Who was Mercury owned by?
Mercury, a once-iconic American automobile brand, has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the automotive industry. Known for its stylish designs and mid-range pricing, Mercury played a significant role in the market for decades. But who exactly owned Mercury? Let’s dive into the story behind this legendary brand.
The Origins of Mercury
Mercury was established in 1938 by the Ford Motor Company. The brand was created by Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford, with the goal of bridging the gap between Ford's affordable vehicles and the luxury offerings of its Lincoln division. Mercury was designed to appeal to customers seeking a balance of performance, style, and affordability.
Ownership by Ford Motor Company
From its inception, Mercury was owned and operated by the Ford Motor Company. It remained a key part of Ford's portfolio for over seven decades. The brand was positioned as a step up from Ford vehicles, offering more premium features and designs, but without the high price tag of Lincoln models.
The Decline and Discontinuation of Mercury
Despite its early success, Mercury began to struggle in the late 20th century as consumer preferences shifted and competition increased. By the early 2000s, sales had declined significantly, and the brand's identity became less distinct from Ford's main lineup. In 2010, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Mercury brand, with the last Mercury vehicle rolling off the production line in January 2011.
Key Takeaways
- Mercury was established in 1938 by the Ford Motor Company.
- The brand was created to fill the gap between Ford's affordable cars and Lincoln's luxury vehicles.
- Mercury remained under Ford's ownership throughout its existence.
- The brand was discontinued in 2010 due to declining sales and a lack of distinct identity.
Although Mercury is no longer in production, its legacy lives on in the memories of car enthusiasts and the history of American automotive innovation. The brand's contributions to the industry, particularly in the mid-20th century, remain a testament to its impact during its time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Mercury a GM or Ford?
Ford's vision for the Mercury brand included improved power, ride, handling, stopping distance, internal noise, and enhanced styling. The first model, the 1939 Mercury 8, sold for $916 and had a 95-horsepower V-8 engine. More than 65,000 were built the first year.
Does Ford own Lincoln and Mercury?
Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp. Lincoln: Ford Motor Co. Mazda: Mazda Motor Corp. Mercury*: Ford Motor Co.
Why did Ford stop Mercury?
Mercury cars were like Buick and Oldsmobile cars, they catered towards middle-aged and elderly types of people in America, and had a performance type of vibe to them and they had a loyal fanbase. Mercury was phased out around 2011, because of the recession, declining fanbase and to cut costs.
Who is the real owner of Ford?
Ford Motor Company is not owned by another corporation; instead, it is only owned by shareholders. Since the shareholders are collectively the owners of the company, those with more shares technically own more of Ford Motor Co. Ever Wonder: Is the 2020 Ford Mustang all-wheel drive?
Is the Ford Bloodline still alive?
Although all four of Ford's grandchildren have since died, William Clay Ford Sr.'s wife, Martha Firestone Ford, is still alive. Their marriage also united two business empires, as Martha's father was Harvey Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.
What is the oldest car company still in business today?
Peugeot
Peugeot (UK: /ˈpɜːʒoʊ/, US: /p(j)uːˈʒoʊ/, French: [pøʒo]) is a French automobile brand owned by Stellantis. Subsidiary (S.A.) The family business that preceded the current Peugeot companies was established in 1810, making it the oldest car company in the world.
When did Ford buy out Lincoln?
Feb. 4, 1922
On Feb. 4, 1922, Henry Ford, with encouragement from his wife Clara and his son Edsel Ford, purchased The Lincoln Motor Company from distinguished inventor and automotive engineer Henry Leland for $8 million. The transaction set in motion the creation of an iconic American luxury brand.
Why did mercury fail?
Mercury was originally created to offer Ford customers a premium vehicle. However, the popularity and corresponding sales of Ford-branded vehicles had left the Mercury brand weak, with many of its loyal customers electing to drive Ford models.
Does the Ford family still own Ford?
Henry Ford was 39 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which became one of the world's largest and most profitable companies. It has been in continuous family control for over 100 years, and is one of the largest family-controlled companies in the world.
Did Lincoln buy Mercury?
In February 1922, the company was acquired by Ford, its parent company to this day. Following World War II, Ford formed the Lincoln-Mercury Division, pairing Lincoln with its mid-range Mercury brand; the pairing lasted through the 2010 closure of Mercury.
