Ford Begins Full-Scale Production of Mariner

Ford Motor Co. has begun full-scale production of its second hybrid vehicle at its Kansas City assembly plant. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV (pictured on page 1) continues the company’s commitment to increasing hybrid production tenfold – 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 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 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.