Ford could take its Lincoln brand to international markets within five years

As soon as the luxury brand Lincoln is re-established in the US, Ford Motor Co. could take this brand to international markets within five years, according to Chief Executive Alan Mulally.

On the sidelines of the Paris Auto Show, Mulally said that for now, the “primary focus” is the US but he thinks that with Lincoln’s new “fantastic lineup,” there will be a lot of customer demand around the world. Intending to focus on its mass market Ford brand, the company has sold off the Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Volvo brands in the past few years.
Read Article

LACMAN - 10/4/2010 4:32:07 PM

+4 Boost

*contacts Alan Mulally and asks him if he is looking at the same Lincoln as the rest of us*

91z4me - 10/4/2010 11:37:41 PM

-1 Boost

As always you should assume that Mr. Mulally is looking at the product lineup 4-5 years in the future. Safe to say he knows something we do not.

Remember that Ford will only be Ford and Lincoln. No Mercury, no Volvo, no Jaguar, no Land Rover, no Aston. They only have to concentrate on Ford and Lincoln with all resources being focused on those two brands.

They also do not have to worry about Lincoln stepping on Volvo or Jaguar's toes (yes the Lincoln LS and other DEW98 derivatives were held back because they didn't want to encroach on Jag).

Surely this will be a tough climb, to say the least, but I have faith in Alan at this point.

freeagent - 10/4/2010 6:41:38 PM

+3 Boost

Lincoln is such a mess they should focus all their energies to get it fixed in the US before trying to conquer the world.

IMHO, I do not see a big turnaround coming from the concepts produced to date.

85bmw745i - 10/5/2010 1:01:12 AM

+7 Boost

First they need to develop decent rwd cars and stop offering re-badged for fusions, edges, expeditions, etc and offer real world class cars

Bmw8ter - 10/5/2010 9:17:20 AM

+5 Boost

It's sad when an entire luxury line-up is a complete rebadge of it's lower end. I think they've done a decent job hiding that fact, but I still can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to pay a $10-$15k premium for a Lincoln product if it wasn't unique to Lincoln only.

wins555 - 10/5/2010 2:50:22 AM

0 Boost

As for Lincoln stepping on Jaguars, I don't think so. However, Lincoln should focus on making great RWD luxury sedans instead of more SUVs. They should definitely bring out an updated Continental with suicide doors. IMO its the coolest Lincoln ever.

Whelan - 10/5/2010 9:51:47 AM

+2 Boost

How about some appealing US models before they venture into international territory.

Agent63 - 10/6/2010 5:59:14 AM

+1 Boost

Lets face it. North American's just don't have the eye for quality, performance, and luxury combined into one package like the Asian's and Europeans.

thenetranger - 10/6/2010 9:15:03 AM

+1 Boost

Ford needs to step away from the badge game, and they will need Lincoln specific engines