Originally posted by Collective27
Gav, where are you geting all this registration information. Plus, what the hell is the Mercury milan, first i herd of that.

Mercury finally gets its version of the critically acclaimed Mazda 6 in the front-drive Milan, sister to Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr. All three cars go on sale by this fall. For now, Milan comes with either a 2.3-liter 160-hp four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter 210-hp V6. All-wheel drive comes to Milan in 2006, followed by a hybrid powertrain in 2008.

2006 Mercury Milan

ON SALE: Fall 2005

ESTIMATED PRICE: About $20,000

BASE POWERTRAIN: 2.3 liter, 160 hp, 150 lb ft I6; fwd, five speed manual CURB

WEIGHT: 3117 lbs

WHAT'S COOL: Should become Mercury's highest-volume product. All-wheel drive becomes available for the 2007 model year.

WHAT AUTOMAKER SAYS: "The new Milan's expressive exterior and high-end interior are aimed squarely at Generation X customers, an even younger audience than new Mercury products are currently drawing to showrooms."

DETROIT -- The 2006 Milan is the next step in Mercury's makeover attempt.

The Milan gives Mercury a fresher look and will appeal to younger customers than Mercury has tapped in recent years, Lincoln Mercury President Darryl Hazel said.

The average age of a Mercury buyer was 61 at the end of the 2004 model year. Products such as the Milan and the 2005 Mariner sport wagon should tap into people in their 30s and 40s, officials said.

"We had a while where we were anchored in yesterday, but I think we are moving forward," Hazel said. "It's been a while since we had a product like this, and I think it will take us a while to get established with it."

Mercury's last vehicle of this size was the Mystique, discontinued in 2000. It sold 62,609 vehicles at its peak in 1995. The slightly larger Mercury Sable will be dropped this spring after years of declining sales.

Hazel is expecting the Milan's full-year volume to be around 40,000 initially. But the Milan eventually could become Mercury's volume leader, he said.

The Milan will be the most affordable vehicle in Lincoln Mercury showrooms. Mercury officials aren't confirming a price, but the Milan is likely to be less than $20,000 when it goes on sale this fall.

The Milan will be offered with all-wheel-drive in the 2007 model year. That also could boost demand. Awd is growing in popularity, and take rates have been unexpectedly high on the 2005 Mercury Montego sedan.

The Milan is one of a trio of Mazda6-derived sedans arriving this year. It will be assembled along with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr at Ford's Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant beginning in August.

The Milan will come with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 3.0-liter V-6. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual, five-speed automatic or six-speed automatic.

The Milan shares 90 percent of its parts by value with the Fusion. Ford Motor executives say future Mercury vehicles will gain more styling distinction from Ford brand counterparts.

In 2008, Ford Motor will introduce gasoline-electric hybrid versions of both the Mercury Milan and the Ford Fusion.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY FORD

2006 MILAN: A PREMIUM MID-SIZED SEDAN WITH DISTINCT PERSONALITY, VALUE


· EXPRESSIVE EXTERIOR: Sleek, modern form breaks the mid-size mold· PREMIUM PLEASE: Stylish and flexible interior· NIMBLE AND AGILE: Chassis designed for ever-changing city-driving conditions· SAFETY: A Mercury standard· CLEAN AND POTENT: 160-hp PZEV Duratec 23 I-4 or 210-hp Duratec 30 V-6 · GREAT VALUE: Most affordable Mercury offers distinct style, premium features· TRANSFORMING MERCURY: Milan attracts younger customers to boost Lincoln Mercury’s growth plans


The all-new 2006 Milan accelerates Mercury's growth plan by adding an upscale and expressive, yet affordable, five-passenger mid-size sedan. It is the brand's new entry point and first vehicle in this segment in a decade. The Milan appeals to new, younger customers by translating Mercury's new identity – sophisticated design, stylish and functional interiors and rewarding, city-tuned driving traits – into a spirited sedan entering one of the industry's most hotly contested segments.

