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If Automotive News is correct and they usually are it looks like
Mercury won't make it to Thanksgiving this year. Heck, they won't
even make it through Halloween according to a new report. AN is
saying that three dealers have come with forward with news of the
automaker's plans. What they're saying is that the 71-year-old brand
will start winding down production at the end of September. The
ancient Grand Marquis gets the axe on Sept. 30, the Mountaineer on
Oct. 1, the Milan on Oct. 2, and the Mariner on Oct. 3.
Since announcing the closure of the Mercury division on June 2, Ford
hasn't given any firm dates on when any action would be taken.
Dealers did submit their final factory orders last month and those
orders will be filled and delivered to dealerships in about 30 days.
After that, it's all dealer trades if a particular establishment
needs more cars or SUVs. All 1,712 Mercury dealerships carry at least
one other brand, so it doesn't necessarily mean that they will close,
but some are certainly going to get out of the game. We'll be sure to
hasten any message we get from Ford to you as more news becomes
available.
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