Ford Motor Company plans to bring the Mercury Mariner to market 12 months earlier than originally planned. Ford plans to begin production later in 2005. The Mariner in based on the same platform as the Ford Escape.

The announcement came during the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

The announcement is seen as a good sign by analysts. Ford has been working to turn around big financial losses into profitability. These may have delayed the introduction of hybrids from Ford.

Dennis Virag, president of Automotive Consulting Group said it ``indicates to me they had a major breakthrough. Auto companies don't typically pull programs ahead; they usually delay them.''

Ford also has plans to bring out a Mazda version of the SUV, the Tribute, and two cars, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.