"The new Mercury customer wants something that stands apart from the cookie-cutter sedan crowd," says Darryl Hazel, president, Lincoln Mercury. "They don't want something that's also in their neighbor's driveway, but they also don't want a brash or showy sedan."

The new Milan's expressive exterior and high-end interior are aimed squarely at Generation X customers, an even younger audience than new Mercury products are currently drawing to showrooms. Mercury research indicates that 46 percent of Gen Xers shop outside mainstream brands to find clothes, furniture and home accessories to match their unique tastes.

"We are re-introducing Mercury to young adults – we think they'll enjoy driving the Milan as adults much more than they enjoyed riding in the back seat of grandma's Grand Marquis as kids," says Hazel. "Mercury is using this opportunity to bond with young professionals by introducing a string of great new products, like the Milan, and a completely new dealership experience."

The Milan completes Mercury's onslaught of six significant new products in traditional premium volume segments and sets the stage for the next wave of products, like a new crossover in a couple of years. Importantly, the Milan is Lincoln Mercury's most affordable model and represents the division's largest growth opportunity as it looks to increase sales from 300,000 vehicles annually today to more than 500,000 per year by the end of the decade.

As sales continue to climb, Mercury is drawing more business away from competitors, as 40 percent of its customers are new to the Ford and Lincoln Mercury family. Mercury dealers report the all-new Montego sedan is generating nearly 45 percent of its business from these "conquest" buyers, most notably from customers who are cross-shopping import sedans and crossovers.


EXPRESSIVE EXTERIOR: Sleek and modern form breaks mid-size mold

The 2006 Milan injects spirit into the staid sedan scene by wrapping Mercury's new metropolitan identity – first established by the 2002 Mountaineer – around a well-proportioned mid-size sedan. Mercury's new sedan draws design inspiration from large, modern cities that advance design, fine arts and architecture much like the vehicle's namesake Milan, Italy, did in the 19th Century.

"The name 'Milan' connotes visions of a modern, fashionable European city, fitting the car's design theme and young customers like a finely tailored suit," says chief designer Darrell Behmer. "Just like the city, the car is expressive of both style and taste.”

The Milan's exterior features Mercury's signature cues – the dramatic waterfall grille, clean lines, distinct rear treatments, satin-aluminum finishes and attention to detail – that accentuate its long wheelbase and dynamic stance.

The instantly recognizable Mercury grille is precisely set between wide headlamps that wrap up over the sharply creased front fenders. A satin-aluminum finish adorns the grille, Mercury badges and lower front fascia trim, creating visual jewelry that emphasize the distinctive, clean design. The bright chrome beltline visually stretches the car to highlight its length.

The body sides are clean and chiseled, allowing the car's length and its large and uniquely designed wheels to establish a strong visual profile.

In rear view, Milan features standard light-emitting diode (LED) taillamps that send a clear signal of the car's technical precision.

"Design is a key differentiator in the marketplace and is what separates us from the competition. Mercury is about good designs inspired by modern architecture," says Behmer. “With Milan, Mercury again shows it is a design-conscious brand that offers smart design at a good value."


PREMIUM PLEASE: Stylish and flexible interior


Milan brings a fresh flair to the interior design of mid-size cars by carrying the exterior's modernity and clean surfaces through to the cabin. Mercury's hallmarks of upscale, quality materials, satin-aluminum finishes and a passionate attention to detail provide a dramatic departure from "plain vanilla" mid-size sedans.

"Today's consumers are extremely demanding and expect quality, top-notch executions. We incorporated the clean design and precision of the exterior throughout the Milan's interior," says Peter Horbury, executive director, Design. "The relentless attention to detail communicates quality and craftsmanship."

Mercury designers drew inspiration from the finishes of well-designed home appliances and the details of finely crafted handbags and other personal accessories.

"People are remodeling their homes and studying the newest in home furnishings. They want this kind of environment – at home or in their car," notes Barb Whalen, color materials manager, Large and Mid-Size Cars.

