The short answer: No. Mercury, the Ford-owned automobile marque, is no longer produced; Ford discontinued the brand after the 2010 model year, with the last Mercury models sold through 2011. Independent businesses may use the Mercury name, but there is no active Mercury car division connected to Ford or a major automaker.
The question often pops up because the Mercury name appears in independent auto shops, dealerships, and memorabilia. This article explains the brand’s history, the reasons for its retirement, and what the name means today in non-OEM contexts.
A brief history of Mercury as a Ford marque
Origins and purpose
Mercury was launched in 1938 by Ford Motor Company to fill the space between Ford-branded cars and the luxury Lincoln models, offering more features and a higher level of refinement at a mid-range price.
The following milestones provide a concise timeline of Mercury's life as a Ford brand.
- 1939: Mercury formally introduced as a separate make, with distinctive styling and position between Ford and Lincoln.
- 1950s–1960s: Expanded lineup including sedans, coupes, and convertibles; Mercury becomes a more recognizable premium alternative.
- 1970s–1990s: Continued mid-range positioning, sharing platforms with Ford; occasional niche models and redesigns aimed at retaining value as a family-friendly brand.
- 2000s: Continued updates to models like the Grand Marquis, Sable, Mountaineer, and Milan; attempts to modernize the lineup but sales declined.
- 2010: Ford announces the retirement of the Mercury brand as part of a broader restructuring process.
- 2011 (model year): The last Mercury models were sold; the brand effectively ceased production.
The end of the Mercury brand reflected Ford's decision to streamline its lineup amid changing consumer tastes and profitability pressures. No new Mercury-branded vehicles have been produced since then.
Current status of the Mercury name
Independent uses today
Although the brand is gone, the Mercury name persists in a number of independent businesses that carry it in their names or branding. These uses are not affiliated with Ford Motor Company or any official Mercury vehicle program.
Examples of how the name is used today include:
- Independent auto repair shops and service centers that use "Mercury" in their business name.
- Used-car lots or automotive dealers operating under a Mercury-signed name in various regions.
- Merchandising or memorabilia retailers selling Mercury-era parts or collectibles, not official Ford-authorized items.
Consumers should verify claims of official branding or authorized parts with primary sources or Ford's customer relations channels. The existence of the name today does not imply an ongoing factory-backed program.
What this means for collectors and buyers
For enthusiasts and buyers interested in Mercury-era vehicles or parts, the landscape is largely that of a classic-car market with third-party sellers, clubs, and specialty shops. Official new parts or direct factory support are no longer available from Ford for Mercury models.
Classic Mercury vehicles can still be found through auction houses, classic-car dealers, and dedicated enthusiast communities. When seeking parts, collectors typically rely on aftermarket suppliers who stock compatible components or on used-stock from other Ford platforms that share parts with Mercury models.
Summary
The Mercury brand was retired by Ford in 2010, with the last models discontinued in the 2011 model year. There is no active Mercury automotive manufacturer tied to Ford or a major automaker today. The name, however, continues to appear in independent businesses and in classic-car communities, where it is associated with preserved vehicles from the Mercury era rather than ongoing production. If you’re researching a specific business named Mercury Automotive, verify its status locally, as it is not tied to Ford and may be unrelated to the historic Mercury marque.