Ford Motor Company Global Auto Shows

At the Washington DC Auto Show, Ford announced that the Mariner will become “more fuel efficient, more powerful, and more connected in the 2009 model year.” The 2009 Mercury Mariner, along with the 2009 Ford Escape, are part of a strategy toward sustainability and fuel efficicency Ford’s been expanding upon since the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows. Sue Ciscke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined Ford’s high volume, customer-focused strategy to reduce gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

“Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers,” said Cischke. “In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we’re delivering today.” The theme of populist technology and sustainability for millions was a strong message at the 2008 North American International Auto Show where Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology was announced.

Ford is expanding its vehicles that run on biofuels, adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 – the E-Series van, the Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner make strides in fuel economy and emissions with a 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Mercury Mariner is produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant. The 2009 models go on sale in summer 2008.