Ford Studying New Models for Lincoln
Lincoln is in the midst of trying to turn itself around, and parent company Ford is looking at introducing new models to the Lincoln lineup to help the brand out of its current slump.
As a hint towards what is to come, Ford presented a chart at a recent investor’s meeting that suggests the premium small car and crossover segments will grow rapidly by 2015.
Lincoln already has the MKC compact crossover (seen above) which is set to launch in 2014, based on the Ford Escape. As for a premium small car, inside sources at Ford let slip to Reuters that the brand is working on a compact sedan that is set to launch in 2016 or later. If it reaches production, the small sedan will target the Cadillac ATS and the Mercedes CLA, and will be sold in the United States and China.
SEE ALSO: Lincoln MKC Concept Details
In 1998, Lincoln was the best selling luxury brand in the U.S. and was routinely selling over 100,000 vehicles a year. In 2012, the brand only moved 82,150 units, making it the eighth best-selling luxury automaker.
As part of its overhaul, Lincoln recently launched the MKZ sedan, though supply and quality issues got the MKZ off to a rocky start. Lincoln sales were down 24 percent during the first quarter, though sales picked up through April and May, putting them only 10.5 percent down through the first five months of 2013 compared to last year.
[Source: Automotive News]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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