No, Mercury no longer makes cars. The Mercury brand was officially discontinued by its parent company, Ford Motor Company, in 2010. The last model year for Mercury vehicles was 2011, marking the end of a brand that had been in existence since 1938. This decision was a strategic move by Ford to consolidate its resources and focus on its two main brands: the mass-market Ford and the luxury Lincoln line.
The demise of Mercury was primarily due to its declining market share. For years, Mercury vehicles were often lightly restyled versions of Ford models, known as badge engineering. This led to a lack of a distinct identity, causing the brand to become increasingly irrelevant to car buyers who could get a similar, and often less expensive, experience from a Ford. The financial crisis of 2008 accelerated the decision, forcing Ford to streamline its operations.
While no new cars are being produced, Mercury vehicles from its 73-year history are still on the road. They are supported by Ford's extensive parts and service network, so maintenance isn't a significant issue for current owners. However, for anyone looking for a new car today, Mercury is a part of automotive history.
Here is a brief timeline of key events for the Mercury brand:
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 1938 | Mercury brand is founded by Edsel Ford. |
| 1939 | First Mercury car, the Mercury Eight, is introduced. |
| 1960s-70s | Peak popularity with models like the Cougar and Monterey. |
| 1980s-2000s | Increasingly becomes a rebadged version of Ford models. |
| January 2010 | Ford announces the discontinuation of the Mercury brand. |
| October 2010 | The final Mercury vehicle, a Grand Marquis, rolls off the assembly line. |
| 2011 | The last model year for any Mercury vehicle. |
