Ford Begins Production of Mercury Mariner Hybrid a Year Early
KANSAS CITY, Mo. --- Ford Motor Co. has begun full-scale production of its second hybrid vehicle, the Mercury Mariner SUV, at the company's Kansas City assembly plant.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. --- Ford Motor Co. has begun full-scale production of its second hybrid vehicle, the Mercury Mariner SUV, at the company's Kansas City assembly plant. By the end of the decade, Ford’s hybrid production will hit 250,000 units annually. Mariner production was pulled ahead by a year as part of Ford’s stepped-up hybrid commitment. The Mariner joins the Escape Hybrid as two of five hybrids Ford will have on the road in the next three years. The Kansas City plant accommodates installation of Mariner Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid components at normal line speed. Among the hybrid components are a temperature management unit, electric battery pack, in-dash electrical outlet, regenerative braking system, power cables, electronic power assist steering, DC-to-DC converter, Atkinson-cycle engine, and eCVT transmission. To assemble the hybrids, employees completed a training course on how to install and handle hybrid-specific components, such as the electric battery pack, cooling system, regenerative braking system, and the instrument cluster. Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant, which opened in 1953, builds the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Mazda Tribute, Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Super Crew.
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