by Jon Hewett
The stylish Mercury Marriner Voga.
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MIAMI, Nov, 9, 2007 (FCN)—Mercury is going "prime time" with the introduction of a limited-edition production series called VOGA, which makes its debut today on the 2008 Mercury Mariner.
Literally translated as "fashionable and trend-setting," VOGA will be unveiled during the opening of the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami. Over time, the VOGA series will be offered on a range of Mercury products.
"Mercury always has been about smart and contemporary design aimed at the style-conscious customer who appreciates a unique look," says Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. "The new VOGA theme is ideal for satisfying customers' desires for even more expressive vehicles."
VOGA came to life on a Mercury Milan concept revealed during Miami Fashion Week in 2006. Reaction to the vehicle and the idea of a more fashion conscious series resonated with consumers, making a dedicated production series a choice move.
"I'm really excited to bring the concept of VOGA to reality across the Mercury line-up," says Chief Designer Camilo Pardo. "It's my passion to design vehicles that emotionally connect with customers—that 'gotta-have-it' appeal is what fashion is all about.”
At first glance, the Mariner VOGA catches looks with a unique Moss Green metallic paint, along with chrome highlights to the grille and rear fascia trim. Unique 17-inch VOGA-capped chrome wheels and VOGA badging also lend a sporty appearance.
The Mariner VOGA's interior includes plush VOGA-embroidered Cashmere leather seats, which are trimmed with contrast Ash stitching to match the exterior color. Charcoal black floor mats are embroidered with the VOGA label, reinforcing the personalized feel.
The focal point of the interior is the Tarragon metallic instrument panel covered in a unique paint. The subtle silver-green metallic spans across the center console and door switch plates as well.
"Customers definitely care about choice and personalization—from their MP3 player case to their cell phone ring tone—that's why Mercury strikes a chord with customers who aren't looking for the run-of-the-mill products," says Eric Peterson, Mercury Mariner brand manager.
The Mariner VOGA will include the same host of features as the Mariner Premier edition, including one of the most advanced safety packages in the compact SUV segment with standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. It also delivers fuel economy up to 24 miles per gallon.
Production of the limited-edition Mercury Mariner VOGA is scheduled to begin in early 2008.
The Mariner, along with the Milan sedan, continues to draw new customers to the Mercury showroom, with conquest rates for both vehicles at nearly 50 percent. Sales of the Mercury Mariner, redesigned for 2008, were up 19 percent in October.
2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA
- Unique Exterior Moss Green Paint
- Chrome Exterior Ornament Treatment
- 17" Wheel w/VOGA Center Cap
- VOGA Badging
- Cashmere Leather Seats (Ash Stitching)
- Tarragon Metallic IP and Door Plate Treatment
- Embroidered VOGA Logo Floor Mats
