Lincoln Sets Expectations For Dealers, Is Lincoln Out Of Touch With Its CORE Problem?

It looks like Ford is playing hardball these days with Lincoln. Essentially, there was a meeting at last weekend's NADA convention that told Lincoln dealers they have to come to terms with a new set of expectations OR it's time to close up the dealer.

Although some of the demands don't seem tremendously tough -- like ONLY have "Lincoln" on dealership signage, provide loaner vehicles and free car wash to those coming in for service --, there are some that could be more taxing.

Take, for example, the requirement that says the dealer needs 30 percent certified pre-owned vehicles in its used-car inventory OR how about the requirement of ALL Lincoln dealers to maintain a dedicated service manager and sales team for Lincoln products. Considering many Lincoln dealers are paired up with others, that could be a bit of a hassle, especially when Lincoln sales aren't on a tear.

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Ford’s been fixing Lincoln for so long now, it’s almost surprising that things on the dealership level are still so broken. But, as Ford told its dealers at last weekend’s NADA convention, it’s time to put up or become a former Lincoln dealership. By the end of this year, every Lincoln dealer must comply with a few of Ford’s “more than reasonable” expectations, to wit...

[Source: The Truth About Cars]


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geoff448 - 2/7/2011 5:49:35 PM

-3 Boost

liiiiiiiiiiiiincoln sucks, it really really sucks! lincoln sucks it really really sucks!

gatoradeeeeeeeeeeee

llaroo - 2/7/2011 9:27:34 PM

+6 Boost

the front grille on Lincolns is right up there with Acura these days. Please get a handle on this. Its not that hard to design a good looking front end is it ?

tango - 2/7/2011 10:57:10 PM

+2 Boost

Yes. Lincoln has lost its mojo, just like Honda has. In fact...Lincoln has become the American Acura, even though they seem to want to be the American Audi. To pull that off they woul need to a) have wins at FIA World Rally Championship, b) wins at Le Mans, c) and interiors that the automotive world get collective hard ons over. At present NONE of the above is even remotely a reality.

PUGPROUD - 2/8/2011 8:07:46 AM

+3 Boost

It would seem that Ford in making these demands is setting the table before serving up a line of new, dynamic Lincolns. While I feel for dealers serving multiple brands Lincoln will not be considered a premium brand if owners have to interface with Ford, Mazda and even
Subaru owners like at my local dealership. Based on Ford's recent track record I would not bet against them. Time will tell.

mini22 - 2/9/2011 1:50:07 PM

+1 Boost

It seems strange ,on first aquaintance, how Ford is going about dealing with Lincoln dealers. However, I think initially they intend on weeding out all but the largest dealers. So far there is no concete new products in the pipeline. They are basically telling dealers this is what we have to sell and if your any good you will be able to keep your dealership. If I were a lincoln dealership now I'd be trying to schedule an interview with the "Cadillac" regional sales director or even Chrysler for that matter.