Ford Spending 'Billions' on Lincoln Brand

[scford58]

we have an app for that, scford58
or actually a Poll choice (LINK)
1st Annual Lincoln-NAIAS Smilie Poll
How do you feel about FoMoCo's handling of Lincoln now?

Thanks 2b2 for the poll. I voted giving top smilie face honors to the Ford Mgmnt Team!

[Andrew L]

Interesting point brought up at GMi, it doesn't say how much just 'Billions'. So is this 2 Billion? 3 Billion? That could make a huge difference.

[2b2]

Interesting point brought up at GMi, it doesn't say how much just 'Billions'. So is this 2 Billion? 3 Billion? That could make a huge difference.

AGREE
$2 Billion now
with another billion waiting at the next 'switch'/station
& another billion at the station after that
& so on & so on...

...as long as & whenever greenlight conditions are met
(not 'just' sales numbers tho)

[ZanatWork]

Well, it looks like the "decision" that was going to hang on MKZ and MKC response has been made. Hopefully, Lincoln actually becomes what it never could before: a truly competitive luxury brand.

Yes, I also like the fact that this can't hurt future rwd products from both Ford and Lincoln...

[2b2]

Where do many of you think that Lincoln should invest those " Billions " in regards to the brand's growth? (LINK)

first thoughts...
BILLION$:
1. MCEs to get all models looking somewhat related = NO Later than Oct.31,2014
2. Bespoke Program & the manufacturing processes to streamline custom ordering (4 weeks MAX)
3. longitudinally-engined Rwd-variant of CD4+3
4. development of electric-assist VirtualAwd for both Fwd- & Rwd-based drivetrains
&
what should probably come first:
0. amphetamines for the decision-makers responsible for the "pace" of Lincoln's progress

[1980Capri]

I hope that some of this effort is spent deciding on WHAT Lincoln ought to become as opposed to just trying to lux up Fords and throw them out there. Infiniti tried to "BMWize" itself with limited success, while Lexus started out as tarted up Toyotas but has succeeded in differentiating them and clings to the luxury, not sporty side of the market. Ford needs to spend time deciding where/how they can be successful for the first go. Few people (other than those on boards like this) are sitting back holding their breath on what the next Lincoln looks like - Ford will have to aim for the right market as much as deliver the goods.

[All-Or-Nothing]

Interesting point brought up at GMi, it doesn't say how much just 'Billions'. So is this 2 Billion? 3 Billion? That could make a huge difference.

This is not directed towards you by the way.

Somehow I knew that would be the next response. How many billions.....LOL

It will never be enough for people rooting against Lincoln.

[All-Or-Nothing]

I hope that some of this effort is spent deciding on WHAT Lincoln ought to become as opposed to just trying to lux up Fords and throw them out there. Infiniti tried to "BMWize" itself with limited success, while Lexus started out as tarted up Toyotas but has succeeded in differentiating them and clings to the luxury, not sporty side of the market. Ford needs to spend time deciding where/how they can be successful for the first go. Few people (other than those on boards like this) are sitting back holding their breath on what the next Lincoln looks like - Ford will have to aim for the right market as much as deliver the goods.

Infiniti trying to BMWize itself is no different then Caddy trying to BMWize itself. Look where those ATS sales are. Lincoln and FORD knows this. People shopping for Lincolns, and Caddies for that matter, want Lincolns and Caddies. Not a car trying to become a BMW.

Lincoln is taking the right approach here.

[Logans Run]

first thoughts...
BILLION$:
1. MCEs to get all models looking somewhat related = NO Later than Oct.31,2014

What would get an MCE? The MKS, MKX, and Navigator whould all be replaced by new models by then, or gearing up for production.

[2b2]

What would get an MCE? The MKS, MKX, and Navigator whould all be replaced by new models by then, or gearing up for production.

Ford Redoubles Effort to Reawaken Its Sleepy Lincoln Brand - N Y Times
An unusual ad campaign features Abraham Lincoln, the president for whom the car brand is named
By BILL VLASIC - Published: December 2, 2012
...Mr. Mulally will also announce the on-sale date in early 2013 for the radically redesigned Lincoln MKZ sedan, as well as plans for three new vehicles down the road...

...The Lincoln comeback effort starts with the midsize MKZ, which has been redesigned with a sweeping grille, tapered body style and an all-glass retractable roof. It will be followed by three other new models, including a larger sedan and S.U.V. ...

note: the link now goes to a subscription page, not the full article

I take the blurb to mean that the Navi will continue waiting (a bit) for it's real nextgen.
The nextgen F-150, that it's generally thought to be based on, per an online document late last spring, showed a Job1 date in Q3 2014
so
since imho the Navi is a JOKE stylewise Poll until it gets at least a new grille;
I *hope* for an MCE-ASAP! 2011 woulda been better, or '10, or '09...
AND
there's the ridiculous true-baleen grilles on the S & T that imho Never Shoulda Been &



DRAT! now I gotta go qualify my Smilie Poll response