Ford dealership closings to hit 300 this year

Ford Motor Co . said it expects to reduce U.S. dealerships by about 300 this year, 50 percent more than initially intended, under a plan to eliminate excess outlets. The company originally had expected the number to decrease by about 200 this year, spokesman Jim Cain said Monday. Ford had about 4,300 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships in the United States. in January. The reductions are occurring through closings, mergers and so-called dualing, where it combines Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships in a single site, Cain said.