Merkur XR4Ti: A Lesson in Automotive Support

The Merkur XR4Ti, a hatchback built in Germany and sold in the US from 1985 to 1989, was based on Ford's European Sierra model. It featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that could outrun a BMW 3 Series or a Ferrari 308 GTB of its time. Despite its performance and unique design, including a double-decker rear spoiler, sales of the XR4Ti were disappointing.

A key factor contributing to its poor sales was the lack of proper support from dealers, who were not adequately trained to sell the vehicle, and the failure of Ford to update the car for the US market as it did overseas. This highlights the importance of proper support for a vehicle's success, regardless of its make or model, including European and Japanese cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota, and Honda.