stadium Citi Field, so the next time they hit a home run it's more likely to go through the windshield of a Lincoln or Mercury. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle

NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It isn't even noon yet here in Detroit, but already it's been a busy day thick with bailout fallout and new consumer loan guarantee programs introduced by General Motors and the Ford Motor Company.

The Blue Oval has just unveiled its new Ford Advantage Plan, which can be thought of as a riff on Hyundai's much talked about Assurance Program. Ford's new initiative will cover payments of up to $700/month for up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle if the loan holder loses his or her job.

We hope to learn more specifics about the program soon (conditions/exclusions, etc.), but for now, the program takes effect immediately and runs through June 1. Buyers will be able to take advantage of the program as well as a new round of zero percent financing offers through Ford Motor Credit.

As part of the announcement, Ford is also preparing a new dealership-level assistance program "to assist local charities impacted by the economic downturn," the details of which will be announced in April. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford Motor Company | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans

Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA["Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Marquis DeSoto

It is neither a Mercury Grand Marquis nor a DeSoto, but perhaps it could be considered a kind of royalty. Furniture maker Steve Heller wanted to build a car of his own design, and possessed of a love of Fifties car details, he swiped the things he liked and built what he calls the "Marquis de Soto." It can also be called the New York Times Collectible Car of the Year.

The Marquis is based on a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. The Marquis' wings have been poached from the rear of a 1957 DeSoto, along with 1959 Cadillac taillights, the front fenders and lights from a 1958 Lincoln, 1955 Cadillac bumpers, a 1965 Buick Skylark hood, chrome from a 1957 Buick, and a grille glommed built from two 1957 Corvette pieces.

Heller spent 20 years collecting all the parts - he makes furniture using vintage car doodads - and spent four months building the car in back of his furniture shop. We dig it... but we dig it even more when it was just wearing primer. It has The Riddler written all over it. For more on the Marquis DeSoto, you can watch a great Heller-narrated slideshow or check out the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Avinash

Gallery: Marquis deSoto


[Source: New York Times]

"Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardscustomcustom carsCustomCarsetclimited editionLimitedEditionnew york timesNewYorkTimesvintagevintage carsVintageCarsTue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A bitingly cold wind is sweeping through the Motor City this day, but the bigger chill continues to be the rapidly increasing number of idle plants from Detroit's automakers. As part of a previously-announced bid to trim first-quarter output by nearly 38%, Ford now says it will shut down ten North American factories the week of January 5. Unlike Chrysler's planned one month downtime (where they eerily won't commit to start dates), the Blue Oval has confirmed plans to re-light the fires in eight of those plants beginning the week of January 12.

That means that during the week of January 5, Ford's only active North American plants will be in Dearborn (F-150), and Kansas City (F-150, Escape/Mercury Mariner). The week of January 12 will see all facilities up save Hermosillo, Mexico (Fusion, Milan, Lincoln MKZ) and Oakville, Ontario, where the Flex, Edge, and MKX are built.

Ford is angling to cut down its quarterly output to just 430,000 vehicles, and shutdowns at staggered intervals are expected to continue throughout early next year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assembly plantAssemblyPlantBlue OvalBlueOvalCutbacksDearbornEdgeF SeriesF-150F-SeriesFlexFSeriesHermosilloKansas CityKansasCityManufacturingMKXOakvilleshutdownThu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercury Sable dies along with Taurus X ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/#commentsFiled under: ,



Next month Ford is expected to unveil the all new 2010 Ford Taurus at the Detroit Auto Show, but don't expect the large sedan to be accompanied by a new Mercury Sable. Ford spokesman Mark Schirmer told Automotive News that the spacious sedan will take a dirt nap in April, one month after the Taurus X drives off into the sunset. The Sable never did make inroads with customers despite of its unoffensive sheet metal, smooth ride, and spotless safety ratings, and sales are down 20% for the year through November. Schirmer stated that part of the reason for the Sable's departure was that Ford was readying itself for lower industry volume levels, which makes multiple nameplates more difficult to justify. Dealers will need to order their last Sables by March 6th, and production comes to a halt on April 30. In a letter to dealers, Ford stated that it was discontinuing the Sable to "have a laser sharp focus on delivering the products that consumers want the most." Fair enough.

