Lincoln Touts All-Wheel Drive Sales in the USA

Not to be outdone by GM and its Cadillac brand, which had recently published some fresh statistics about its all-wheel drive model sales in the States, Ford’s Lincoln division came out with a similar announcement to increase awareness and do some show off. Ford’s premium brand offers all-wheel drive as an option on all five models of its range, including the MKT, MKS, MKZ, MKX and the Navigator.

So far this year, Lincoln says that 72 percent of MKT three-row crossover buyers and 62 percent of MKX two-row crossover buyers have opted for all-wheel drive, while 62 percent of those that chose the large, truck-based Navigator did the same. These numbers drop when it comes to Lincoln’s sedan range as 46 percent of MKS and 25 percent of MKZ sedan customers ticked the all-wheel drive option.

"We're seeing the number of customers choosing all-wheel drive increasing steadily as drivers appreciate the benefits," said C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln.

"More than half of our crossover customers are enjoying the reassurance that all-wheel drive delivers, such that once they have experienced it, they don't want to give it up. We see all-wheel drive as a core technology option for the entire Lincoln line-up, both today and for the future."

PHOTO GALLERY

Lincoln Presents MKT Town Car and Limousine Editions to Replace Panther-Based Town Car

For the past 30 years, Lincoln's panther platform-based Town Car has offered its services to a great number of limousine and chauffer operators throughout the country and abroad, but production of the current model will finally come to an end this fall leaving a gap in the company's range.

But FoMoCo isn't about to let go of this financially prosperous niche segment. At the 2011 International LCT (Limousine, Charter, and Tour) show in Las Vegas, Lincoln unveiled the car's successors in the form of the chauffeur-dedicated and MKT-based Town Car Livery and Limousine editions.

“Livery operators are looking for a leading livery solution that is reliable and stylish, and the new Lincoln livery and limousine solutions fit the bill in every capacity,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The new MKT Town Car will be the best available in the livery industry, working off a solid base as the perfect way to achieve the versatility needed for executive transportation or a night out on the town.”

The company said that the Lincoln MKT Town Car Livery version uses a standard MKT chassis and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, while the heavy-duty Limousine chassis will feature standard all-wheel drive for stretched wheelbase limousine conversion of up to an additional 120 inches (10 feet).

Notable changes on the MKT Town Car Livery include the redesigned rear seating that been moved rearward by 1.5 inches for additional legroom and improved comfort, while there's also a switch on the rear passenger side door that allows a rear seat passenger to control the front passenger seat ahead. Key features include a USB charging port, a 110-volt power socket in the rear seat center console, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability for mobile tablets, laptops and other devices.

Lincoln said that the MKT Town Car Limousine chassis incorporates several heavy-duty components, such as upgraded suspension, electric power-assisted steering system (EPAS) and transmission, plus unique wheels, tires and wheel bearings and an upsized brake system. The Limousine also has the standard MKT's third seating row removed, and comes equipped with a full-size spare tire.

Both variants of the MKT Town Car will be manufactured at Oakville Assembly Complex with production set to begin next spring.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Lincoln Shakeups Continue as Ford Lays Down the Law for its Luxury Brand

After rejuvenating Ford and euthanizing Mercury, FoMoCo is finally ready to take its top-tier brand seriously. This means it will set standards for Lincoln by taking cues from true premium marques.

Ford recently spoke with its remaining 1,100 Lincoln dealers and spelled out a plan - or provided them with an ultimatum - that will hopefully please and attract customers while allowing for time to re-characterize and rebuild the ailing luxury brand. If these requests aren't met by October 1st, Ford just won't think dealers are committed enough to continue selling Lincolns.

Some of these "strongly recommended" premium touches include a loaner car should a customer need to leave their car at the shop, as well as a car wash (both free of charge). Dealers will also have to erase all evidence of Mercury and, if they are paired with Ford lots, have their own unique service managers and staff so as not to contaminate the pool.

Ford also wants Lincoln dealers to have 30% or more of their pre-owned inventory be certified vehicles. To make matters worse, Ford announced that over 100 more dealer spots will be gone this year in order to drive sales in the direction of dealers who have earned the right to survive.

Naturally, Lincoln dealers aren't exactly thrilled with the concept of spending extra cash while not having any hot new product. However, if people are patient, things might just end up well; with Cadillac's former exterior design chief Max Wolff at the helm, Lincoln could finally get away from its toothy, Ford-derived designs and give Cadillac a run for its money.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews [Sub. Required]

Next Lincoln Models to get Unique Designs and Different Technology than Fords

According to an Automotive News report, future Lincoln vehicles will be heavily differentiated from their Ford counterparts, as the two brands will no longer share design cues and technology.

“The strategy isn't just new products, but full differentiation from the Ford brand in not only design, but in technology”, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, on the sidelines of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Mr. Kuzak also said that Ford would achieve this by modifying the existing platforms in order to create unique Lincoln products. That could be the case with Ford’s power steering or chassis electronic control, for example.

“Imagine adding suspension control to that and what would happen to the platform if you did that on Lincoln only”, he added.

Scott Tobin, Lincoln's director of product development, told Automotive News that future Lincoln products will have newly designed interiors, an extended V6 engine line-up and other features, such as paddle shifters and all-wheel drive systems, with no rear-wheel drive variants in the works.

Lincoln also plans to reorganize its dealer network by eliminating at least 200 franchises in the top 130 U.S. markets. Furthermore, remaining dealers must agree to thoroughly upgrade their facilities and implement other changes.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________