Ford to consolidate dealerships; Boston named as likely target market

Ford Motor Co. plans to shrink its network of dealerships in the United States because it's selling fewer vehicles in the region.

The cut in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand retail outlets is planned "primarily in urban and metropolitan markets," spokesman Jim Cain said in an interview with Bloomberg Business News.

Ford's plan to consolidate dealerships was reported earlier today by Automotive News. The closings will be in 18 markets, including Boston, the trade publication said, citing dealers and Ford officials it didn't identify. Cain did not confirm that part of the Automotive News story, which also named Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco as likely targeted markets.

The automaker has about 4,300 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers in the United States

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