The Mercury brand continues to rise as independent consumer research companies affirm the quality of the famous marque.

Its vehicles received various prestigious recognitions recently.

The latest awards received by the Mercury Milan, Montego, Mountaineer and Grand Marquis give a good boost to the brand's revival in the Middle East, as it gears up for new launches and major marketing campaigns.

Respected independent consumer research groups such as J D Power and Associates, Auto Pacific and Consumer Digest have given separate distinctions to Mercury vehicles. Awards given by these groups are based on owner ratings giving the recognitions a more substantial impact.

Hussein Murad, sales and marketing director of Ford Middle East said: 

'These recognitions reconfirm the quality of Mercury products and further boost consumer confidence in the lineup.”

Murad added: 'Mercury products have sold over 100,000 units since the brand's introduction in the region, and their popularity is on a continuous rise as we launch all-new models such as the Milan and the upcoming Montego, as well as the Mariner compact SUV.'

Milan, Mercury's comeback in the mid-size sedan segment, earned J D Powers and Associates highest rank for mid-size car in initial quality. From AutoPacific, Milan ran away with the Vehicle Satisfaction Award citing its combined excellent style, good size and roominess, sporty ride and handling which gives owners a satisfying experience.

Montego, soon to hit the Middle East shores, bested 16 vehicle categories with AutoPacific's award for Most Ideal Vehicle. Vehicle owners rated the sedan in areas such as power, interior technology and driver's seat comfort.  Montego also received the US government's highest five-star side crash-test rating, three years in a row from 2005-2007.

The Mountaineer, Mercury's mid-size SUV, was selected as a 2006 Consumers Digest Best Buy in its vehicle class. Accolades have been earned for Mountaineer for its class-exclusive Roll Stability Control® system. 

Grand Marquis, Mercury's full-size sedan, received honours for its class-exclusive standard V8 engine, roomiest interior and largest trunk in a six-passenger large car class.

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. TradeArabia News Service