ALS
11-19-2009, 06:39 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Mercury model distinct, even with family resemblance to Ford Fusion (http://detnews.com/article/20091119/OPINION03/911190346/1148/auto01/Hybrid-fused-into-Milan)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Milan.jpgScott Burgess - DETNEWS (http://detnews.com) - November 19, 2009
Same car more money --Ed.
The problem with Mercury isn't the brand.
Its collective group of vehicles is sedate, understated and pretty nice. The newest member of the lineup, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, has high mileage and a quiet ride. It's a fine machine that mixes premium features, quality craftsmanship and user-friendly technology.
The problem is when you talk about new vehicles in the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury family, the "Mercury" is silent. There's nothing original, inspiring or even remarkable about Mercury. It's automotive plagiarism.
The Milan hybrid, as good as it is, remains basically a Ford Fusion Hybrid. The two vehicles have more in common than fraternal twins: the same powertrain, the same ride and the same features. Drive both back-to-back blindfolded, something I don't recommend, and you won't know the difference. It's more of a trim package than a nameplate.
They do, however, have different names; any right-minded marketing department would frown upon Mercury Fusion+.
Of course, one could argue the Milan hybrid offers more creature comforts and amenities for the price (it does), and the front and rear fascias look slightly different (they do), and a different set of customers, mostly women, will buy Mercury vehicles but not Fords, so why alienate them (also true).
To someone, somewhere, it makes sense to have Mercury around. And if the brand sells Fords to customers who would never buy them, then there's a legitimate business case for Mercury. Hey, it's a business these guys are running.
But consumers should know what they're buying.
Truth be told, there's nothing this Mercury has that the Fusion doesn't -- though it's packaged differently and the $31,655 starting price of the Mercury is $3,000 more than the Fusion. ... http://detnews.com/article/20091119/OPINION03/911190346/1148/auto01/Hybrid-fused-into-Milan
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/Milan.jpgScott Burgess - DETNEWS (http://detnews.com) - November 19, 2009
Same car more money --Ed.
The problem with Mercury isn't the brand.
Its collective group of vehicles is sedate, understated and pretty nice. The newest member of the lineup, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, has high mileage and a quiet ride. It's a fine machine that mixes premium features, quality craftsmanship and user-friendly technology.
The problem is when you talk about new vehicles in the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury family, the "Mercury" is silent. There's nothing original, inspiring or even remarkable about Mercury. It's automotive plagiarism.
The Milan hybrid, as good as it is, remains basically a Ford Fusion Hybrid. The two vehicles have more in common than fraternal twins: the same powertrain, the same ride and the same features. Drive both back-to-back blindfolded, something I don't recommend, and you won't know the difference. It's more of a trim package than a nameplate.
They do, however, have different names; any right-minded marketing department would frown upon Mercury Fusion+.
Of course, one could argue the Milan hybrid offers more creature comforts and amenities for the price (it does), and the front and rear fascias look slightly different (they do), and a different set of customers, mostly women, will buy Mercury vehicles but not Fords, so why alienate them (also true).
To someone, somewhere, it makes sense to have Mercury around. And if the brand sells Fords to customers who would never buy them, then there's a legitimate business case for Mercury. Hey, it's a business these guys are running.
But consumers should know what they're buying.
Truth be told, there's nothing this Mercury has that the Fusion doesn't -- though it's packaged differently and the $31,655 starting price of the Mercury is $3,000 more than the Fusion. ... http://detnews.com/article/20091119/OPINION03/911190346/1148/auto01/Hybrid-fused-into-Milan