We never quite understood why the Sable performed as poorly as it did. The Sable was no standard bearer, mind you, but even the Grand Marquis regularly kicked the Sable's arse on the sales charts. And it's been around since Jimmy Carter was president.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercury Sable dies along with Taurus X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordmercurysabletaurustaurus xTaurusXFri, 05 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Mercury Cougar-based Audi R8 replica

The seventh-generation of the Mercury Cougar broke with tradition, switching from Detroit's classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture to the more common front-engine, front-wheel drive design. Its styling was also considered pretty radical for the times, with swoopy curves replacing its predecessor's formal roof lines. We'd wager that the last Cougar's designers would never have believed that their humble compact would someday be the basis for an Audi R8 replica. We've examined the various shapes of the ReplicaAudiR8, as its designer refers to it - we prefer CougaR8 ourselves - and we've concluded it's not too shabby in the least. Take a look at our galleries below to judge for yourselves. Note our comparison shots of the CougaR8 and Audi's version in profile, front, rear and in three-quarter view (again, front and rear), which we've also pasted after the break all together. As we see it, the rear-view is the least successful in mimicking its four-ringed inspiration.

Of course, even if the styling of the replicar is decent, there's just no disguising that Cougar interior, despite the addition of a lone R8 badge on the steering wheel and the fact that these two cars share similar dash shapes. Even the interior, however, pales in comparison to the lack of power from Ford's 2.5L Duratec V6 engine, which at 170 horsepower is down by more than half to the Audi's burbling V8. Lastly, while the brakes and suspension components are fine for an entry-level coupe, they aren't quite up to snuff for a real-deal R8. In any case. Nevertheless, those who are more concerned with appearances than performance can get their own CougaR8 for about $50K - less than half what it would run to drive home in the real thing. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: CougaR8 and Audi R8 side-by-side


Gallery: Cougar-based Audi R8 replica


[Source: New Cougar Forums, via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8

Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r8audi r8 replicaAudiR8AudiR8Replicamercury cougarMercuryCougarr8 replicaR8Replicareplica carreplica carsReplicaCarReplicaCarsreplicarMon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Mercury Milan

It's almost hard to believe that a few months ago Mercury was headed for the River Styx. Now it's slated to live, although life is only slowly returning. The Mercury Milan sat up on its plinth at the LA Auto Show today and didn't do much - not even turn - but it didn't look too bad. The revamped model has a new grille, fenders, hood, front and rear fascias, and a cleaner underbody for aerodynamic reasons. Inside gets more leather - embossed skins on the Premier Edition - and backlighting for the gauges.The 3.0L V6 gets an extra 19 hp to touch 240, and you'll get up to 5 mpg more than those other, previous-gen Milan owners. Sorry, no 3.5L V6 for the Milan though, as that larger, more powerful engine is exclusive to the new Fusion Sport. But the Milan has also been filled with more electronic doodads than the CES convention. Check them all out after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan


Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.






Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray

LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmercurymercury milanMercuryMilanmilanWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

At the preview for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Frank Davis, Executive Director of North American Product Programs described Ford's goal as combingin best-in-class fuel economy with a much bolder appearance. The mid-size C/D segment in which the Fusion competes is the second largest in the U.S. market, accounting for 2.1 million vehicles last year including the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and Ford wants a bigger piece of it. The updated 2010 Fusion is technically a mid-cycle refresh, but it's much more than your typical face-lift. Three years after the Fusion and its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ siblings debuted, Ford has given them a major stylistic overhaul fore and aft of the doors and inside the cabin. Its powertrains have also gone through a modernization program, which we already told you about a couple of weeks ago, so we'll skip over that here except to remind you that the 2010 Fusion can be had with a new hybrid drivetrain and a 3.5L V6 Sport model. Find out about the rest of what's new after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Continue reading LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion

LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingford fusionFordFusionla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybridWed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Mercury Milan

We'll spare you from going over the laundry list of changes for the new 2010 Mercury Milan since you've already read about them in the post above on the 2010 Ford Fusion. Both cars share a lot in common, so instead we'll tell you what's different between them. The 2010 Milan gets its own redesign that includes new front and rear fascias, which we see as big improvements over the current model that further separates, at least visually, the Mercury from its Blue Oval brother. The Milan also only gets two gas engine options compared to the Fusion's three. Buyers can order up the new 2.5L four-cylinder that produces 175 hp or the upgraded 3.0L V6 that makes 240 horsepower. Unfortunately, Ford's 3.5L V6 producing 265 horsepower is reserved exclusively for the Fusion Sport. There's also the new Milan Hybrid, which again is identical to the Fusion Hybrid in all but its looks and can drive up to 47 mph on all-electric power. Follow the jump for Mercury's official press release and peruse the gallery of high-res images in the gallery below. If you want our deeper analysis of the changes, check out our full post on the new Fusion.

Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan

LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybridmilan hybridMilanHybridWed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford's world debuts at the LA Auto Show will include the new Mustang, Fusion, MKZ, and Milan. Of all the vehicles scheduled for a debut, the Milan will likely garner the least amount of press, because the Mustang is an icon, the Fusion carries the bulk of Ford's mid-size volume, and the MKZ competes in the hotly contested entry luxury market. After looking at a completely uncovered spy photo from Automobile of a Milan Hybrid testing in Michigan, though, we'd say any attention the new Milan receives will be well-deserved.

Past Ford refreshes like the Taurus or Taurus X have been little more than reworked fenders, lights, and grilles, but the Milan goes farther. The roofline and side panels return largely untouched, but the front fascia has undergone a most extensive overhaul. The most noticeable revision is to the waterfall grille, which is far larger and carries a prominent upper brow that meets the updated hood. The bonnet now has a pronounced power dome with accents all the way around that grille, giving the Milan a much more 'look at me' presence. Headlights are equipped with LEDs and more vertical than the current model, stretching up above the hood line. The lower fascia and bumper now appears to be at one with the rest of the front end, as apposed to three separate pieces of the current model. The overall look of the front and rear are more rounded than the angular Milan available now, giving the revamped Mercury a more contemporary appearance.

We've always favored the Milan's rump over that of its blue collar Ford sibling, and it looks even better for 2010. Changes are far more subtle than the front end with the main change being LED tail lamps that appear larger than the existing lights. The rear is also more rounded at the edges, and the trunk has a bit of convex-ness to it as well. We're looking forward to seeing the Milan and it's Ford and Lincoln siblings when we hit LA later in November, and we'll pass the pics and info to you as soon as we get them.

[Source: Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanford fusionFordFusionhybridLA 2008 Mercury Milan HybridLa2008MercuryMilanHybridWed, 29 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



You drive like crap and you know it. Stop the burnouts, late braking and 100-mph freeway sprint and you just might make a tank of gas last longer than a day. Sure, automakers like Ford could spend a few million on lectures to teach car buyers a thing or two about better driving. But if you didn't get it in Driver's Ed, you're not likely to get it now. Instead, Ford's new Smart Gauge will teach better driving through rewards. Do a better job controlling your right foot, and Smart Guage adds a green leaf to a display next to the speedo. The better you do, the more leaves you get. Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of hybrid-vehicle programs, tells The Wall Street Journal, "You don't have to count the leaves. But if you're in a forest of leaves, you'll know you're doing well."

You can also grow your Virtual Dash Tree[TM] for a chance to defeat the boss monster on the final level and, if successful, Smart Gauge will reward drivers with Fordelicious Fruit[TM], which you can trade for Microsoft Points that can be used to pay for your Sync subscription. No. Not really.

