In a move of pure marketing and political symbiosis, Ford recently delivered a custom “President Edition” Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV to former President Bill Clinton. The vehicle will be used by his Secret Service detail and is the first hybrid used by a presidential detail.
What does Clinton get with his new Mercury? The SUV is outfitted with a 110-volt power outlet, custom writing table and more rear legroom. There are also some top-secret electronics Ford can’t mention.
The Mariner Hybrid gets 32 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway and is an ultra-clean-emissions vehicle. All this good PR is in advance of a Clinton conference later this month aimed at combating global warming.