After enduring years of speculation about the future of the Mercury brand, dealers are asking Ford Motor Co. for a straight answer to a simple question: Does Mercury have a future?
In February, members of the Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council asked Ford executives to outline their strategy for Mercury. If it has a future, they want to see the products. If it does not, they want to know now so they can manage their business accordingly.
According to dealers, Ford agreed. The Dearborn automaker told them it would discuss the fate of Mercury at a dealer meeting that was then planned for April in Las Vegas. Company sources say no such commitment was made.