Who owns Mercury motors?
Two different "Mercury" motor brands exist: Mercury Marine, which makes outboard motors and is owned by Brunswick Corporation; and the Mercury automobile marque, which was owned by Ford Motor Company and was discontinued in 2010. Both share the same name but operate in different industries and have different owners.
Mercury Marine: ownership and current status
Ownership and corporate structure
Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corporation, a U.S.-based conglomerate that specializes in marine products and outdoor brands. The outboard-motor brand is a central part of Brunswick's marine portfolio, alongside boat brands like Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and Bayliner.
Key facts about ownership and corporate structure are summarized below.
- Owner: Brunswick Corporation, a U.S.-based conglomerate with a focus on marine products.
- Division: Mercury Marine, maker of outboard motors for boats.
- Portfolio context: part of Brunswick's lineup that includes Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, and Bayliner.
- Major operations: manufacturing and engineering facilities in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, supporting global sales.
- Corporate footprint: Brunswick's headquarters is in the Chicago area (Mettawa, Illinois).
Mercury Marine operates as an independent brand within Brunswick, focusing on performance, reliability, and a broad dealer network for marine propulsion products.
Mercury automotive brand: ownership and status
Historical overview
The Mercury car brand has a different lineage. It was created and owned by Ford Motor Company and served as a separate division within Ford’s lineup for many decades, positioned as a mid-range option between Ford’s more affordable and premium lines.
The brand was discontinued after the 2010 model year, with Ford gradually winding down Mercury dealerships and production. Since then, Ford has retained ownership of the Mercury name and associated trademarks, but no new Mercury-branded vehicles have been released, and the brand remains dormant as of now.
Key facts about the Mercury automobile brand's ownership and status are summarized below.
- Original owner: Ford Motor Company, established in 1939 as a division to complement Ford’s lineup.
- Discontinuation: Mercury stopped producing cars after the 2010 model year; dealerships closed or consolidated thereafter.
- Current status: Brand is dormant; no active Mercury-branded vehicles in production.
- Trademark ownership: Ford retains the rights to the Mercury name and related trademarks, though there has been no official revival announced.
In short, the two "Mercury" motor lines have different owners and trajectories: Mercury Marine under Brunswick Corporation and the Mercury car brand under Ford, now dormant but legally preserved as a trademark asset.
Summary
Mercury Motors can refer to different brands. Mercury Marine, the maker of outboard motors, is owned by Brunswick Corporation. The automotive Mercury brand, once part of Ford Motor Company’s lineup, is discontinued and dormant, with Ford retaining the brand name and trademarks. Understanding which Mercury is meant helps consumers locate parts, service, and brand history.
Who bought out Mercury boat motors?
Mercury outboards are owned by the Brunswick Corporation, a publicly traded company that acquired Mercury Marine in 1961. Mercury Marine operates as a division of Brunswick and is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines.
- Parent Company: Brunswick Corporation
- Acquisition: Brunswick acquired Mercury Marine in 1961
- Division: Mercury Marine is a division of Brunswick Corporation
- Headquarters: Mercury Marine is headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
What does Brunswick Corporation own?
Brunswick is one of the largest boat makers by units in Europe, with Quicksilver, Uttern and Valiant boat brands. Brunswick also owns the New Zealand boat brand, Rayglass. Brunswick markets its specialty boats through Brunswick Commercial and Government Products.
Is Mercury owned by Yamaha?
Mercury is not owned by Yamaha; instead, it is a division of the American Brunswick Corporation, which acquired it in 1961.
Are Mercury boat engines made by Ford?
Mercury Marine is a marine engine division of Brunswick Corporation headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The main product line is outboard motors. It also produces the MerCruiser line of sterndrives and inboard engines, as well as a lineup of electric outboard motors.
