Autoblog Mercury

NHTSA closes rollaway investigation into 1.56M Ford SUVs

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:17:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

It's taken four years of study, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finally closed the books on its investigation into rollaway accusations surrounding 1.56-million Ford SUV models.

The probe, which centered on the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator, ends without the federal agency calling for a recall. According to The Detroit News, the investigation was closed due to a "low number of complaints" - NHTSA documented 180 such complaints that resulted in 14 crashes and six minor injuries, but the number of incidents have been slowing. The suspected defect rate for the trucks' automatic transmissions was found to be 4.4 per 100,000 units, and the brake-shift interlock mechanism failure rate was judged to be even lower at 3.4 per 100k.

NHTSA closes rollaway investigation into 1.56M Ford SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury, Canada

The rust issue in the rear wheel wells of 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans has finally led to a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation into the matter in 2011, said investigation being upgraded to an engineering analysis a year later while NHTSA tried to figure out how many model years should be included in the assessment.

Ford has decided to recall all of the 230,000 minivans potentially affected, namely those sold in salt-belt states and countries like Canada. The excess rust in the rear wheel wells was also able to prevent the third-row seats from locking to the floor of the minivan. To repair the problem, owners can take their minivans to dealers, and the dealers will place new panels in the wheel wells, replace the third-row seat mounting brackets and relocate the latches to an area away from any corrosion.

Ford says it will begin notifying owners during the last week of March.

Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Mercury

Owners of Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models, listen up. According to a report on Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into these four vehicles totaling an estimated 725,000 units. The investigation appears to center around a malfunctioning throttle body on non-hybrid models of the 2005-2012 Escape and 2011-2012 Fusion. With Mercury dying off after the 2011 model year, this probe will also apply to the 2005 through 2011 Mariner and the 2011 Milan. There has been some discussion around the Escape stalling issue for some time now, but this investigation appears to be larger in scope than before.

Though not a recall yet, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 123 complaints of stalling or surging vehicles, while Ford itself has logged 1,472 complaints. The investigation report, which is posted below, seems to indicate that a faulty circuit board for the throttle body could cause the vehicle to go into limp mode, which, according to NHTSA, could cause complaints of both stalling and surging.

Continue reading NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue

NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Mercury

The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed its investigations into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models. The separate probes found no issues that pose safety concerns. NHTSA began investigating certain Grand Cherokee SUVs over complaints that power steering hoses could detach during operation, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Of the 24 reports of failure, none alleged smoke or fire in the engine bay, and Chrysler has since modified the power steering cooler assembly to reduce the likelihood of the failure.

Meanwhile, certain Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles garnered a government probe after receiving complaints that the models were equipped with faulty scissor jacks. The agency had received six reports of the jacks failing or causing injuries, including one incident that resulted in a fatality. But NHTSA says the jack failure rate is similar to those found in other vehicles. In those six cases, the government agency found the jacks were being used for something other than changing a tire, and investigators could not determine whether the emergency brake was set or the rear tires were properly chocked.

NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA upgrades Ford floor mat unintended acceleration probe

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

According to a Bloomberg report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded an investigation into complaints of unintended acceleration lodged against Ford vehicles. The investigation began in June of 2010 when just three complaints had been received and it only concerned the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but this was at a time when the phrase "unintended acceleration" made grown men go pale. With 49 additional complaints received since then, the investigation has been reclassified as an engineering analysis - the last phase before a recall - and it has been expanded to include the Lincoln MKZ, making for a total of "around 480,000" units affected between the three sedans from the 2008 to 2010 model years.

The ostensible cause is that floor mats are trapping the accelerator pedal, but according to a Ford statement at the time, the entrapment is due to owners placing the optional all-weather floor mats, or aftermarket floor mats, on top of the car's standard floor mats. NHTSA has backed up that assessment, pinning the blame on "unsecured or double stacked floor mats."

On the face of it, it would appear that NHTSA has upgraded the status not because of Ford's error, but owner error, and Ford has stated publicly that it is "disappointed" in NHTSA's move. On top of NHTSA still being skittish after that other unintended acceleration debacle, it could be seen to be taking its time investigating all of the variables: it's reported that Ford changed its accelerator pedal design in 2010, a "heel blocker" in the floorpan has been considered a potential culprit in how the floor mats could be trapping the pedal, some drivers have said the floor mats weren't anywhere near the pedal, and according to a report in the LA Times, in "a letter sent by Ford to NHTSA in August 2010, the automaker said it found three injuries and one fatality that 'may have resulted from the alleged defect.'"

