RUMOR: Lincoln May NOT Be Known As Lincoln Anymore, "Ambitions Are NOT To Be No. 1"

RUMOR: Lincoln May NOT Be Known As Lincoln Anymore,
Oh-kay. If there was a poll of unsuccessful automakers and one individual muttered Detroit's Lincoln, I don't think anyone would argue. It's certainly seen some tough times but Ford hasn't given up just yet.

And it shouldn't.

But as the brand goes through a rebuilding process, some rebranding and a new direction needs to be taken. A trail needs to be blazed, if you will.

However, I am not sure if I like what I hear -- it's almost a defeatist attitude. Company execs say it's not Lincoln's goal to be number one. Is that just in terms of sales or overall? A little more clarification is needed.

Then towards the end of the story, according to The Detroit News, a reporter asked a Ford executive about a possible renaming of the brand, the response was simple "Stay tuned."

A tease? Perhaps.

Even if Lincoln was renamed though, that's only the beginning to tackle its problems -- what ELSE needs to be done? Sexier products? More differentiation from Ford? What will MOVE these cars?!


Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln brand is undergoing a reinvention, hoping to become a real player in the luxury vehicle market by offering buyers a personalized and premium product lineup.

One thing Lincoln doesn't necessarily have to be is the luxury market leader.

"Our ambitions are not to be No. 1...We'd rather have a few people love us, than everyone like us."

...

There's also been talk of renaming the brand.

Farley, when asked about such a move, said "stay tuned."


Read Article

ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 10/24/2012 10:34:19 AM
+1 Boost
hahaha... such big aspirations...


klipprandklipprand - 10/23/2012 10:06:41 AM
+2 Boost
They need to beat another company in their segment at something. Last time I checked they don't beat anyone at anything. They're an also ran.


AudiphileAudiphile - 10/23/2012 3:00:07 PM
+3 Boost
Ford just finished mauling their dealer network in pushing the concept of selling all Ford marques under one roof. NOW they want to go back to a Lincoln-only dealer network? Make up your minds, guys.

Honestly I can see the problem with selling Fords and Lincolns right next to each other - these cars are far too similar to each other. And I thought Detroit had given up on "badge engineering". Well, I apparently need to think again.


ThierryHenry14ThierryHenry14 - 10/24/2012 10:40:54 AM
+1 Boost
It sounds weird, but I think Ford needs to leverage its name and power to help Lincoln. Although Ford is not a luxury brand by any means, the name does carry some influence. Thus, if it incorporated Lincoln as a premium trim of Ford, rather than a seperate brand, then it may help to build the Lincoln name.

After that, and only after that, it can then spin it off as its own brand (again)...

And the name definitely has to change... A car named after a president is anything but catchy...


LACMANLACMAN - 10/24/2012 10:41:26 AM
+1 Boost
This is so sad. Especially considering they always get their concepts right. *sigh*

I miss the days when American luxury was Cadillac, Buick, Lincoln, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler.

Guess we only REALLY have Cadillac now.


LACMANLACMAN - 10/24/2012 10:42:24 AM
+1 Boost
^Scratch that above commment. I was born in '83 so some might not take that the right way. I meant BEFORE my time!


Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC