Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council weary of Mercury's future, asks Ford for future product plans

It's been speculated for years that Ford is planning to sell off or kill its Mercury brand, and the situation is apparently reaching a critical level as the Lincoln Mercury National Dealer Council has asked Ford to reveal its future plans for the once-strong marque.

The two sides will sit down at a meeting in September, but the future of Mercury isn't looking so bright. Other than new powertrains for the Mercury Mariner and a refreshed Milan -- including a hybrid version -- there are no new products in the Mercury pipeline.

Since 2006, Mercury's sales have dwindled by 30 percent, according to a report by Motor Authority.

Ford continues to deny the Mercury brand is circling the drain, but with the brand consisting of little more than a Ford trim level, it would seem that Mercury's days are becoming increasingly numbered.