Clinton gets a gas-electric hybrid Mercury SUV

[a kennedy]

General Motors supplies the presidential limousine, a Cadillac. Now Ford Motor can boast of making an ex-presidential ride, a Mercury.

Ford just delivered a specially outfitted, gas-electric hybrid Mercury Mariner SUV for use by former President Bill Clinton. "He wanted something energy-efficient, comfortable and American-built," says Ford spokesman Mike Moran.

The black Mariner, delivered last week, will shuttle Clinton and his Secret Service escort around New York. Clinton and wife Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton share a Chappaqua, N.Y., home, and he has an office in Harlem.

The SUV is fitted out with extras such as rear seats with extra legroom, a swing-up writing desk and a small refrigerator. The vehicle also has some cool electronics, but Ford is sworn to secrecy about them.

Ford won't talk about the final price, either. The base model lists at $29,840 before the modifications were added. Clinton gets it free. It was donated to his foundation, which is going to give it to the Department of Homeland Security for use by Clinton?s Secret Service detail.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2006-09-06-clinton-car_x.htm

[texpatriot2004]

1. How cool. nm