2011 General Motors Future Cars + Mercury bites the `Dust
#1
06-06-2010, 07:21 AM
2011 General Motors Future Cars + Mercury bites the `Dust
2011 General Motors Future Cars
Please let me see...is it a secret 
2011 General Motors Future Cars
What's Right Around the Corner for Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevy
A year ago, General Motors filed for bankruptcy and installed a revolving door on the office of the CEO. Pontiac and Saturn are gone. Hummer is on its way to Chinese ownership. Saab remains in limbo and is likely to be liquidated soon.
A year ago, Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said, "In tough times, you have to look at and adjust your product-development programs, but you can't just stop. Because then, when things return to normal, you have nothing to come to market with. The one thing certain about the future is that people will continue to be driving cars." People are in fact still driving, and GM is preparing to roll out some quite interesting, relevant, and well-developed products.
Among other things, it is working hard to fill in the blanks in Buick's lineup as it also prepares to launch the much-ballyhooed and all-important Chevrolet Volt. Here's the skinny on the significant new products from The General that are just around the turn of a calendar's page.
...>>next page
..Click above (Check out new Caddy Coupe + Camaro & More : )
http://www.automotive.com/future-cars/90/129955/112-1003-2011-general-motors-future-cars/index.html
Click above source for Pictures/details
SOURCE: Automotive.com
Please let me see...is it a secret 2011 General Motors Future Cars
What's Right Around the Corner for Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevy
A year ago, General Motors filed for bankruptcy and installed a revolving door on the office of the CEO. Pontiac and Saturn are gone. Hummer is on its way to Chinese ownership. Saab remains in limbo and is likely to be liquidated soon.
A year ago, Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said, "In tough times, you have to look at and adjust your product-development programs, but you can't just stop. Because then, when things return to normal, you have nothing to come to market with. The one thing certain about the future is that people will continue to be driving cars." People are in fact still driving, and GM is preparing to roll out some quite interesting, relevant, and well-developed products.
Among other things, it is working hard to fill in the blanks in Buick's lineup as it also prepares to launch the much-ballyhooed and all-important Chevrolet Volt. Here's the skinny on the significant new products from The General that are just around the turn of a calendar's page.
...>>next page
..Click above (Check out new Caddy Coupe + Camaro & More : ) http://www.automotive.com/future-cars/90/129955/112-1003-2011-general-motors-future-cars/index.html
Click above source for Pictures/details
SOURCE: Automotive.com
Last edited by Space; 06-06-2010 at 09:11 AM.
#2
06-06-2010, 09:09 AM
Ford Officially Announces End of Mercury Brand 
and Announces Expanded Lincoln Emphasis
Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years - including its first-ever C-segment vehicle -- Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln -- Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer
EDITOR'S NOTE: As I've often said in the past few years, Mercury is Ford's Buick; meaning that there is no reason for it to exist and that the brand is irrelevant in today's world. The only part of that statement I ever regretted was that I at least liked how Mercurys looked and drove. But, the lesson learned by GM (i.e. Oldsmobile) and Chrysler (i.e. Plymouth), and now Ford is that brands and lines do get tired and should be retired from the marketplace battlefield in order to make way for new. This is a lesson that the most successful beverage, soap, food, and garment manufacturers have proven again and again. Now, GM should still get rid of Buick. If the Chinese like Buick, let them have it.
MJR
DEARBORN, MI - June 2, 2010: Ford will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new - all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.
Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.
"We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network."
Lincoln's hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.
"Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. "Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value."
Foundation Set
The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan - all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.
Lincoln's product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.
This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln's DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.
Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand's growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include:
-- Lincoln's first-ever C-segment vehicle
-- New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
-- EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns - from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
leadership with each new vehicle - leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
-- More useful technology and features than any other competitor - with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology
"Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology."
Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln's share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.
In addition, Lincoln's reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln's long-term durability was second only to Porsche's in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Survey.
Mercury
Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand - particularly during the past three years - has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers.
Today, Mercury's customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury's incremental sales have been declining.
The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.
Of Ford Motor Company's 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.
Ford's strengthening financial position - including the return to profitability and positive cash flow - allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln.
Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.
New operational standards developed with the company's dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers.
Personal Attention
Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford's Extended Service Plans.
"We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," Fields said. "At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience."
Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products.
has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise.
Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production.
