Who was Mercury owned by?
Mercury was an American automobile brand that was owned and operated by the Ford Motor Company from 1938 until its discontinuation in 2011. As a mid-range brand positioned between Ford's mainstream offerings and the luxury Lincoln line, Mercury played a significant role in Ford's product lineup for over seven decades.
The Origins of Mercury
Mercury was established in 1938 as a new division of Ford, created to fill the gap between the affordable Ford models and the more premium Lincoln vehicles. The brand was named after the Roman god Mercury, known for his speed and agility, which was meant to reflect the performance-oriented nature of Mercury's vehicles. The first Mercury model, the Mercury Eight, was introduced in 1939 and quickly gained popularity for its combination of style, power, and value.
Mercury's Role in Ford's Lineup
Throughout its history, Mercury occupied an important position within the Ford Motor Company's product portfolio. The brand offered a range of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons that were typically more upscale and powerful than their Ford counterparts, but more affordable than the Lincoln line. This positioning allowed Ford to cater to a broader range of consumers and compete more effectively against other mid-range brands like Buick, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler.
The Decline and Discontinuation of Mercury
Despite its long history and success, Mercury began to struggle in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The brand faced increasing competition from foreign automakers, as well as a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and crossovers. In 2010, Ford announced that it would be discontinuing the Mercury brand, citing the need to focus its resources on the Ford and Lincoln brands. The last Mercury model, the Mercury Grand Marquis, rolled off the assembly line in January 2011, marking the end of the brand's 73-year run.
Legacy of the Mercury Brand
While Mercury is no longer in production, the brand's legacy lives on. Many of Mercury's iconic models, such as the Cougar, Montego, and Marauder, are still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Additionally, the brand's focus on performance and value-oriented luxury helped to shape the automotive industry and paved the way for the success of other mid-range brands. Though Mercury may be gone, its impact on the automotive landscape is undeniable.
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.
Does Ford own Lincoln and Mercury?
Lexus: Toyota Motor Corp. Lincoln: Ford Motor Co. Mazda: Mazda Motor Corp. Mercury*: Ford Motor Co.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
