Stadium dealership in Boardman to drop Lincoln brand by year’s end

Staff report

boardman

Ford Motor Co.’s plans to eliminate more than one- third of its Lincoln dealers will leave the Mahoning Valley with one fewer purveyor of the luxury brand.

After nearly 30 years in business, Stadium Lincoln Mercury Mazda recently announced it will stop selling and servicing Lincoln vehicles.

Owner Shorty Navarro cited Ford’s plans to phase out the Mercury brand this year as a major factor in the decision to end Stadium’s Lincoln operations.

That decision will leave “Stadium as a stand-alone dealership without the Ford or Mercury brand as support or balance,” Navarro said in a statement.

“The decision is an emotional one which leaves me deciding with my head and my heart ... what will be within everyone’s best interest,” Navarro said. “I would like to personally thank everyone who has done business with Stadium Lincoln Mercury over the past 30 years.”

The auto dealership, at 7850 Market St., will change its name to Stadium Mazda by the end of the year. Stadium’s Lincoln inventory will be moved to Crown Ford Lincoln Mercury in Warren, which plans to remain in the Lincoln network.

Donnell Ford Lincoln Mercury in Salem also will continue to sell and service Lincoln models.