Recycling is smart. Especially when it helps recharge the battery pack. In traditional vehicles, braking — while a great way to avoid a collision — is quite inefficient. You lose energy. In Mariner Hybrid, when you apply the drum brakes, the electric motor functions as a generator and captures some of the kinetic energy, sending it to the battery pack and providing recharging.

Where can Mariner Hybrid be serviced?

• * Service is provided through Mercury Dealerships.
  

Can this vehicle be jump-started?

• * Yes, absolutely. The 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid can be treated just like any other vehicle and jump-started.
  

Does Mariner Hybrid work in all weather conditions?

• * Yes, even in cold weather. To help validate the durability and reliability of the innovative power system, 170 prototype vehicles were thoroughly tested in five climate extremes on three continents.
  

Should I plug Mariner Hybrid in to a wall socket for recharging?

• * No, the Mariner Hybrid never has to be plugged in to an electrical outlet. The Regenerative Braking System in the vehicle automatically recharges the battery pack.
  

Where can I get fuel for Mariner Hybrid?

• * The same place where you would go for a non-hybrid vehicle - a gas station. Mariner Hybrid operates on 87-octane fuel.

Can I get a government tax credit for purchasing a Mariner Hybrid?

• * Yes, and that’s in addition to the lower fuel costs you’ll experience. The actual amount of your benefit will depend on your personal tax circumstances. The current credit for vehicles purchased by 9/30/09 is $1,500 for FWD vehicles and $975 for AWD vehicles. Between10/1/09 and 3/31/10, the credits are reduced to $750 (FWD) or $487.50 (AWD). No tax credit amounts are available for hybrids after 3/31/10. This information is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor or the IRS to confirm processes and the amount of credit you can claim. For complete information on the federal tax credit program, visit the IRS Web Site at http://www.irs.gov.

There's no doubt that you can save fuel costs with Mariner Hybrid, the world's most fuel-efficient SUV, which divides the power chores between a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric traction motor to deliver EPA-estimated mpg of 34 city and 31 hwy (for front-wheel-drive models).*

And there’s more good news. If you purchase your Mariner Hybrid by September 30, 2009, you’re eligible for a tax credit of as much as $1,500 (FWD) or $975 (4WD).**

If you purchase a Mariner Hybrid between October 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, the tax credits are reduced to $750 (FWD) or $487.50 (4WD). No tax credit amounts are available for hybrids purchased after March 31, 2010.

It all adds up to a very good deal.

*Based on unadjusted city fuel economy from EPA (10/08) and VCA (5/08). EPA-estimated 34 city/31 hwy mpg, FWD. Actual mileage will vary. Excludes vehicles built for Mazda. **This information is not intended as tax advice. The tax benefit will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor or the IRS to confirm the amount of credit you can claim.