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Report: Ford spells out new standards for Lincoln dealers

Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Lincoln

lincoln logo

Being a Lincoln dealer in the 21st century has been anything but easy, as Ford has been looking to shed its luxury brand dealers the past couple years. Then Blue Oval recently killed off Mercury, a brand Lincoln dealers traditionally used as a feeder program. And perhaps the biggest challenge has been coaxing buyers into the showroom, as the brand’s 2010 sales total of just 85,828 units clearly illustrates.

The sledding apparently won’t get much easier for 2011 either, as Automotive News reports that Ford has added a few more regulations to be completed by October of this year. Fortunately, at least one of those standards is focused directly towards customers, as each Lincoln dealer will be required to feature owners’ privileges perks like a car wash with every service stop and a loaner for when vehicles are being worked on. Ford will also ask each Lincoln dealer to have a dedicated service manager and sales staff. That could be a tough pill to swallow for dealers who have Ford and Lincoln stores on the same site. Lincoln dealers will also be required to ditch all that old Lincoln-Mercury signage and instead feature a Lincoln-only sign featuring the four-pointed star. Lastly, all dealer lots will need to be filled with at least 30-percent certified pre-owned vehicles.

Those demands don’t sound all that unreasonable to us, but we’re betting Lincoln dealers won’t be too pleased with the prospect of spending more money without a lot of new products in the next year or so. Then there is the fact that Ford is reportedly looking to cut another 100 dealers in the top 130 markets in the year ahead. But while dealers likely won’t love these changes, there may not be much choice in the matter. Dealers who don’t comply with the new rules will reportedly receive smaller discount profit margins.

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Ford spells out new standards for Lincoln dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, Reviews, Luxury

Competing Against Edge More Than Other Luxury CUVs

2011 Lincoln MKX

2011 Lincoln MKX – Click above for high-res image gallery

With Mercury dead, hundreds of former Lincoln-Mercury dealerships will be forced to rely on Ford’s 93-year-old luxury brand to bring home the bacon alone. These dealers are nervous about their future, and rightfully so.

Every Lincoln on sale today is a gussied up version of a Ford. True, most mainstream automakers with luxury divisions, like Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and Volkswagen/Audi, use a similar strategy of platform and technology sharing to save costs, but U.S. domestic automakers have never been particularly good at it. A Volkswagen is usually praised for being Audi-like, but a Lincoln is usually decried for being too similar to a Ford. Sharing can so easily become rebadging, and Lincoln dealers are wondering how they’ll live off a lineup of simply “more expensive” Fords.

The answer may lie in the 2011 Lincoln MKX, which is the lux version of the Ford Edge. Since the latter received a significant mid-cycle freshening for the 2011 model year, so has the former. With their first significant update since 2006, the duo is poised to upset the status quo in the premium mid-size CUV segment. We’ve already told you how impressed we are with the 2011 Edge, so you won’t be surprised to learn we feel much the same about the new MKX. The difference is that the Lincoln has a lot further to go to be competitive within the luxury CUV set. Does it succeed? Will we now praise the Edge for being Lincoln-like?

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX: Review

2011 Lincoln MKX

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Review: 2011 Lincoln MKX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Dodge, Lincoln, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #207 of the Autoblog Podcast is staffed by Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris Paukert. We hit the Autoblog Garage first and then salivate at the possibility of a non-hybrid Honda CR-Z. The defection of Max Wolff to Lincoln from Cadillac is next, and we ponder what that might mean before turning our attention to the return of the Dodge Viper as a 2013 model. We finish with your questions at the end for an hour and thirty-two minutes total. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Buick Regal
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
2011 Nissan Versa

News Topics:

Non-Hybrid Honda CR-Z
Max Wolff tapped to reinvigorate Lincoln styling
Viper is coming back

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 1:32:44

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln’s new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln, Specialty

Lincoln MKT hearse

Lincoln MKT hearse spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Halloween may have been two months ago, but our quick-shooting spy photographers have just captured the first images of Lincoln’s upcoming MKT hearse. (Yes, hearse.) With the impending death of the Town Car not too far ahead, Ford Motor Company has already stated that the Flex-based MKT crossover will be uplifted to serve a variety of special livery duties. This means that in addition to this rather fetching hearse, we can probably expect to see stretched limousine versions of the MKT in the not-too-distant future.

