08/07/2008 19:27. Jul 08, 2008 (The Columbus Dispatch - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- F | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Ron Rush Lincoln-Mercury has closed after 54 years in business, a victim of dealership consolidation by Ford Motor Co.

The North Side dealership, in its third generation of operation by the Rush family, accepted a buyout offer from Ford, which owns Lincoln-Mercury. The move puts 35 employees out of work.

The consolidation is in response to Ford's worsening profit margins. The company has been closing dealerships in metro areas where it has multiple car lots in close proximity. Ford purchased the remaining 26 vehicles on the Ron Rush Lincoln-Mercury lot, at 2350 Morse Rd., before closing the dealership.

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