Ford Not Ruling Out Global Lincoln Presence

[HighestOfHigh]

Putting a luxury face on a carmaker in a region where it's known more for affordable commuters than superb sedans is a tough endeavor. Lexus and Cadillac are facing that challenge in Europe, and Fiat may soon face similar issues here in the U.S. So Ford's consideration of taking the Lincoln brand global has its share of risks.

Speaking on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show, Ford's president of the Americas Mark Fields said the brand currently has no plans to go global, but didn't rule it out for the future. This isn't the first time talk of Lincoln going global has emerged. Back in 2008, we brought you reports that Ford CEO Alan Mulally was considering a run at the big time.

One of the problems then was Lincoln's lack of a rear-wheel-drive lineup. That problem remains, though the presence of all-wheel drive may make up for it. Another key to success in Europe is diesel power, something Lincoln doesn't currently have, but which is possible should Ford leverage its global resources. Still, there's some groundwork to be done before a global Lincoln launch would even be possible.

Instead of going global right now, Fields says Lincoln is focusing on its home market for the time being. Re-building the brand name and product line to a position of first-tier luxury status in America would give a launching pad for Europe and Asia. Without it, Lincoln would be swimming in deep water without a life vest.

On the other hand, increasing Ford's overall reach in the rapidly emerging markets of Asia is a strong plan for the future. This year, China's total vehicle sales outstripped the stumbling American market, and the rate of growth there is almost unfathomable.

What's clear, however, is that Lincoln already has enough challenges on its plate at home for now. To see what Lincoln has been up to lately, check out the revised 2011 Lincoln MKX revealed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

- Ford Not Ruling Out Global Lincoln Presence - MotorAuthority

 

[SDNR]

Ford Not Ruling Out Global Lincoln Presence


Do they have no mercy?

 

[Kowalski]

It won't work.

 

[Mr Robert]

Please, keep it from the shores of Europe.

 

[Giannis]

It will be a flop like the Dodge is!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Lincoln has and always will be one of my favorite brands. How it will be accepted around the world will be another thing. On the other hand Lincoln should not be totally written off by the Europeans. They are getting better and better with each new product presented.

I personally would love to see Lincoln grow even bigger globally. Hopefully when they do decided to make the move, I hope they study these markets carefully and provide products that will adequately compete with the Germans.

 

[Kowalski]

It won't work and you damn well know that. American cars don't sell very well in here.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

It won't work and you damn well know that.

Actually NO ONE in this forum knows whether it will work or not. Only thing we can do now is base it on our irrelevant bias of BMW, Audi and Benz.

 

[Mr Robert]

It won't work and you damn well know that. American cars don't sell very well in here.

Excactly. Just take a look at Cadillac, the Lincoln will have to be leauges better than that in terms of interior. They will need to bring really good diesels and no SUV:s what so ever.

 

[Kowalski]

Excactly. Just take a look at Cadillac, the Lincoln will have to be leauges better than that in terms of interior. They will need to bring really good diesels and no SUV:s what so ever.

Cadillac only sold 121 cars in the German market in 2009. Chrysler is the only American brand that does surprisingly well.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Excactly. Just take a look at Cadillac, the Lincoln will have to be leauges better than that in terms of interior. They will need to bring really good diesels and no SUV:s what so ever.

Cadillac only sold 121 cars in the German market in 2009. Chrysler is the only American brand that does surprisingly well.

I'm sorry...I completely forgot that you two could tell the future based of another companies mistakes. My Bad.

 

[Mr Robert]

I'm sorry...I completely forgot that you two could tell the future based of another companies mistakes. My Bad.

You are excused.

 

[Kowalski]

I'm sorry...I completely forgot that you two could tell the future based of another companies mistakes. My Bad.

No problem.

 

[bmer]

The European market has been very challenging for new luxury car brands in the past. But competition is never a bad thing for the consumer so if they can find the right products for the Old Continent, then why not..

 

[MikeJ]

This piece of news is a bit like saying "MikeJ not ruling out a trip to the moon". What they're saying is that they have no current plans which means that even if they decided to go for it, it would be years before they'd have anything to show for it.