Mercury Production to End in Late September, Early October
DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. will begin the wind-down of Mercury production in late September. Ford wants to shutter the 71-year-old brand and dealer network by Dec. 31, Automotive News reported.
According to three dealers informed of the automaker's plans, Ford will end production of the rear-wheel drive Grand Marquis sedan on Sept. 30, the Mountaineer SUV on Oct. 1, the Milan mid-size sedan on Oct. 2, and the Mariner small SUV on Oct. 3.
Ford spokesman Robert Parker said in an e-mail that Ford will end production of Mercury in the fourth quarter, but added, “we've not shared specific dates.”
Mercury dealers submitted their final factory orders last month. Those vehicles will arrive at dealerships in about 30 days. If dealers want additional stock after that, they must acquire vehicles from other dealers, according to several dealer sources.
Mercury had a 38-day supply of vehicles on July 1. Ford's head of U.S. sales, Ken Czubay, has said he expects Mercury dealers to sell out of the lineup well before Dec. 31.
Ford announced on June 2 it would kill Mercury by year-end and concentrate on two brands -- Ford and Lincoln.
There are 1,712 dealerships selling the Mercury brand in the United States, but no stand-alone Mercury stores.
Ford has offered dealers with Mercury franchises a cash settlement. But the dealers won't be compensated until they sell all remaining Mercury inventory and close their franchise.
The compensation ranges from the low thousands of dollars up to about $1 million depending on the dealership.
More Industry
Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →