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Mercury Mountaineer Concept: Glimpse of Future

10 January 2000

Mercury Mountaineer Concept: Glimpse of Future

    DETROIT, Jan. 10 -- Expressive, innovative and
individualistic.  Those are the watchwords that drove development of the
Mercury Mountaineer concept -- a property that gives strong exterior design
cues about the next-generation production vehicle.
    The Mountaineer concept -- being introduced at the 2000 Los Angeles and
North American International auto shows -- is exact in its execution with a
distinct, technical surface language and laser-like attention to detail.  The
simple body panels and fenders have a machined surface quality designed to set
the Mercury Mountaineer concept apart from all other sport utility vehicles.
    "The Mountaineer concept is another example of how Mercury design has
evolved into a unique visual language that differentiates it from Ford
design," explains J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of
design.  "The Mountaineer also further illustrates where Mercury vehicles are
headed in design language -- with individualistic styling accentuated by
precise, clean lines and fine detailing.  These precise lines and surfaces
give Mercury a technical, sophisticated look that appeals to a more mature,
independent-minded customer."
    For the Mountaineer, a satin aluminum-finished vertical grille theme
establishes a distinct family resemblance to the Mercury Cougar.  The
trapezoidal shape of the headlamps provides further family resemblance.
    "Each element of the exterior design communicates a message to the
customer -- be it strength and security through the door handle or pride and
care in the detail work.  All of this is achieved through the use of color,
material and texture," says Mays.
    The Mountaineer concept's proportions are two inches wider than today's
production model, and the front overhang has been shortened, giving the
vehicle a more agile appearance.  The six-spoke, 17-inch satin aluminum wheels
feature 275/55R17 tires that further build road presence.
    The step-in area has been improved by mounting the rocker panel behind the
lower door ledge, allowing for easier entry and exit.
    The Mountaineer's mineral-gray body color highlights the simple body lines
and precise geometric shapes.  All exterior detail work -- including the roof
rack and Mountaineer badging -- is the same satin aluminum finish as found on
the wheels and grille.  The side body cladding and bumpers feature surfaces
that are consistent with the machined look of the exterior design.
    "Mercury must keep one eye on the future and one eye on today.  It must
redefine itself to capture the new customers of tomorrow," explains Mark
Hutchins, president of Lincoln and Mercury and vice president of Ford Motor
Company.  "Mercury stands for something relevant, distinct and, most
important, differentiated from all other brands.  The Mountaineer concept is
just a glimpse at what the future holds."