GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN – June 27, 2011. After more than 50 years of service, the Lincoln dealership in Garden City is closing its doors.

Originally Stu Evans Lincoln Mercury, the dealership became Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury in October of 2006. The new owners reached out to the community and Metropolitan became known for its active involvement and generous support of charitable causes and people in need. From hosting American Red Cross blood drives to supporting schools to making donations, Metropolitan repeatedly extended a helping hand.

During its years as Metropolitan, the dealership earned top honors from Ford Motor Company. Last year Metropolitan was one of only seven Lincoln Mercury dealerships in the United States to receive the prestigious Triple Crown Award in recognition of Metropolitan’s excellence in serving its customers.  In addition to earning the Triple Crown Award, Metropolitan also received nearly all the other major dealership honors awarded by Ford Motor Company.

The beginning of the end for Metropolitan occurred when Ford Motor Company retired the Mercury vehicle line, which accounted for about 70% of Metropolitan’s new vehicle sales. Reducing the number of Lincoln dealerships across the country is one of Ford Motor Company’s goals to help streamline the Lincoln brand. After careful consideration, Metropolitan agreed to participate in the consolidation process and reached an agreement with Ford Motor Company.

“We are honored to have served in Garden City and are deeply saddened to be closing the dealership,” said John Obeid, Metropolitan’s dealer / operator. “Metropolitan’s employees are outstanding people who have provided excellent service to our customers.”

Metropolitan employs nearly ninety people and the owners are making efforts to help find new positions for its employees, some of whom have been with the dealership for more than twenty years.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Metropolitan for their dedicated service and to the thousands of customers we have been privileged to serve,” said Obeid.