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All-New 2008 Ford Escape and 2008 Mercury Mariner Begin Production at Kansas City Assembly Plant Review

January 2007
Filed under: FORD Car News | FORD Headlines

* The 2008 Ford Escape and 2008 Mercury Mariner deliver even greater value to the customer – with improved residuals, reduced pricing, added content and improved fuel economy.
* Improved 36-month residual values are 10 to 11 points better than previous models and significantly ahead of major competitors.
* Ford invested $100 million in new equipment, tooling and training at Kansas City Assembly Plant for production of the redesigned vehicles.

Kansas City, Missouri. Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and UAW Vice President Bob King celebrated the launch of the 2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with employees of the Kansas City Assembly Plant, where the vehicles are built. The vehicles go on sale this quarter. (01/26/07)

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 26, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today celebrated the launch of the all-new 2008 Ford Escape and 2008 Mercury Mariner at its Kansas City Assembly Plant. The vehicles go on sale first quarter 2007.

The small SUVs received a 10- to 11-point improvement in resale value, while offering reduced pricing, additional content and better fuel economy than previous models. Both vehicles are available in gas-powered engine and full-hybrid models. The improved value equation of the new 2008 Ford Escape and 2008 Mercury Mariner builds on gains made by other newly launched models, including the 2007 Ford Fusion, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Edge.
Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, told employees at the plant’s launch celebration that the pair of small SUVs they build plays an important role in the company’s commitment to produce more vehicles customers want.

“Customers want products with striking designs, better fuel efficiency and even better value,” Mulally said. “To deliver these products, we are accelerating our new vehicle introductions around the world. And right here in Kansas City, you are playing a big part in this plan.”

The launch of the redesigned Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner comes at a time when customers are trending toward small SUVs and crossovers. The vehicles offer standard cutting-edge safety equipment, all-new styling and more must-have consumer features – such as standard audio input jack, available touch screen navigation and SIRIUS satellite radio.

Fuel economy will improve by two miles per gallon for gas-powered models and three miles per gallon for hybrids.

“Leading the segment hands-down from the start, Escape and Mariner are core to our product lineup,” said Joe Hinrichs, vice president, North America Manufacturing. “With this launch, we’re telling the world that Ford will compete with winning products and strong brands. And with flexible plants like Kansas City Assembly, we’re telling the world that Ford will compete in manufacturing as well.”

Ford invested $100 million in Kansas City Assembly Plant for new training, equipment and tooling, including new hood and lift-gate subassembly systems as well as upgraded materials and processes to reduce wind and road noise.

Kansas City Assembly Plant Manager Ken Ward credited the employees with the successful launch of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

“We at Kansas City understand the importance of the Escape and Mariner to the company’s vehicle lineup, and we’re proud to be the team to build them,” Ward said.

Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1953. It employs 4,927 employees, 4,665 hourly and 262 salaried. It builds Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute as well as the Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Ford F-150 Super Cab and Ford F-150 Super Crew. The plant became a flexible manufacturing site in 2003 with the launch of the 2004 Ford F-150.

Source: Ford Motor Company

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