If that last part is true, that's strange enough by itself; in June 2010 there were apparently only three complaints in total, but two months later Ford was supposedly saying there might - let's emphasize might - be three injuries and a death involved. This sounds like the kind of thing that could take a while to sort out. Ford has said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

NHTSA upgrades Ford floor mat unintended acceleration probe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA probing 2000-2003 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable models over throttle issue

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Mercury

A potential issue with the speed control cable collar has got the 2003-20003 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable under the spotlight of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If the collar breaks it can cause the throttle to be stuck open.

The issue is limited to vehicles with the 3.0-liter V6 Duratec. There are just 50 complaints so far out of 310,000 cars, but the NHTSA has begun an investigation into whether a recall should be issued.

NHTSA probing 2000-2003 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable models over throttle issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's J Mays feels vindicated by Fusion reception

George Kennedy — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Design/Style

It's hard to think back now, but the same man overseeing the design of the 2013 Ford Fusion also presided over a rather lackluster period in Ford design, highlighted by vehicles like the Five Hundred and Freestyle. With the redesigned Fusion receiving high praise, J Mays tells Automotive News that he feels vindicated from criticisms suggesting he's not a daring enough designer.

When Mays took over as lead of design in 1997, he admits to having quite an ego ("My head would barely fit through the door some days. I've long since gotten over myself") and the workload to match. With the Blue Oval's portfolio full of premium brands like Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo at that point, along with the bread-and-butter Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models, Mays certainly had quite the challenge.

It was in the mid-2000s that Mays took over just the premium brands, and took on the new title of Chief Creative Officer. At the time, Mays endured some criticism for looking backwards to retro styling, rather than setting a new standard for American car design - criticism that Mays says he is free from with the all-new Fusion.

It's also significant to point out the big names in car design came through the doors of Ford's design house under Mays. Names like Ian Callum (now of Jaguar), and Henrik Fisker, who was then at Aston Martin but has now gone on to start his own carmaker.

Mays, who spent time at BMW, Audi and Volkswagen told AN that American carmakers don't have to imitate Europe's luxury automakers to provide premium products (perhaps a bit ironic considering that even cheerleaders of the sedan admit the new Fusion has an awful lot of Aston Martin design language up front). While the Fusion has been well-received, Mays still has his hands full trying to maintain the "One Ford" global design language, matching that up with truck design, and finding an identity for Lincoln. All we can say is, it ain't easy being J Mays.

Ford's J Mays feels vindicated by Fusion reception originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reports 58% drop in Q2 profits on European losses

George Kennedy — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Ford Motor Company announced Wednesday that it has posted a $1 billion profit for the second quarter of 2012. That sounds like good news for the Blue Oval, until you take into account that Ford posted a $2.4 billion profit for Q2 a year ago. That is a substantial 58 percent loss.

Ford also posted $465 million in international losses, with $404 million of those losses coming directly from Europe. The automaker also increased its European loss projections to $1 billion for 2012, due in large part to the economic crisis overseas, which has resulted in increased unemployment and decreased consumer confidence.

The $404 million loss actually beat out loss projections for this quarter, based on estimates from a month ago. The result was a 1.8 percent increase in Ford's stock, based on pre-market trading this morning.

Ford's North American unit posted a profit of $2 billion in Q2 - the second economic quarter in a row in which the company posted profits in excess of $2 billion.

Additionally, the investor service Moody's returned the Blue Oval's investment grade to its 2006 status. If you recall, that was when the company leveraged nearly everything, allowing it to avoid government bailout. Before this news, Fitch Ratings had restored Ford's investment grade as well.

Continue reading Ford reports 58% drop in Q2 profits on European losses

Ford reports 58% drop in Q2 profits on European losses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes

Chris Tutor — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC, Hummer, Lincoln, Mercury, Pontiac, Saturn, Toyota

When General Motors put down several of its brands in recent years, it also let loose thousands of brand-loyal customers who will eventually need another car.

R.L. Polk Associates estimates there are more than 18 million cars from 16 discontinued makes on the road today. Those "orphan owners" have sales-hungry competitors seeing dollar signs. GM is offering Saturn owners $1,000 cash toward a Chevy Cruze, Cadillac CTS or a GMC Acadia. Ford is giving its Mercury lease customers a chance to get out of their contracts with no early-termination penalty and offering to waive six remaining payments if they drive off in a Ford or Lincoln.

Edmunds.com research shows the efforts are paying off somewhat for GM, with 39 percent of Pontiac owners, 37 percent of Hummer owners and 31 percent of Saturn owners taking delivery of another GM-branded vehicle. But that leaves as much as 69 percent of owners going elsewhere. Ford, Honda and Toyota seem to be attracting many former GM owners.

As Forbes points out, if you're driving an orphaned nameplate, you just might be able to use that to your advantage when shopping for a new vehicle.

Automakers tussle over owners of 'orphan' makes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford, GM, Mercury

'Tis the season... for road salt. And with that, comes rust. And what does rust bring? Well, for Ford and General Motors, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is looking into potential recalls issues with Chevrolet Express vans and Ford Freestar minivans.

The feds have received five complaints that rust has caused leaking fuel filler pipes on 2003 Express vans. Separately, seven complaints have been filed over excessive rust in the rear wheel wells of 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. The Freestar and Monterey went out of production in 2007. Neither issue has resulted in any crashes or injuries, according to the report.

Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury

Ford has announced a recall of certain Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 128,616 2010 and 2011 models equipped with steel wheels may have been manufactured with wheel studs that could crack and split over time. If that happens, the vehicle may experience a wheel separation.

According to The Detroit News, the company is aware of a total of 30 wheel separation incidents, one of which occurred on the front of the vehicle. Even so, no injuries have been reported as a result of the defect.

The problem apparently stems from the fact that the mounting pads on the vehicles' steel wheels may have been faulty from the factory. In addition, the wheel mounting face on rear disc brakes may not have been installed properly. Ford will inspect the rear disc face and replace them as necessary. In addition, the company will replace all of the vehicle's wheel studs free of charge. Head to the NHTSA website for more information, and click past the jump to view the full recall notice.

Continue reading Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern

Ford recalling 126,000 Fusions and Milans over wheel separation concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Mercury Marauder two-door convertible

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Mercury

Never underestimate what you'll see on eBay Motors. Take this unique creation, for example. Near as we can tell, it's the same 2002 Mercury Marauder that was modified into a two-door convertible by Ford for the 2002 Chicago Auto Show. According to the seller, this car still boasts its Eaton supercharger bolted to a 4.6-liter V8 engine, and at the time of its debut, the engine was rated at a lofty 335 horsepower. We have a hard time believing that the extra ponies would do much to offset the weight of the additional frame stiffeners and top mechanism on the car, however.

The vehicle is currently offered for sale by a dealer in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, though the listing is mum on how the convertible managed to make its way from Ford's Windy City show stand into the seller's inventory. If you like what you see, the machine can be yours for the princely sum of $75,000 or best offer. Head over to eBay Motors to take a gander at the listing.

eBay Find of the Day: Mercury Marauder two-door convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eGarage goes live and brings video of custom Mercury Coupe build with it

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Mercury, Specialty

eGarage has been teasing us for a while now. We've seen some interesting videos so far, but the website itself had remained light on content. No longer. eGarage is up and running, and the videos are good.

One we like in particular follows the build process of a custom 1950 Mercury coupe. The chopped and slammed project is the work of Zane Cullen and his Cotati Speed Shop, located in Santa Rosa, California. Cullen and his team have already put two years of work into this custom cruiser, and it looks like they might have another year ahead of them. Still, if this partly finished Merc looks this good now, we can't wait to see the final product.

Head over to eGarage.com to check out the video showing the progress made so far.

eGarage goes live and brings video of custom Mercury Coupe build with it originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic drives wood-burning Mercury Beaver XR-7

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Etc., Technology, Videos, Mercury

You read the title right, we're talking about the Mercury Beaver XR-7. No, Mercury never officially built a car called the beaver. This is the brainchild of upstate New Yorker Chip Beam, who owns and operates Beaver Energy, LLC. It runs on gases created by wood pellets fermented in a 2,400-degree furnace and fed to a supercharged Ford 4.6-liter V8.

By all accounts, it gets down the road just fine, and has pretty close to full power. The best part is, you can grow the fuel yourself and avoid patronizing big oil, if that's your thing. The only drawback that we can see to the Mercury Beaver XR-7 is the PVC pipe jungle occupying the space that would be the trunk under normal circumstances.

Still, if you're willing to smell like a mountain man and look like a bad Back to the Future knockoff, this ride is right up your alley. Click past the jump to see Translogic's take on this modified Merc.

Continue reading Translogic drives wood-burning Mercury Beaver XR-7

Translogic drives wood-burning Mercury Beaver XR-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating Lotus Elise for oil leaks

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Ford, Lotus, Mercury

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 17 complaints about an errant oil line in the Lotus Elise, and thus, has opened an investigation. The issue concerns the line on the front right cooler, which, having got loose, sprays oil either on the wheel or inside the engine bay.