Milan's interior is comfortable and secure, distinguished in look and feel, and technical in its precision.

The engineering team's relentless pursuit of a quiet cabin reinforces the premium design precision and craftsmanship. Advanced aerodynamics computer modeling, a solid structure and strategic use of sound-deadening materials contributed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to help continue driving customer satisfaction long after first impressions subside.

Milan uses upgraded materials throughout its interior, such as leather seats and either Satin Metallic or Wales Mahogany wood trim finishes. One element that sets Milan apart from most mid-size sedans is the availability of two-tone leather seating surfaces with contrasting stitching.

"At Mercury, we started using two-tone interiors in Mountaineer and carried it through to Mariner, Montego and now Milan," says Behmer. "It makes for a unique and inviting environment and reinforces the brand's distinctiveness."

However, in this category form cannot detract from function, says Allison Revier, marketing manager, "These customers want a car that's stylish and stands out from the masses. Yet, they need a real car with people and cargo capacity. Milan offers them a unique choice that's both responsible and rewarding."

As such, Milan interior designers and engineers worked closely to ensure comfort and ease of use both in the front and back seats. Extending the rear door back toward the C-pillar provides easy access for taller rear-seat passengers, and helps keep them from hitting their feet on the back of the front seats.

In addition to carrying people in comfort, Milan makes quick work of cargo with easy-to-use and flexible storage spaces that facilitate multiple errand runs in large cities. Its roomy 15.8-cubic-foot trunk boasts a flat load floor and low liftover height as well as compact decklid hinges that won't crush boxes or groceries. What's more, the rear seats feature a standard 60/40-split and fold-flat function with spring assist, allowing pass-through access to handle extra-long items and provide best-in-class storage space.


NIMBLE AND AGILE: Chassis designed for ever-changing city-driving conditions

Milan's driving dynamics reinforce the car's well-proportioned stance and help customers negotiate ever-changing traffic environments. Milan's CD3 architecture is 12 percent stiffer than the base architecture, providing a solid foundation for responsive ride and handling as well as a quiet cabin designed to survive miles of punishing, pockmarked roadways.

Milan rides on a sophisticated short- and long-arm front suspension that features double ball-joint lower control arms and coil-over shocks. The multi-link rear suspension performs like a double-wishbone setup. These sophisticated designs limit lateral forces on springs for increased ride comfort and control to help absorb road imperfections like potholes.

Milan's rack-and-pinion steering system provides quick and confident control to help drivers avoid hazards altogether. Engineers mounted the steering gear on a front sub-frame to isolate any potential noise or vibration. At all four corners Milan is equipped with large disc brakes tuned for precise, controlled stops in everyday or emergency situations.

"The new Milan's driving character was honed for large cities with unpredictable traffic and road conditions," says Kerry Baldori, vehicle engineering manager. "Milan drives the way you expect it to. It's nimble and responsive, with precise steering, yet it always feels solid and secure in and around dicey traffic situations."

SAFETY: A Mercury standard

Milan's competent, well-balanced chassis also helps drivers avoid accidents. Should an accident occur, the Milan features a comprehensive safety package with advanced high-strength steel construction and as many as six available air bags.

Mercury safety engineers developed body structures that help direct crash energy away from the passenger compartment and used energy-absorbing materials to help cushion the effect on vehicle occupants.

"We analyzed the vehicle's structure in light of the complex forces that are involved in real-world crashes," says Kris Warmann, Milan safety supervisor. "With science, smart engineering and a lot of hard work, we learned that it is possible to design high-level safety performance into a vehicle in this class."

Engineers strengthened Milan's sides to better manage intrusion into the cabin during a side impact. Available side air bags and side-curtain air bags enhance this protection.

