Is Mercury part of Ford?
Mercury was a Ford Motor Company brand, created in 1939 to bridge the gap between Ford and Lincoln, and it was discontinued in 2010. It is not an active part of Ford's lineup today, though it remains a notable chapter in the company's history.
Historical context of Mercury within Ford
Mercury's role within Ford evolved over seven decades, from its mid-range luxury positioning to a broader lineup that included sedans, coupes, wagons, and SUVs. This section outlines the key phases of the brand's existence and how it fit into Ford's corporate strategy.
- 1939: Mercury brand launched as a separate marque to fill the price gap above Ford and below Lincoln.
- 1950s–1960s: Expansion into a diverse lineup, including two-door coupes and family sedans, with unique styling.
- 1970s–1980s: Redesigns and revamps, including performance-oriented and more affordable options to appeal to a broad market.
- 1990s–early 2000s: Modernization and efforts to refresh brand identity, while sharing platforms with Ford models.
- 2000s: Introduction of Mercury Mountaineer SUV and other updated models as Ford refocused product strategy.
- 2010: Ford retired the Mercury brand, ceasing production and ending its status as a separate market brand.
Mercury's arc reflects Ford's attempts to offer a distinct but affordable alternative to premium Lincoln and everyday Ford vehicles, balancing branding with platform sharing across its lineup.
Current status and what it means for Ford
Since 2010, Mercury has been discontinued as a separate brand. Ford has not revived Mercury and continues its business with Ford and Lincoln as its primary consumer vehicle brands. The end of Mercury was part of Ford's broader restructuring and branding strategy during the late 2000s and 2010s.
- Defunct as a consumer brand: No active Mercury lineups or new models for sale.
- Corporate history: Mercury remains a chapter in Ford's corporate history, with many classic models now sought by collectors.
- Brand strategy shift: Ford focused on strengthening Ford and Lincoln, leaving Mercury's market segment to broader Ford offerings.
The Mercury legacy lives on in classic models and in the case studies used by Ford to illustrate product layering and marketing decisions in mid-20th-century American automotive history.
Key takeaways
In summary, Mercury was once a separate Ford marque that operated from 1939 to 2010. It is not currently part of Ford as an active brand, but its legacy informs Ford's approach to brand differentiation and product planning.
Summary: Mercury was a Ford brand for seven decades, discontinued in 2010. It is not active today, but it remains an important part of Ford's history and the broader story of American car branding.
Does Ford own Mercury?
Yes, Ford Motor Company previously owned the Mercury brand, but it was discontinued in 2011. Ford phased out the brand to focus on its Ford and Lincoln models.
- Ownership history: Ford established Mercury in 1938 to sit between its main Ford line and its luxury Lincoln brand.
- Reason for discontinuation: Sales declined, and Ford decided to discontinue the brand to concentrate on the growth of the Ford and Lincoln brands.
- End of production: The last Mercury vehicle, a Grand Marquis, was produced in January 2011.
What brands does Ford own?
Ford currently owns the Ford and Lincoln brands. It also markets auto parts under the Motorcraft brand name. Ford used to own other brands like Mercury, Edsel, and Volvo (prior to 2010), but it no longer does.
- Ford: The company's primary automotive brand, known for models like the F-150 and Mustang.
- Lincoln: Ford's luxury automotive brand, which it has owned since 1922.
- Motorcraft: The brand under which Ford markets its auto parts.
Former brands that Ford no longer owns:
- Troller: Ford previously owned the Brazilian off-road vehicle manufacturer Troller, which was sold in 2021.
- Mercury: The Mercury brand was discontinued in 2010.
- Volvo: Ford sold its controlling interest in Volvo Cars in 2010.
- Mazda: Ford sold most of its stake in Mazda by 2015 and is no longer a part owner.
Is Lincoln owned by Ford?
Yes, Lincoln is owned by Ford. The Ford Motor Company acquired the Lincoln Motor Company in 1922, and Lincoln has operated as a luxury vehicle division of Ford ever since.
- Acquisition: Henry Ford's company purchased Lincoln in 1922 for $8 million.
- Relationship: Lincoln has continued to operate as a separate brand, but it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford.
- Shared technology: Lincoln vehicles benefit from Ford's manufacturing, research, and technology, including shared platforms and engines.
Is Mercury Chevy or Ford?
Mercury was a brand of medium-priced automobiles that was produced by American manufacturer Ford Motor Company between the 1939 and 2011 motor years.