Ford is expected to announce the Smart Gauge today and it will initially be available on the hybrid versions of 2010 Mercury Milans and Ford Fusions. There is a video from Ford after the jump.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO

Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusion hybridFusionHybridgreenhybridhypermilingmilan hybridMilanHybridsmart gaugeSmartGaugeWed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford of Europe may design next all-new Mercury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford has promised that the Mercury brand will live on in a way that sets the marque apart from it's Blue Oval-badged siblings. Many Autoblog readers have commented that Ford should utilize its European models to meet this end, and all indications are that you were right on. Ford has said that the next all-new Mercury would come in 2010, and Ford of Europe CEO John Fleming told Automotive News that the vehicle will "likely" be designed and engineered in Europe. The reason for Mr. Fleming's confidence comes from the fact that the new vehicle will be based on the Ford Focus platform, and that vehicle architecture will, for the foreseeable future, be developed overseas.

Ford of Europe currently builds the C-Max, the three-, four-, and five-door Focus and the Kuga off the C-platform, meaning any one of those variants could one day wear a Mercury waterfall grille. While it would essentially still be a rebadged Ford, this new Merc will be a slightly reworked version of a vehicle that won't otherwise be sold stateside, so it will be new to us. That sounds a lot better than the Mercurys we have today.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ford of Europe may design next all-new Mercury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-maxeuro focusEuroFocusfordkugamercuryTue, 14 Oct 2008 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HOW FORD WILL SAVE MERCURY

When Alan Mulally came to the Ford Motor Company two years ago he finally forced the company to face reality. It wasn't going to go anywhere, he told his executive team, unless it put all its resources into resuscitating the Ford brand on a global basis.

So Jaguar and Land Rover were given the heave-ho, and Volvo was put "under review." The decision was made to let Mercury slowly die, and Lincoln's turn-around was put on the back burner until the Ford brand revived.

But as the company formulated its turn-around plan, it slowly dawned on everyone involved that there was a real opportunity to save Mercury. They figured out a way to give the brand a unique line-up of vehicles without breaking the bank. So in April of this year they took their ideas to Mulally, and after extensive studies they got the go-ahead in June to save it.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers. Follow the jump to continue reading this week's editorial.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoline detroitautoline on autoblogautoline-detroitautolinedetroitAutolineOnAutoblogfeaturedjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroymercurySat, 20 Sep 2008 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to meet with dealers about future products, try to close stores]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/ford-to-meet-with-dealers-about-future-products-try-to-close-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/ford-to-meet-with-dealers-about-future-products-try-to-close-st/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/ford-to-meet-with-dealers-about-future-products-try-to-close-st/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



2008 has been a historically woeful year for the auto market, but Ford dealers have been in the crosshairs of a sales decline for over a decade. That brutal reality, along with financial incentives of up to $700,000 or more from the Blue Oval, has lead to the closure of over 500 dealers since mid-2006, and over 150 so far in 2008. To close still more dealers while giving remaining stores a heads-up of future happenings, Ford is embarking on a series of meetings with Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers. Among the topics of discussion will be future products, product volume and market conditions.

Though Ford isn't stating publicly how many dealerships it wishes to close, the Blue Oval is hoping to have enough departures to make the remaining dealerships healthy. Ford would like to see Ford brand dealers with 1,500 sales per month and Lincoln Mercury dealers with 600 sales per month, which is far higher than what Ford's 3,900 stores are averaging now. To help entice dealers to hang up their plaid sport coats, Ford will be offering cash incentives, but Ford Market Representation Director David Kelleher is hinting that those deals won't last long.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

