Lincoln Motor Co., vehicles were sold at 1,200 dealerships in 2010. By the end of 2024, that number was near 400 as the brand concentrates on locations where luxury models are in demand.
In Isabella County, it means the only locally owned, full-service dealership now is called Krapohl Ford.
Co-owners Tom Krapohl and Mark Smith have completed the paperwork necessary to part with Lincoln, a brand it has carried for more than 40 years.
“Ford has been encouraging dealerships nationwide for years to make this move,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, it really only makes sense for the largest dealerships, in metropolitan areas such as Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, to create the distinct and separate showrooms, websites and sales staff Ford wants for the Lincoln brand.
“We are proud to have been a part of Lincoln, and we continue to appreciate the styling and features in its models.”
“Sales or service, we’ll continue to take care of our Lincoln customers. Customers still can have their Lincolns serviced and repaired at Krapohl — including repairs covered under warranty.”
— Mike Helmer, Krapohl Ford general manager
Krapohl Ford General Manager Mike Helmer said while the dealership no longer has new Lincolns on the lot, customers still can work with the sales staff to buy one. The dealership continues to have an allotment of new Lincolns it can order, and the Krapohl sales team also can work with other dealerships to find the Lincoln its customers want. Used Lincolns will continue to be part of Krapohl’s stock.
“Sales or service, we’ll continue to take care of our Lincoln customers,” Helmer said. “Customers still can have their Lincolns serviced and repaired at Krapohl — including repairs covered under warranty.”
The sales team will reach out to current Lincoln owners to let them know of the changes.
Smith said the dealership is evolving in a number of ways, noting the recent additions of pick-up-and-delivery service, a mobile service truck, electric vehicle chargers in the service garage, and a Level 3 DC fast charger EV owners can access on the lot.
The name change takes Krapohl back to its roots, when Harold and Robert Krapohl launched Krapohl Ford Sales Co., on Court Street in downtown Mount Pleasant in 1950.
“We are celebrating our 75th anniversary in 2025, and the transition to Krapohl Ford as our name is a return to our legacy,” Smith said. “More than 99% of our customers buy Fords. It’s truly who we are.”
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