"We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders," Fields said. "These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer."
and Announces Expanded Lincoln EmphasisFord is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years - including its first-ever C-segment vehicle -- Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln -- Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer
EDITOR'S NOTE: As I've often said in the past few years, Mercury is Ford's Buick; meaning that there is no reason for it to exist and that the brand is irrelevant in today's world. The only part of that statement I ever regretted was that I at least liked how Mercurys looked and drove. But, the lesson learned by GM (i.e. Oldsmobile) and Chrysler (i.e. Plymouth), and now Ford is that brands and lines do get tired and should be retired from the marketplace battlefield in order to make way for new. This is a lesson that the most successful beverage, soap, food, and garment manufacturers have proven again and again. Now, GM should still get rid of Buick. If the Chinese like Buick, let them have it.
MJR
DEARBORN, MI - June 2, 2010: Ford will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new - all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.
Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.
"We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network."
Lincoln's hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.
"Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. "Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value."
Foundation Set
The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan - all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.
Lincoln's product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.
This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln's DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.
Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand's growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include:
-- Lincoln's first-ever C-segment vehicle
-- New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
-- EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns - from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
leadership with each new vehicle - leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
-- More useful technology and features than any other competitor - with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology
"Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology."
Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln's share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.
In addition, Lincoln's reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln's long-term durability was second only to Porsche's in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Survey.
Mercury
Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand - particularly during the past three years - has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers.
Today, Mercury's customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury's incremental sales have been declining.
The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.
Of Ford Motor Company's 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.
Ford's strengthening financial position - including the return to profitability and positive cash flow - allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln.
Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.
New operational standards developed with the company's dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers.
Personal Attention
Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford's Extended Service Plans.
"We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," Fields said. "At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience."
Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products.
has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise.
Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production.
"We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders," Fields said. "These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer."
#4
06-06-2010, 11:11 AM
Hi `Brock,
Your `Space lesson 4 toDay
Mercury is our smallest `Planet & it was getting crowded in outer`Space, so we are going to blow it `up
& get rid of it...
It's not doing us any good at `all
It's just been floating out there in `Space....., just like that `Kid that fell from SpaceWe needed more space for all the spaceJunk that human's are sending in2 orbit
What ?, 
yes 4-Sure Now you know
. See what a member can learn on the MCF LOL 
Last edited by Space; 06-06-2010 at 11:33 AM.
#8
06-06-2010, 06:31 PM
Anyone hear of the Cyclone?
Essentially a Comet with more power. Comet was essentially a Fairlane in drag.
Merc suffered the same fate as Oldsmobile - overuse of badge engineering.
I owned one Mercury in my life - a 1979 Capri. (Mustang with no pony logos). Granted it was a used car when I got it and maybe perhaps it was not cared for as good as it should have, but man what a brittle car. Radiator rot at 4 years, window crank no crankum, heater core rot at 4.5 years, one thing after another.
Nissan? Had several. 2 pickups, a 280Z, a Pulsar NX. I got too old and uhh spread to drive Nissans anymore. Plus since joining up with the French Ree-nawlt*, swore to never buy one again. No one could ever make a car brand a bigger joke than when Ree-nawlt* merged with AMC. Shudders.
Pontiac. Two Firebirds in/were here in the fleet. GM picked the wrong brand to dump, should have been Buick, not Poncho.
Saturn - another GM idea that was taking off then left to die with badge engineering. Had one Saturn SL in the family - indestructible and fun to drive.
*pronounce it like it's written. Nevermind that some people say Renn-nwo.
** I also say "Porch-ee"
Essentially a Comet with more power. Comet was essentially a Fairlane in drag.
Merc suffered the same fate as Oldsmobile - overuse of badge engineering.
I owned one Mercury in my life - a 1979 Capri. (Mustang with no pony logos). Granted it was a used car when I got it and maybe perhaps it was not cared for as good as it should have, but man what a brittle car. Radiator rot at 4 years, window crank no crankum, heater core rot at 4.5 years, one thing after another.
Nissan? Had several. 2 pickups, a 280Z, a Pulsar NX. I got too old and uhh spread to drive Nissans anymore. Plus since joining up with the French Ree-nawlt*, swore to never buy one again. No one could ever make a car brand a bigger joke than when Ree-nawlt* merged with AMC. Shudders.
Pontiac. Two Firebirds in/were here in the fleet. GM picked the wrong brand to dump, should have been Buick, not Poncho.
Saturn - another GM idea that was taking off then left to die with badge engineering. Had one Saturn SL in the family - indestructible and fun to drive.
*pronounce it like it's written. Nevermind that some people say Renn-nwo.
** I also say "Porch-ee"
#9
06-06-2010, 10:59 PM
mercurys were great cars at one time. i think itll be missed and remembered. its a shame it was like fords version of a pontiac.
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