"During the last decade, the safety landscape for passenger cars has changed dramatically. Vehicles on the road today are bigger and speed limits are higher," says Sue Cischke, vice president, Ford Environmental and Safety Engineering. "The Milan takes on the challenges posed by larger vehicles in a unique way, and that's very important for sedan buyers."


CLEAN AND POTENT: 160-hp Duratec 23 I-4 or 210-hp Duratec 30 V-6

The new Milan comes with a choice of powertrains geared for the challenges and responsibilities of city driving, offering performance balanced with fuel efficiency and clean emissions.

Milan’s two engine choices include a 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline four-cylinder that provides 160 horsepower flowing through either a five-speed manual or automatic. A 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 pumps out 210 horsepower through an advanced six-speed automatic transaxle.

Ford Motor Company is taking a leadership position in six-speed automatic transmissions to simultaneously boost performance – without necessarily going to larger engines – and fuel economy with the wider ratio spreads allowed by the extra gear.

"We believe performance and fuel economy can go hand-in-hand if you invest in the right technologies," says Dave Szczupak, vice president, Powertrain Operations. "That's why Ford is investing in six-speed automatic transmissions, engines with advanced controls like variable cam timing and other advanced powertrain technologies."

Today, less than one percent of all vehicles sold use a six-speed automatic. But by 2010, Ford Motor Company expects 15 to 20 percent will have six-speeds, and 50 percent by 2015.

This V-6 powertrain gives Milan an edge in passing situations with quick kick down and acceleration for crisp acceleration from 55 to 75 mph.

"Milan drivers will appreciate the performance level, good sound qualities and the refinement offered by either engine," says David Foulkes, chief powertrain engineer.

The engines also are fuel-efficient and burn fuel cleanly. The Duratec 23 will qualify for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle certification in California while the Duratec 30 will earn Low Emission Vehicle II evaporative standards in most states and even Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II tailpipe recognition in California.

"Milan is a vehicle that owners can be proud of in terms of its overall appearance, its packaging and the comfort level, as well as its safety and environmental benefits," says Cischke.

In about a year, Milan's powertrain offerings will expand with the availability of all-wheel drive. And in 2008, Milan will become Mercury's second full-hybrid vehicle, joining the Mariner. It will also be the fifth full-hybrid offered by Ford Motor Company after the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.


GREAT VALUE: Most affordable Mercury offers distinct style, premium features

Complementing the new sedan's upscale design, Milan's raft of standard features appeals to customers seeking smart designs and smarter values.

Both the entry Milan and more well-equipped Milan Premier arrays give consumers the choices they want by offering both the four- and six-cylinder powertrains. All Milan models feature a six-way power driver's seat, a CD-equipped audio system, an analog clock, remote keyless entry, power windows and locks, and power heated exterior mirrors.

"Milan's exterior design and interior styling is well appointed, sophisticated and modern," says Revier. "And the available two-tone interior is something you don't see in this segment, only in more expensive luxury cars."


TRANSFORMING MERCURY: Continuing the brand's growth

Mercury's renaissance hits full stride in 2005 as the brand's design-led transformation spreads across the entire lineup. Milan enters Mercury's burgeoning showroom alongside Montego, Mariner, Mariner Hybrid, Mountaineer and Monterey. By the end of 2005, Mercury will offer its largest lineup in 37 years, with six all-new vehicles within just four years.

Milan is designed to be the "youngest" Mercury vehicle, targeting customers between 26 and 35 years of age. Attracting these new buyers is a key component of the growth strategy driving the Mercury brand and the Lincoln Mercury Division.

"We have announced an ambitious goal of increasing Lincoln Mercury sales from 300,000 to 500,000 annually by the end of the decade," says Hazel. "We measure Mercury success not only by sales, but by the increasing consideration rate among shoppers. Before, Mercury wasn't really on people's radar screens, or they perceived Mercury as just the Grand Marquis. Due to our new marketing focus and new products like the Milan, Mercury is becoming more and more relevant to consumers."


The 2006 Mercury Milan goes on sale in the United States in the fall of 2005.