Lincoln MKS Axed
The Lincoln MKS is being killed off.
Ford has confirmed that production of the Lincoln MKS will be phased out next year and it has been reported that the American automaker plans to replace the model with the production version of the Continental concept that debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show.
The current Lincoln MKS shares its platform with the Ford Taurus, which will live on. “Chicago Assembly Plant is vital to our global manufacturing footprint and will continue to manufacture the Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor vehicles even after we phase out production of the MKS in 2016,” the American automaker said in a statement. “We will continue to match production to demand.”
SEE ALSO: Lincoln Aviator Rumored to Return as Upscale Ford Explorer Twin
Expect the outgoing Lincoln MKS to benefit from significant discounts in the coming year, especially since sales have been slow for the luxury sedan. Through May 2015, Lincoln has only sold 3,304 MKS units, which is 19.1 percent less than the same period a year ago.
When the Continental heads to production, replacing the MKS, it won’t be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant. Instead, the factory will satisfy increased demand for the Explorer with more production. Rumor has it that the Continental will be built along with the Fusion and Mustang in Flat Rock, Michigan.
[Source: USA Today]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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My adopted Dad has a Lincoln Town Car (I named it Abe) and it's close to 15 years old, like "smartacus's" below he's 74 as well. Over the last year Abe has had a lot of time/money spent on it. Dad likes a rear wheel drive "big" car. He always remarked if Ford/Lincoln wants to sell cars bring back the Lincoln Town Car, and the people who can "write a check" will buy them ... again. As he says, the Lincoln customer base really isn't worried about financing their Lincoln.
These lazy Lincolns can no longer survive as festooned Fords (illteration is the cheapest form of journalism). Lincoln sales must be feeding on the last crumbs of those who remember it as a luxury car manufacturer. Ahhh...those commercials of the 1980's where Lincoln would make fun of GM and its look alike cars of Cadillac......how ironic with the same fate too.