Ford to meet with dealers about future products, try to close stores originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealership closingDealershipClosingdealershipsFord dealerford motor companyFordDealerFordMotorCompanyLincoln Mercury dealerLincolnMercuryDealerWed, 27 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford reportedly to charge $700 premium for Ecoboost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-to-charge-700-premium-for-ecoboost/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford has been touting Ecoboost as an economical alternative to hybrid technology, and word from Automotive News is that the price tag could be $700 per vehicle. Ecoboost is said to deliver 20-30% fuel economy gains by combining turbochargers and direct injection technology with down-sized engines. The automaker also estimates that owners will pay off their Ecoboost premium in two year's time at $3.25 per gallon gasoline and 15,000 miles of driving per year. Since $3.25 is at the optimistic end of the gas equation, we're thinking Ecoboost could likely pay for itself before that. While hybrids might be able to post higher fuel economy numbers than vehicles equipped with this off-the-shelf technology, consumers should pay less for each mile per gallon they gain going with a similarly sized Ecoboost-equipped Ford.

Brett Hinds, Ford's advanced engine design manager, said the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost slated for F-150 duty in 2010 would produce "significantly more" than 340 hp and 340 lb-ft, which easily bests the 300 ponies delivered by the truck's current top shelf 5.4L V8. A similar story will unfold with boosted four-pots, as V6 power is attainable with small displacement fuel economy. We've also learned that Ecoboost engines with a V6 will receive two turbochargers, while four cylinder models will only get one. Throw that 3.5L V6 Ecoboost in a Mustang and hand us the keys, then we'll decide.

UPDATE: Ford has not officially announced Ecoboost pricing.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Ford reportedly to charge $700 premium for Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>700 for ecoboost700ForEcoboostecoboostecoboost 700Ecoboost700Fordtwin turboTwinTurboMon, 18 Aug 2008 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan is up next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-is-up-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-is-up-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-is-up-next/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Mercury Milan spy shots

It seems like the Mercury Milan's lot in life is to follow the Ford Fusion, go wherever the Fusion goes and do whatever the Fusion does. Thus it's no surprise that when spy photographers happened upon prototypes of the 2010 Ford Fusion out being tested, the 2010 Mercury Milan was not far behind. Comparing the two sets of spy shots, the Milan appears to be making a bigger departure from its previous look than the Fusion. Its grille retains vertical slats, but the grille itself is much wider pushing the new headlights farther out towards the corners. Just like the Fusion, the Milan also gets a new front bumper, but its lower air intake and fog lamps have been incorporated into the same space rather than being separated into three distinct elements. In these spy shots we also get a clearer view of the Milan's new taillights, which, while retaining the same shape as those found on the current model, appear to have new covers with new elements inside. All the new Mercury Milan spy shots can be found in the gallery below, so get to browsing.

Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan is up next originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanbreakingmercurymercury milanMercuryMilanmilanmilan spy picsmilan spy shotsMilanSpyPicsMilanSpyShotsspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsThu, 14 Aug 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercury Sable and Taurus X dead next year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/mercury-sable-and-taurus-x-dead-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/mercury-sable-and-taurus-x-dead-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/mercury-sable-and-taurus-x-dead-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercury, after nearly being introduced to oblivion, was rescued from the void because Ford needs a brand that could be devoted to small cars. The Ford brand, still fighting off oblivion itself, has recently been devoted to fresh, new designs that provide consumers the flair and features they've been looking for.

Two of the hitches in those plans are the Mercury Sable and the Taurus X. The Sable, sister of the Ford Taurus, has remained so unloved that even Jill Wagner couldn't save it (through no fault of her own). In these days of the Flex, Edge and Escape, the Taurus X is a conveyance from the Myocene era. To paraphrase Sesame Street, two of these things are not like the other... and so they are being killed, according to The Detroit News.

Ford hasn't confirmed the demise of the two cars. However, sales of both are in decline, they fall outside the missions of their respective brands, and Ford is furiously retooling plants and planning new rollouts. In light of all that, the real question might be: why put off until tomorrow...

[Source: The Detroit News]

Mercury Sable and Taurus X dead next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford taurusford taurus xFordTaurusFordTaurusXmercurymercury sableMercurySablesabletaurus xTaurusXMon, 11 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST