Ford has been tightening its belt for quite some time. First it sold off Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, then Aston Martin, and now it’s likely that Volvo is on its way out from under the Blue Oval as well. While this has helped Ford become more focused on its core brands, many questions about consolidation are still surrounding Ford’s Lincoln and Mercury brands.
Lincoln and Mercury are commonly sold together alongside Ford models observes Minneapolis Used Cars. However, Ford execs are now suggesting that dealers should sell Ford vehicles or more upmarket Lincoln and Mercury models, but not together. This is especially important in large metro area says one Ford St Paul dealership.
Ford is hoping to enforce the strategy that Ford branded models should remain out of Lincoln Mercury dealerships. By effectively separately these brands, Ford is hoping to maintain the luxury appearance of Lincoln Mercury dealerships. The move should be most beneficial to Mercury admits some consumers among used Ford St Paul dealers, the brand currently is comprised of thinly disguised Fords. Meanwhile, many wonder if Mercury will even exist in the long terms for its lack of distinction in such a complex marketplace. It's relatively low sales volume doesn't help matters either. This is precisely why many dealers such as used car dealers Salinas are keen to sell high-volume Ford models alongside Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
With auto sales still weighing heavily on decisions at Ford, changes in dealer consolidation are likely to continue predicts Lincoln Service Seaside. Whether or not to consolidate will remain a big question, especially considering that the Mercury brand itself remains teetering on the brink of extinction. Without consolidation, Ford has a chance to differentiate its brands, but consolidation will provide a stronger dealer network.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Could GM Utilize Toyota Hybrid Technology?
Toyota and General Motors have had a strong partnership via NUMMI. This seemingly odd relationship was responsible for the Pontiac Vibe, which was build alongside the similar Toyota Matrix in a joint manufacturing venture based in California. With the Pontiac Vibe now discontinued, the question now is what will come of the NUMMI partnership.
