Since it’s sales are down 74% since 2000, it’s no surprise that Ford would want to shut down its Mercury brand. Bloomberg has reported that 2 inside sources close to the plan have told them about the probable closing. For some years now, the impression consumers have of Mercury is that its vehicles merely represent another trim level for Fords. In the same vein as what got GM into a lot of trouble, most Mercurys are badge-engineered Fords, with slightly better interiors and some different exterior colors and parts. It’ll be a shame to see such a long-running marque disappear. If it’s shut down, Mercury would join Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile and Saturn in the annals of history, and sales would wind down over the next 4 years or so. Keep your browser tuned here for updates to this story.
by John Suit
Source: Bloomberg