mackinaw Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Farewell Mercury, you'll be sorta missed. I won't miss Mercury of recent years but I will miss the Mercury of the 1950s' and 1960s'. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelsonlu Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Well, I suspect part of the Mercury closing would be a buyout of several existing L-M dealers to make the network less crowded. That would go a long way toward helping the other ones stay afloat. I don't think it would go so far as to suggest every standalone L-M dealer would close, or even come close to that. As I mentioned in another thread, Infiniti, Acura, and a few other smaller luxury players get by fine with standalone dealers and relatively small sales volumes. And while the Milan, Mariner, and GM are the highest in volume, I doubt they are highest in profit. Well, I am not sure how many Acura/Infiniti dealers are actually real standalone dealers, though. For example, our local Infiniti dealership is actually owned by the same owner as the local Ford dealership as well, and the two dealerships are only a block away from each other. I am not completely certain that the Infiniti dealership could stand on its own without sharing infrastructure with the Ford dealership as it does -- and we're in a pretty affluent, foreign-car-buying population here in Silicon Valley. (No, I am not suggesting that the Infiniti dealership is not profitable; I am suggesting that it wouldn't be profitable without cost-sharing with the Ford dealership.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Well, I am not sure how many Acura/Infiniti dealers are actually real standalone dealers, though. For example, our local Infiniti dealership is actually owned by the same owner as the local Ford dealership as well, and the two dealerships are only a block away from each other. I am not completely certain that the Infiniti dealership could stand on its own without sharing infrastructure with the Ford dealership as it does -- and we're in a pretty affluent, foreign-car-buying population here in Silicon Valley. (No, I am not suggesting that the Infiniti dealership is not profitable; I am suggesting that it wouldn't be profitable without cost-sharing with the Ford dealership.) Well, there are plenty here. :shrug: Oddest dealer pairing I've seen locally is Ford-Kia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpvbs Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Well, I am not sure how many Acura/Infiniti dealers are actually real standalone dealers, though. For example, our local Infiniti dealership is actually owned by the same owner as the local Ford dealership as well, and the two dealerships are only a block away from each other. I am not completely certain that the Infiniti dealership could stand on its own without sharing infrastructure with the Ford dealership as it does -- and we're in a pretty affluent, foreign-car-buying population here in Silicon Valley. (No, I am not suggesting that the Infiniti dealership is not profitable; I am suggesting that it wouldn't be profitable without cost-sharing with the Ford dealership.) The other question I have with the comparison to Infinity/Acura is how many dealers do each have? It seems that there may be more Lincoln dealers than there are Infintiy/Acura dealers so each individual Lincoln dealer would be selling fewer units. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 The other question I have with the comparison to Infinity/Acura is how many dealers do each have? It seems that there may be more Lincoln dealers than there are Infintiy/Acura dealers so each individual Lincoln dealer would be selling fewer units. I already suggested that several of them likely would have to close. Just not nearly as many as some are saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'Cal Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Up until very recently, Mercury has a few of vehicles and so has Lincoln. They should have been viewed as Lincoln-Mercury not Lincoln and Mercury. Mercury could've been what Buick is becoming - successful with a clear focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
03 LS Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Well, I suspect part of the Mercury closing would be a buyout of several existing L-M dealers to make the network less crowded. That would go a long way toward helping the other ones stay afloat. I don't think it would go so far as to suggest every standalone L-M dealer would close, or even come close to that. As I mentioned in another thread, Infiniti, Acura, and a few other smaller luxury players get by fine with standalone dealers and relatively small sales volumes. And while the Milan, Mariner, and GM are the highest in volume, I doubt they are highest in profit. I don't think you are looking at it at the right angle - Acura/Infiniti have far fewer dealerships. Their per showroom sales are comparable to L/M dealers. And I highly doubt if their sales would drop 60% in a year and they would survive. For that matter, I doubt any dealer would, without external help. What would Ford do, trucking Ford focus and Escape to Lincoln dealerships? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 (edited) I don't think you are looking at it at the right angle - Acura/Infiniti have far fewer dealerships. Their per showroom sales are comparable to L/M dealers. And I highly doubt if their sales would drop 60% in a year and they would survive. For that matter, I doubt any dealer would, without external help. What would Ford do, trucking Ford focus and Escape to Lincoln dealerships? Already answered: You close several of the dealers. It's inevitable. But it's not like every L-M dealer that isn't paired with a Ford dealer would suddently find itself out of business. :rolleyes: How many truly "stand-alone" L-M dealers are even left anyway? The one nearest me also sells Mazdas. Edited June 2, 2010 by NickF1011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8-X Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 This comes as no surprise to me. Rarely do you see a Mercury around here. The Mercury volume locally has really decreased since 2002. Prior you used to see a lot of Mountaineers based on the Gen II Explorers, but since then you're lucky to come across any Mercury vehicle. Sad to see it go based on many of its older vehicles, but those of the 80s, 90s and 00s, I will not miss them. Will there is a point to the Milan and thousands it sells each month, people likes its styling and those people are not going to jump on a Fusion. Clearly not enough. Bet many were saying the same thing when Olds and Pontiac got the axe. I won't miss Mercury of recent years but I will miss the Mercury of the 1950s' and 1960s'. Agreed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Oddest dealer pairing I've seen locally is Ford-Kia. Think I got you beat...I have a Lincoln Mercury Mitsubishi dealership near by LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Think I got you beat...I have a Lincoln Mercury Mitsubishi dealership near by LOL I just posted in the other thread about my local L-M dealer being paired with Mazda. About the same. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 (edited) Think I got you beat...I have a Lincoln Mercury Mitsubishi dealership near by LOL I have a L-M-Mitsu and a L-M-Acura near me. Edited June 2, 2010 by Mark B. Morrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papilgee4evaeva Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 I just posted in the other thread about my local L-M dealer being paired with Mazda. About the same. :lol: Nah, I think silvrsvt has you beat. :P There's a Lincoln-Mercury/Volvo/Kia dealer up my way. And, for good measure (and just to make sure we're talking about companies with ties to Ford), Cadillac/Jaguar-Land Rover and Volvo/Toyota up in Timonium. :shrug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weiweishen Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 I'm just hoping Lincoln gets a version of the next Escape, then I think the dealers will be in good shape. I would be very interested in such a vehicle. Lincoln Marina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Hm, probably Lincoln MKM for Mariner or MKE for Escape-ish. At least the entry Lincoln that would have been Mercury Tracer cant be named MKT...probably MKC for Compact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 How many truly "stand-alone" L-M dealers are even left anyway? The one nearest me also sells Mazdas. The figure quoted recently was less than 300 of the 1700 L-M dealers are now free standing. Mark Fields has been working with L-M dealers to consolidate them with local Ford franchises. I guess it's a case of partner up now or go broke..... I'll be interested to see what sort of deal Ford works out with Mercury dealers, being linked with Lincoln and Ford franchises will make the transition go far more smoothly than some would think... Looks like people's notions of an extended Lincoln range using a compact were spot on. Ford have obviously chosen to cater for people who want to buy Ford branded products, I see this as a good move especially the Ford Titanium series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 The figure quoted recently was less than 300 of the 1700 L-M dealers are now free standing. Mark Fields has been working with L-M dealers to consolidate them with local Ford franchises. I guess it's a case of partner up now or go broke..... I'll be interested to see what sort of deal Ford works out with Mercury dealers, being linked with Lincoln and Ford franchises will make the transition go far more smoothly than some would think... Looks like people's notions of an extended Lincoln range using a compact were spot on. Ford have obviously chosen to cater for people who want to buy Ford branded products, I see this as a good move especially the Ford Titanium series. Your perspective down under made me think of another thing too: One Ford. The only remaining market left for Mercury was the United States. In the long term, Ford is going to want to eventually spread Lincoln internationally. With Mercury still sucking away resources for one market, it makes that more difficult as it seemed unlikely that Mercury was ever going to spread its wings internationally again. It just simplifies things considerably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 The Interesting thing is how Ford is going to handle taking care of Lincoln buyers at a Ford Dealership....I know I don't want to be sitting in a 70's era waiting room while my car is being serviced....at either one of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 The Interesting thing is how Ford is going to handle taking care of Lincoln buyers at a Ford Dealership....I know I don't want to be sitting in a 70's era waiting room while my car is being serviced....at either one of them! Most every Lincoln dealership I've seen attached to a Ford dealer has its own reception/waiting area. I don't expect that to change. In fact, I would expect it to be enforced even more vigorously moving forward as the demise of Mercury frees up resources to re-invent the Lincoln brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 The Interesting thing is how Ford is going to handle taking care of Lincoln buyers at a Ford Dealership....I know I don't want to be sitting in a 70's era waiting room while my car is being serviced....at either one of them! Maybe Ford can improve their image if they take care of their buyers at Lincoln dealerships? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Press Release: FORD TO EXPAND LINCOLN LINEUP AND BRAND EMPHASIS; MERCURY PRODUCTION ENDS IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2010 * Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years – including its first-ever C-segment vehicle * Lincoln's plan accelerates with more investment and attention on standout product design, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency * Lincoln product development, marketing, sales and service resources expanding as the brand competes with Cadillac and Lexus in the marketplace * Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln * Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer * Affected dealers to receive specialized support during the transition, as the company continues its transformation to a more profitable dealer network DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America. Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand. "We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network." Lincoln's hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road. "Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. "Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value." Foundation Set The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan – all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market. Lincoln's product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology. This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln's DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency. Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand's growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include: * Lincoln's first-ever C-segment vehicle * New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions * EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln * Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology "Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology." Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln's share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010. In addition, Lincoln's reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln's long-term durability was second only to Porsche's in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey. Mercury Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand – particularly during the past three years – has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers. Today, Mercury's customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury's incremental sales have been declining. The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles. Of Ford Motor Company's 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value. Ford's strengthening financial position – including the return to profitability and positive cash flow – allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln. Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth. New operational standards developed with the company's dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers. Personal Attention Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford's Extended Service Plans. "We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," Fields said. "At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience." Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products. Ford has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise. Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production. "We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders," Fields said. "These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 VIDEO AND Q&A: http://www.thefordstory.com/our-plan-progress/ford-expands-lincoln-lineup-mercury-production-ends-in-fourth-quarter-of-2010/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 (edited) Your perspective down under made me think of another thing too: One Ford. The only remaining market left for Mercury was the United States. In the long term, Ford is going to want to eventually spread Lincoln internationally. With Mercury still sucking away resources for one market, it makes that more difficult as it seemed unlikely that Mercury was ever going to spread its wings internationally again. It just simplifies things considerably. Not necessarily sucking resources, I'm pretty sure those Mercury products weren't too different to their Ford counterparts. I" thinking that Ford is now emboldened from removing brands for people who want to buy cars other than the Ford brand. I'd put the axing of Mercury as a preference for Ford buyers over people not interested in considering the brand. Elsewhere in the world, a Lincoln on a Ford showroom wouldn't be a bad thing and would add a kind of class and aspiration that's been lacking for decades. Edited June 2, 2010 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years – including its first-ever C-segment vehicle lets see: 1. Refreshed MKS 2. Redone MKZ in 2013/14 3.MKX this year 4.Escape/Kuga Crossover 5. Navigator update 6. C-sized Sedan? 7. RWD Flagship? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 lets see: 1. Refreshed MKS 2. Redone MKZ in 2013/14 3.MKX this year 4.Escape/Kuga Crossover 5. Navigator update 6. C-sized Sedan? 7. RWD Flagship? :D Unfortunately you left out the MKT. I'd slap that in the #7 spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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