It isn’t immediately clear if this MKT hearse is fully a factory effort or if Ford is conducting testing with an aftermarket livery company, but this prototype has been spotted in Ford’s usual stomping grounds, and it boasts a Michigan Manufacturer license plate. The tester seen here appears to be powered by the automaker’s 3.7-liter V6, an engine that’s currently available in the base MKT, and that seems just fine by us. After all, there really isn’t any need for the more powerful EcoBoost V6 in a vehicle that’s designed for slow, sorrow-filled processions. The prototype’s stretched wheelbase and taller roof should provide ample room for even the largest of – ahem – passengers, and based on our experiences with the standard-issue MKT, things shouldn’t be too spartan for the driver, either.

Have a look at the full set of MKT Hearse spy shots in our high-resolution gallery below, and look for this larger-than-life (or death) Lincoln to start arriving at funeral homes near you.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse

Lincoln MKT Hearse

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford nabs former Cadillac stylist for new Lincoln design chief

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, Ford, GM, Lincoln, Design/Style

Max Wolff, Lincoln design head Max Wolff, formerly of General Motors, has been hired by Ford Motor Company to head up Lincoln’s design team effective January 3, 2011.

During his tenure at GM, Wolff was most recently responsible for leading Cadillac’s exterior design team, though he also held positions at the automaker’s Holden and Daewoo divisions. Ford sees Wolff’s global design experience as a benefit for Lincoln, bringing “a fresh perspective that will challenge us internally and take Lincoln to new levels of prestige,” says Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President for Global Product Development.

Wolff, 38, is tasked with creating a definitive design language for Lincoln that extends beyond the large split-grilled creations we currently see. Specifically, Ford has cited that the Lincoln brand will debut seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles over the next four years, including the automaker’s first-ever C-segment car. For the full details, hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford nabs former Cadillac stylist for new Lincoln design chief

Ford nabs former Cadillac stylist for new Lincoln design chief originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

We’re back for Episode #201 of the Autoblog Podcast. Hosting this week are Chris Shunk, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman. Topics include the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Hyundai’s claim to soon be building the most American cars on the U.S. market, Lincoln’s spat with its dealers, the new Mercedes B-Cass and the Green Car of the Year nominees. The Autoblog Garage at the beginning and feedback/questions at the end provide the full experience. It’s an hour and twenty minutes this week, thanks for listening and we’ll see you soon!

Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year

In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford Fiesta Hatch
Nissan Sentra

News Topics:
Lincoln fighting with its dealers

Hyundai wants to be the most American automaker in the U.S.
Green Car of the Year finalists announced
Mercedes B-Class coming to the U.S.?

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 1:17:46

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #201 – Challenger 392, American Hyundais, Lincoln dealers, Mercedes B-Class, Green Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limo ready for apocalyptic prom

Filed under: Aftermarket, Auctions, Lincoln, Humor, Luxury, Off-Road

1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo

1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo – Click above for high-res image gallery

It really is only a matter of time before our society dissolves into nothing more than the hollowed out shell of its former self populated by roving bands of blood-thirsty cubicle drones. We’ve seen the Mad Max saga, studied Water World and meditated on The Postman. We know exactly how this shindig ends, we just don’t know when it’ll happen.

Which is exactly why you need this beauty of modern engineering. You see, while there are plenty of vehicles suited for roaming the wastes, few can roll through burnt out city centers with the kind of sophistication and comfort as this modified 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limousine. With a mere 117,000 miles on what we’re assured is a meticulously maintained drivetrain, the apocalimo offers everything you need to spar with bandits in style.

Judging from the eBay listing, the seller is more than motivated to find this machine a new home thanks to neighbors that just can’t understand the value of being prepared. The current bid is just a wide hair over $3,000 with the reserve not met and a day left on the auction.

Gallery: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limo ready for apocalyptic prom originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln Continental to return? Depends on who you ask…

Filed under: Sedan, Lincoln, Rumormill, Luxury

1961 Lincoln Continental in blue

There’s some word that Ford is seriously considering resurrecting the Continental name. The internets are buzzing with both confirmation and denial of the rumor depending on where you look. Over at Automotive News, a report suggests that dealers have been told that the Conti will resurface as part of an upcoming Lincoln renaissance that includes the introduction of up to seven new or significantly reworked models in short order. Those dealers have supposedly been shown a handful of concept-level renderings of what the new models will look like.

Meanwhile, Motor Authority is reporting that Ford is trying to silence any speculation that the big Continental will return to the Lincoln stable. The site quotes Lincoln spokesman Christian Bokich as saying that of the seven new models headed to the showroom soon, none of them are a new take on the Continental.

That would seem to make sense for a number of reasons. With Lincoln fully embracing a terribly confusing alphabetic naming system, a nameplate like Continental would stick out in a big way (though perhaps Ford is reconsidering this nomenclature strategy). Throw in the fact that the MKS is currently tucked into the slot that the Continental traditionally held, and there’s less and less room for resurrecting the nameplate.

So what does Lincoln have planned for the near future? The crew over at Pickuptrucks.com seems to think that the brand is going to take another swing at a luxury pickup, even though the Blackwood and Mark LT models before it have failed to move the sales needle. Of course, all of this is just well-intentioned speculation at this point. Chances are that with today’s dealer meeting proceedings underway, Lincoln won’t be able to keep its real plans under its hat for long.

[Sources: Automotive News, Motor Authority, Pickuptrucks]

Lincoln Continental to return? Depends on who you ask… originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Lincoln, Celebrities, Luxury

Mad Men’s John Slattery, Lincoln’s new pitchman. Follow the jump to watch the new TV spot.

Lincoln wants everyone in TV land to know about its freshened model lineup. To grab their attention, they’ve gone with a heavy hitter from a pretty popular ad agency to shill the 2011 MKX: Roger Sterling, from Sterling Cooper Draper Price. OK, fine… not Roger Sterling, but John Slattery, the actor who portrays him on AMC’s Mad Men.

Slattery will plug the new “Smarter than Luxury” campaign, which launches during coverage of the Ryder Cup golf tournament. The focus of the ads is to highlight the technology and craftsmanship that are put into each new Lincoln vehicle. The TV spots will be backed up by a full print campaign as well, highlighting the 2011 Lincoln MKX and the MKZ hybrid.

Mad Men is a huge hit, so it’s a no-brainer for Lincoln to tap into that popularity. Mercedes-Benz has already signed Jon Hamm (a.k.a. Mad Men’s Don Draper) as the new voice-man for its commercials. Hop the jump to see Slattery pitch the latest from Lincoln.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials

Video: Lincoln hires a Mad Man for new commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lincoln plans to close 200 metro dealers, upgrade the rest

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

Lincoln Concept C – Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that Ford has officially announced that its Mercury division would be going the way of the Dodo, and with Blue Oval-branded models like the Taurus SHO proving that the Dearborn automaker can indeed move itself a bit upmarket, the next logical concern is addressing what will happen to Lincoln. That’s especially true given the fact that Lincoln’s 82,847 total sales in 2009 are a mere pittance compared to that of class-leading Lexus, which moved 215,957 vehicles.

One of the big problems with Lincoln is that there are just too many dealerships trying to sell a car to in-market customers. To wit, Lincoln currently boasts a whopping 1,221 stores in the States. By way of comparison, Lexus has 230, Audi has 270, BMW has 338 and Mercedes-Benz has 352. Do the math and it’s easy to see that each Lincoln dealership doesn’t sell very many vehicles – in fact, they’re averaging just two sales per week.

According to Automotive News, Ford has a two-part plan to inject some life into its moribund Lincoln outlets. First, the total number of dealerships will be reduced by at least 200, and most of those closures will happen in large metropolitan markets where there are already multiple stores. Second, remaining outlets will be heavily upgraded in order to compete with Lincoln’s targeted competitors.

Will it work? Hard to say, but if the brand can build models like the rumored production version of the Concept C showcar, it could certainly inject some life into Lincoln. In any case, we should get a few more details around October 4, which is when Lincoln’s annual dealer meeting is scheduled to begin.

Gallery: Lincoln Concept C

[Sources: Automotive News – sub. req., Bloomberg]

Report: Lincoln plans to close 200 metro dealers, upgrade the rest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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