Mercury Brews Up Virtual Cars at New Cyber Cafe

24 August 1998

Mercury Brews Up Virtual Cars at New Cyber Cafe in Orlando

    ORLANDO, Fla.--Aug. 22, 1998--Traveling down a new marketing road, Mercury's Cyber Cafe rolls into Orlando today for an eight-day stay. The Cyber Cafe's stop in Orlando is part of a national tour to introduce the 1999 Mercury Cougar to prospective owners through an interactive, state-of-the-art display. The fun-to-drive sports coupe will be showcased in front of the cafe.
    The Mercury Cyber Cafe Mobile Tour positions Mercury as a leader in cutting-edge design and technology. The Cyber Cafe is housed in a semi-tractor trailer, which allows Mercury to break away from traditional marketing methods and interact with customers in a relaxed atmosphere. The mobility of the Cafe enables Mercury to bring its products to potential customers at popular work, recreation and shopping locations like business parks, restaurants, entertainment and sporting events.
    "The introduction of the 1999 Mercury Cougar and Mercury's recent move to Southern California signify a new, cutting-edge style for the company," said Mark Hutchins, president of Lincoln Mercury. "With these changes, we're seeing a new customer at Mercury, one that's younger, more technically inclined and socially active. The Mercury Cyber Cafe reaches our customers in a unique, fun and educational format."
    Some highlights of the Mercury Cyber Cafe include a Sony Surround Sound System that plays a music track and a Digital Video Display that runs dynamic footage of the 1999 Cougar on a series of video screens. Four laptop computers provide Cougar product information in an interactive, entertaining format. One computer features a quick time video of the interior and exterior of the 1999 Cougar with a large viewing screen nearby. A second computer lets customers change the color of a Cougar and place it within four backgrounds, while viewing the changes on a large screen. The other two have downloaded versions of the 1999 Cougar website where cost information is available. All the while, participants can enjoy Seattle's Best complementary coffee.
    Cougar product information is also featured on a multi-screen listening board with headsets. The interior of a futuristic Lincoln Mercury vehicle, complete with computerized navigation system, has been supplied by Visteon. At the cafe, customers can find the six nearest Mercury dealers -- and receive a test drive incentive. For additional information, Cougar postcards, which list the 1999 Cougar website address -- www.mercuryvehicles.com -- are available.
    The Mercury Cyber Cafe Tour stops in Orlando on:

Monday, August 24 through Monday, August 31, 1998 Intro Show Marriott's Orlando World Center 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 Call 407/239-4200 for more information.

    The Mercury Cyber Cafe Tour is co-sponsored by Visteon, Sony and Discover Magazine. The tour runs from August 1, 1998 to January 31, 1999.