This investigation pertains to around 4,400 of the little track-day wonders sold in the 2005 and 2006 model years. There have been no injuries, but one car did leave the road and catch on fire. A NHTSA investigation doesn't mean a full recall has been issued, just that your friends in the fed are looking into the matter.

NHTSA investigating Lotus Elise for oil leaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego sedans over fuel tank woes

Chris Paukert — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Ford, Mercury

Ford has announced through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling nearly 3,000 examples of its Five Hundred and Mercury Montego (pictured) sedans from the 2007 model year.

The action, which affects 2,945 vehicles, is due to potentially defective welds between the filler neck and the fuel tank, a condition that could result in a fuel leak or the smell of gasoline reaching the occupants. In the worst-case scenario, a leak could cause a fire. Cars with the affected fuel tank problem could see an illuminated dashboard warning light as a result of the evaporative emissions leak being detected.

Ford will inspect and replace the fuel tank at no cost to owners (those who have already had the procedure done at-cost can apply for reimbursement), and the Dearborn automaker will begin notifying Five Hundred and Montego owners beginning August 15. Check out the official NHTSA press release after the jump for further details.

Continue reading Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego sedans over fuel tank woes

Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego sedans over fuel tank woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kit Cat: Mercury Cougar makes perfect Bugatti Veyron substitute

Zach Bowman — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Bugatti, Mercury, Humor, Specialty

Bugatti Veyron kit car - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've got a pulse in your wrist and a snapping brain cell in your head, chances are you wouldn't mind parking a Bugatti Veyron in your garage. But for most mere mortals, scrounging up the cash for a physics-bending piece of 16-cylinder glory would require all sorts of unpalatable tasks. Fortunately for those who want to look the part without having to participate in human trafficking, the kit car universe has stepped in to save the day. All you need is a 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, a boat load of fiberglass and a little patience.

Oh, and $89,000.

Is that cheaper than an actual Veyron? Sure. Is it $73,000 more than we'd pay for this car? Absolutely. For that low price you'll get all the looks of the Bug with a fraction of the actual performance. Buyers can look forward to a blistering 170 horsepower from a 2.5-liter V6 kicking at the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Don't expect much else.

This particular machine is up for bid via eBay Motors, with four days left on the auction. Act now.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron kit car

[Sources: PistonHeads, eBayMotors]

Kit Cat: Mercury Cougar makes perfect Bugatti Veyron substitute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fitting Retirement: Grand Marquis last Mercury off the line

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

The signs have come down and retail production ended back in October of 2010. Now, the very last Mercury model has rolled off the assembly line. This last Mercury somewhat fittingly takes the form of a Grand Marquis reporting for fleet duty. It was built at the St. Thomas plant in Ontario, Canada, which is the same facility that continues to produce the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car for fleet and livery duty.

St. Thomas' days are numbered, however, as the factory is slated to close on August 31. When it goes, the Panther platform is likely to follow. So long, and thanks for all the ~~fish~~ memories.

[Source: Autoweek]

Fitting Retirement: Grand Marquis last Mercury off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lincoln getting all of Mercury's ad dollars

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Mercury

Now that the curtain has closed on Mercury, Ford Motor Company will redirect all of its marketing dollars for the oft-overlooked brand to the Blue Oval's luxury outpost, Lincoln. In speaking to Automotive News, the chairman of the Lincoln National Dealer Council, Bob Tasca, Jr., said, "You'll see a lot stronger presence in the advertising of Lincoln in 2011."

Lincoln spokesperson Christian Bokich reminded AN that the automaker is "preparing the way for seven new or significantly refreshed vehicles" that will be launched over the next four years, and the largest ad blitz in 2011 will focus on the refreshed MKX crossover, as well as the MKZ sedan and its hybrid counterpart. Following that, Lincoln has plans to launch a completely overhauled version of its Navigator SUV, an all-new C-segment vehicle and the overhauled 2013 MKZ, which Tasca says will be "strikingly different from its Ford Fusion sibling."

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: John Neff/Autoblog/AOL]

Report: Lincoln getting all of Mercury's ad dollars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Curtain officially comes down on Mercury as dealers remove signage

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Mercury

The process of shutting down the Mercury is complete. Ford officially made the decision to close its mid-level brand in June of 2010. In the months that followed, Ford offered its dealers money to stop selling the cars, with production shutting down in September. The last Mercury, a Mariner, rolled off the assembly line in the beginning of October and former spokesperson Jill Wagner said her good-byes to both the car and her job. Now the last piece of the brand has come down as dealers are removing any and all Mercury signage from their lots.

[Source: Detroit News]

Curtain officially comes down on Mercury as dealers remove signage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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