Beginning April 14, Long Beach’s last remaining Mazda franchise will no longer be selling vehicles from the Asian car maker, instead beefing up its current inventory with more Fords and Lincolns.

Caruso Ford, Caruso Lincoln and Caruso Mazda have occupied a lot on Cherry Ave. just above the 405 freeway for 28 years, however its owner Henry Caruso has decided not to renew his contract with Mazda, effectively ending sales of the car in city limits.

Caruso Ford/Lincoln, which formerly operated as Pacific Ford and Long Beach Lincoln Mercury prior to 2012, will now combine its Ford and Lincoln products due to what its owner described as a higher demand for the American-made vehicles. Consumers interested in Mazdas will now have to travel to nearby Mazda dealerships in Cerritos, Huntington Beach or the South Bay.

Caruso’s auto sales will continue at 3500 Cherry Avenue while Caruso will continue to operate his pre-owned lot and truck repair/body shop at 3600 Cherry Avenue.

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