Will the Lincoln brand survive ?
- Thread starter lead foot
- Start date
about time, they made a big mistake when they neglected Lincoln and put the other brands they owned at the time as their top tire brands , Volvo, Jaguar, Aston Martin and range rover.
About time they got rid of that foreign weight and brought Lincoln back to the top.
About time they got rid of that foreign weight and brought Lincoln back to the top.
Mark Nine, Anyone ?
Mark Nine, Anyone ?
I'd like to see Lincoln use that money to develop an all new product with some retro influence on the body style.. they could give it the strongest version of the current Mustang engine and rear wheel drive. (Mark Nine, Anyone ?)
This may prove to be Lincoln's final chance to survive, because the market share category they're now in is not large enough to sustain a profit for Ford.
I think it's unlikely that a facelift of the current product lineup will result in the additional sales Lincoln needs. To win over a new group of buyers, perhaps a new image of what Lincoln is all about should be created.
They could become an exclusive luxury/performance brand, and completely get away from trying to market crossover vehicles, for example.
To see an example of how successful an image change can be, we can look at the recent revival of Cadillac, which probably saved that brand from extinction..
Mark Nine, Anyone ?
I'd like to see Lincoln use that money to develop an all new product with some retro influence on the body style.. they could give it the strongest version of the current Mustang engine and rear wheel drive. (Mark Nine, Anyone ?)
This may prove to be Lincoln's final chance to survive, because the market share category they're now in is not large enough to sustain a profit for Ford.
I think it's unlikely that a facelift of the current product lineup will result in the additional sales Lincoln needs. To win over a new group of buyers, perhaps a new image of what Lincoln is all about should be created.
They could become an exclusive luxury/performance brand, and completely get away from trying to market crossover vehicles, for example.
To see an example of how successful an image change can be, we can look at the recent revival of Cadillac, which probably saved that brand from extinction..
I'd have to agree. Cadillac was failing fast not long ago when they managed to change course.
I also think it could be a cool city car if it was quiet, comfy and fast
I'd consider importing one to Poland anoble1_MarkVIII
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My thoughts
My thoughts
A friend of mine owns a Lexus, and he constantly raves about how the dealership treats him every time he goes there - even for basic service. He is treated as if he owns the company and pampered with all sorts of perks ranging from a posh waiting room to complimentary use of another vehicle if the service appointment requires several hours. I don't know if these ideas will "save" the Lincoln brand, but they would help.
As for the vehicle line-up, I agree with others posting here that Lincoln needs to focus on what they do best - luxury performance cars. These cars should be more than just Fords with more options and leather seats. Cadillac has made their vehicle lineup far superior to the Chevys, and Lincoln should also be unique that way. As most people on this board, I would love to see a Mark IX and a new Continental with aggressive styling and power similar to the CTS. I am also curious about the small car idea. Hopefully it won't be something like Caddy did with the Cimarron.
The target market will probably remain small due to the price tag, so marketing will be key. As today, a potential new car buyer will have to be persuaded to spend more to get the luxury of Lincoln as opposed to the practical choice in Ford. Going forward, those who already have the budget for a Cadillac, Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti will need to have Lincoln in that list. Hmmm. Maybe Jill Wagner has some time to do a commercial since Mercury is no more.
My thoughts
A friend of mine owns a Lexus, and he constantly raves about how the dealership treats him every time he goes there - even for basic service. He is treated as if he owns the company and pampered with all sorts of perks ranging from a posh waiting room to complimentary use of another vehicle if the service appointment requires several hours. I don't know if these ideas will "save" the Lincoln brand, but they would help.
As for the vehicle line-up, I agree with others posting here that Lincoln needs to focus on what they do best - luxury performance cars. These cars should be more than just Fords with more options and leather seats. Cadillac has made their vehicle lineup far superior to the Chevys, and Lincoln should also be unique that way. As most people on this board, I would love to see a Mark IX and a new Continental with aggressive styling and power similar to the CTS. I am also curious about the small car idea. Hopefully it won't be something like Caddy did with the Cimarron.
The target market will probably remain small due to the price tag, so marketing will be key. As today, a potential new car buyer will have to be persuaded to spend more to get the luxury of Lincoln as opposed to the practical choice in Ford. Going forward, those who already have the budget for a Cadillac, Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti will need to have Lincoln in that list. Hmmm. Maybe Jill Wagner has some time to do a commercial since Mercury is no more.
I just did a Caddy test drive event about 3 weeks ago. They have stepped up their game. I went to one a few years ago and told them they needed to upgrade their interiors, and they did. They had Lexus, MB and BMW cars to test drive to compare the Caddies to. The Lexus was the most disappointing, they are falling behind. The MB are over rated the BMW crossover was nice but i don't like the i drive.
I always got a loner car when requested when i brought my Lincoln in for service at the dealer. They have free drinks, TV etc.
I'll admit, my experience with the local Ford dealer a few years back was a good one as well. or course I was nursing in a three year old five-hundred with a blown CVT. they took the car on the spot, and gave me a loaner that was "newer and shinier." than what I dropped off. I got to drive the co-workers around in a Mariner for a few days. With the exception of the super-loose steering, I really liked that little trucklet.
That dealership is closed now. Google "Denny Hecker" for some entertaining reading.
That dealership is closed now. Google "Denny Hecker" for some entertaining reading.
BadSax
enjoys 3 martini lunches
I think that really depends on the dealership...
The place I bought DTSax from can bite my ass, the place I go to now doesn't even make me drive the car to them for oil changes. They come pick it up, drop off a loaner Caddy (once I got a new black Tahoe hybrid... more on that later) and do the work and then bring it back to wherever I am...
BTW, the Tahoe hybrid... I spent the entire time I had it driving in the most pedestrian congested areas I could find, sneaking up on people walking in the streets who never heard it coming up behind them, and then freaked when they turned around to see a big mean black truck right behind them...
So much fun...
Somehow, I expected this to be followed by a photo of a black Tahoe, towing a log chain, and every stop sign on the cape...