Ford Motor Companys Mercury division is expanding its product lineup with the launch of Mercury VOGA series models.

According to Peter Horbury, Executive Director of Design, Mercury the Americas:
� �Mercury always has been about smart and contemporary design aimed at the style-conscious customer who appreciates a unique look. At a time when stores like IKEA and the concept driving Design Within Reach are influencing our choices of style, the Mercury brand and the new VOGA theme, in particular, are ideal for satisfying customers� � desires for even more expressive vehicles.� �

The first VOGA model was seen on the Mercury Milan VOGA concept, which was unveiled at the Miami Fashion Week last year. And now, Mercury will release the first ever production model of the VOGA series that will start aboard the Mercury Mariner SUV. The 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA was recently unveiled at the South Florida International Auto Show.

Mercury Mariner Brand manager Eric Peterson commented:
� �It� �s great to be back in Miami to announce the new series and show off the Mercury Mariner VOGA. Given the sophistication of the south Florida market and the enthusiasm around the launch of the Mercury Mariner last year, it made perfect sense to debut our first production application of the VOGA styling here.� �

The design cues of the 2008 Mercury Mariner will be enhanced with VOGA style, which literally means � �fashionable and trend-setting� �. Outside, the 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA comes with a Moss Green metallic paint. This sleek exterior paint finish is accented by a special chrome brightwork on the grille, rear fascia trim, and unique VOGA badging. A 17-inch VOGA-capped chrome wheels completes the overall exterior appearance.

Chief Designer Camilo Pardo commented on the vehicles looks:
� �VOGA is about making a fashion statement each time you go for drive. I� �m really excited to bring the concept of VOGA to reality across the Mercury line-up. It� �s my passion to design vehicles that emotionally connect with customers � � that � �gotta-have-it� � appeal is what fashion is all about.� �

Meanwhile, the exclusive design cues are extended on the interior of the 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA. The vehicle comes with a unique VOGA embroidered Cashmere leather seats, charcoal black floor mats, Tarragon metallic instrument panel, and silver-green metallic spans on the center console. In addition, the Mercury Mariner retained some of its standard safety interior features like the side curtain air bags as well as the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). Peterson added: � �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 savvy individualists who aren� �t looking for the run-of-the-mill products.� �

The same engine will be offered with Ford oxygen sensor and provides 24 mpg of fuel economy. The 2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA will roll out in dealer showrooms early in 2008, so watch out for it.