Ford to kill Mercury brand.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
How long have we been wondering why a brand consisting of rebadged Fords is still operating? Seems like it's been a long time coming but still a little sobering to hear. Hopefully Ford picks up Jill Wagner. 
Olds. Pontiac. Plymouth. Mercury. Four once-proud and great brands.
Olds. Pontiac. Plymouth. Mercury. Four once-proud and great brands.
Olds and Pontiac should have outlasted Mercury.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,092
From: lakeville, pa
looks like they have not made any decisions yet, this was in my ford inbox this morning
May 28, 2010
To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers
Subject: Mercury Brand Media Speculation
Many of you are aware that several media outlets on Thursday published stories speculating on the future of the Mercury brand. Understandably, this has caused some confusion and frustration within the dealer network, and we have received phone calls and e-mails requesting answers.
As we reinforced in the media, like any good business, we always are assessing our business portfolio and product plans. However, we have nothing new to announce at this time.
Our commitment is to maintain a collaborative relationship with our dealer partners. As remains our practice, we will not announce major business decisions without first communicating with you. If you have questions about the business, please continue to reach out to your Regional Sales Manager.
In addition, the Direct Impact (DI) public relations agency that we established a few years ago to help the entire dealer network with local media engagement and community outreach is available. If you receive local media inquiries or simply need communications support now or at any time, please take advantage of Direct Impact's experience and expertise.
This will help ensure a consistent message and accurate reporting of the situation and help all of us reassure current Mercury customers of our continued commitment to them.
We have set up a toll-free number for you to request assistance from Direct Impact. The number is 1-800-470-3556.
As always, our pledge is to continue working with you and to keep the lines of communication open on all matters that affect our collective business.
Thank you for your continued support and business.
Regards,
Kenneth M. Czubay
Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service
Ford Motor Company
To: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers
Subject: Mercury Brand Media Speculation
Many of you are aware that several media outlets on Thursday published stories speculating on the future of the Mercury brand. Understandably, this has caused some confusion and frustration within the dealer network, and we have received phone calls and e-mails requesting answers.
As we reinforced in the media, like any good business, we always are assessing our business portfolio and product plans. However, we have nothing new to announce at this time.
Our commitment is to maintain a collaborative relationship with our dealer partners. As remains our practice, we will not announce major business decisions without first communicating with you. If you have questions about the business, please continue to reach out to your Regional Sales Manager.
In addition, the Direct Impact (DI) public relations agency that we established a few years ago to help the entire dealer network with local media engagement and community outreach is available. If you receive local media inquiries or simply need communications support now or at any time, please take advantage of Direct Impact's experience and expertise.
This will help ensure a consistent message and accurate reporting of the situation and help all of us reassure current Mercury customers of our continued commitment to them.
We have set up a toll-free number for you to request assistance from Direct Impact. The number is 1-800-470-3556.
As always, our pledge is to continue working with you and to keep the lines of communication open on all matters that affect our collective business.
Thank you for your continued support and business.
Regards,
Kenneth M. Czubay
Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service
Ford Motor Company
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
It had been. The Cutlass, 442, and 88s were great cars in their day.
I always thought that Olds had the best looking G- and W-bodies.
But by the time it was killed, Olds was losing buckets of money, so GM had no good choices. My comment was merely that Olds was better than Mercury, not that it was good enough to survive.
I always thought that Olds had the best looking G- and W-bodies.
But by the time it was killed, Olds was losing buckets of money, so GM had no good choices. My comment was merely that Olds was better than Mercury, not that it was good enough to survive.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,958
From: Kansas City, MO
Heck, the Rocket 88 was good enough to give birth to Rock 'n Roll!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0
Autoblog is now saying that Ford may announce the demise of Mercury about an hour from now:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/r...g-at-3-pm-est/
guess we'll see...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbfnh1oVTk0
Autoblog is now saying that Ford may announce the demise of Mercury about an hour from now:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/r...g-at-3-pm-est/
guess we'll see...
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9,507
From: Okemos, MI
I see no point in having a brand exist solely to sell product that are already sold under another brand, irrespective of trim levels. Seems to me that eliminating Mercury and the costs involved in designing Mercury-specific bodies, trim packages, badges, marketing, pricing structures, etc. would allow Ford to either sell the corresponding Fords at lower costs, higher profit margins, with a higher level of customization, or a combination thereof.