K.C. Premiere of Mercury Mountaineer, Milan: One Bucks Trend, the Other Sets One

WHAT: The Kansas City debut of what Lincoln Mercury calls "The Safety & Style Tour" -- showcasing the 2006 Mountaineer and Milan production models, which won't be on sale until the Fall. Mountaineer bucks the trend in an SUV market fragmented by rising gas prices and the advent of car-based SUVs. For 2006, it is quieter, cleaner, more comfortable -- and less expensive. Stylish Milan taps into the hot consumer trend of putting personal stamps on purchases, and it offers a compelling value for midsize buyers with its combination of low price and rich list of standard features.

  The public is invited to see and drive new models.

  WHEN & WHERE
  *  Friday, August 26 -- from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  *  Tumminia Lincoln Mercury, 11710 Strang Line Rd., Olathe, KS
     (913 780 3500).

WHO: Bruce Boeger, Lincoln Mercury Regional Manager, will be on hand to speak on a range of related subjects, including the fierce loyalty factor of Mountaineer owners despite $2.50 gas, and how Milan took its customization/personalization cues from cell phones, designer M&Ms and build- a-bear. Of course, we invite you to get behind the wheel and experience the new vehicles for yourself.

* Lifestyle features: Why mothers are most loyal Mountaineer owners: "There's nothing like the comfort and security of all that size, strength and high seating, especially when a big semi is barreling down on you from behind in traffic." Milan: Inspired by "personalization" craze -- i.e., custom cell phones, designer M&Ms, build-a-bear -- with more interior combinations than any popular-priced car; most significant midsize Mercury in 20 years.