Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT Facing Possible 2013 Elimination
With relatively poor sales the Ford Edge and its hideously-styled Lincoln-MKT derivative may be phased out in 2013 after just one generation. While a response to the lack of success for each model, Ford has a larger plan for its two remaining brands, aiming to create a larger gap between Ford and Lincoln.
With the introduction of the new 2011 Explorer, the Ford crossover lineup now has too many products and the Flex is the most likely to get the axe. We won’t be the first to suggest that a Lincoln-branded version of the Explorer could be on its way. This plan is also expected to include a redesign of the MKX in 2014 that will see it move away from the Edge.
Interestingly, while the larger Ford plan will see Ford and Lincoln move apart from each other, Ford is planning a compact front drive car or crossover for Lincoln. This could be a new model based on the upcoming Focus – especially as the elimination of the Mercury brand will also put an end to plans to bring a Focus-based Mercury to market. As for the possible crossover, we’d expected this to be a Lincoln-branded version of the upcoming Escape-replacement – which will fall more in line with the European Ford Kuga. A Lincoln compact crossover would also be a perfect competitor to the rumored Buick compact crossover that’s either going to be based on the Chevy Cruze or Chevy Aveo architecture.
[Source: AutoNews via Autoblog]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Guess I am NOT alone.. thinking Ford should have sold Lincoln & Kept Volvo... Volvo had/has WORLD Class designs in place.. Lincoln design looks like someone put plows on the front of their SUV's they have out this year.. Womever thought of that should be FIRED... The Ford Explorer looks great , the Edge looks Great.. but those new Lincolns look like they aren't in the same league with Cadillac or Audi or even Volvo. If ford wants 30-50 year old drivers for its cars it better come up with some better designs otherwise.. get a a Cadillac,Audi or Volvo instead..
As an owner ofa 2010 Flex, it is understandable that some people find it ugly. However it was a perfect fit for my needs. It was not as high as most SUV's and does not have a minivan's sliding doors. As a Land Rover inspired design the Flex hasa certain elegance about it. It is just as elegant and comfortable on the inside. The Flex is definitly a love it or hate it vehicle.