(May 27, 2010) Bloomberg News reported today that Ford is preparing to wind down the Mercury line, created in 1939 by Edsel Ford, after sales plunged 74 percent since 2000. Two people familiar with the plan were cited as sources.

The automaker's top executives are preparing a proposal to kill Mercury to be presented to directors in July, said the people, who asked not to be identified revealing internal discussions.

Mercury, losing two of four models next year, will be starved of products and promotion, the people said.

CEO Alan Mulally emphasized the automaker's namesake brand as he revived the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy. The timing of Mercury's demise depends on how fast executives can persuade the brand's dealers, who also sell Lincoln models, to close or merge with Ford showrooms, they said.