Global Biz

Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-06-03 11:59
Large Medium Small

Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand
A 1942 Mercury car is parked on a street in Central Havana, March 8, 2010. [Agencies]

DEARBORN, Michigan -- Ford Motor Co. says it will end production of its Mercury brand by the end of this year.

Ford's board of directors approved ending the brand Wednesday morning. Ford plans to make up for the lost sales by expanding its luxury Lincoln brand. Mercury sold just over 92,000 vehicles last year.

Related readings:
Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand Ford mulls plan to drop Mercury brand: source
Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand Ford, GM promote loans as 90% of drivers pay in cash
Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand Ford: Dealer network to expand as sales surge
Ford says to end 72-year-old Mercury brand Automakers Geely, Ford may pen Volvo deal Sunday

Ford has 1,712 dealerships currently selling Mercurys. Some will continue selling Lincolns and Fords and some could be consolidated into existing Ford dealerships.

Ford didn't say how much it expects to pay to close the dealerships. But Americas President Mark Fields said the closure doesn't affect the company's forecast that it will be solidly profitable in 2010.

Ford says it doesn't plan to lay off any workers at its Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters.