The idiocy of a compact Lincoln

[Pioneer]

 

Can you say with 100% knowledge that there will not be a compact Lincoln sedan or MAV in the next 2 years? If so I'd like to know your source.

 

Its dead. The Focus based vehicle died with Mercury.

[jpd80]

As I said in the original post, people will pay a premium for a small BMW or MB because of ESTABLISHED BRAND EQUITY. How about you tell me what Lincoln has in the way of ESTABLISHED BRAND EQUITY, and show how that will convince people to pay upwards of $30k for a vehicle that seats exactly two adults comfortably. Or why people of any stripe would pay a dime for something that just about killed the American Motor Company.

From what I see of dealer inventory, Cadillac is intending to sell around 2/3s of its ATS stock between $40,000 and $50,000.

Once all the ATS hurrah dies down, I see this as a huge sticking point for a non BMW-MB luxury compact.

 

IMO, not many buyers would pay over $40K for an ATS, they'd be crazy not to just go buy a compact BMW or MB and get the snob value.

And this is the problem for Cadillac, GM is trying to spin perceived snob value of the marque and the whole brand experience when there is none.

 

This thread should be re-titled or re-started as the Idiocy of a compact Cadillac.

Edited September 29, 2012 by jpd80

[timmm55]

,

 

If it's any good.....hopefully really good, the snob factor will be trumped. Eventually with enough time and money (and monkeys) someone will make a better BMW.

[jpd80]

If it's any good.....hopefully really good, the snob factor will be trumped.

I'm sorry Timm but to me what you said sums up the whole problem, Cadillac thinks they can overcome the 3 series by making the ATS better...

That would only be possible if Cadillac brand was on equal standing with BMW and MB ect... clearly they are not.

 

Eventually with enough time and money (and monkeys) someone will make a better BMW.

BMW won let the grass grow under their feet, they will most likely offer their customers even more value through a variety of means....

 

I'm beginning to understand RJ's phrase, "You can't build a brand from the bottom up."

Edited September 29, 2012 by jpd80

[twintornados]

Its dead. The Focus based vehicle died with Mercury.

I just wish someone had some pictures of it.

[SoonerLS]

Eventually with enough time and money (and monkeys) someone will make a better BMW.

Lincoln did it over a decade ago (at least on the "driving machine" front), and look what it got them.

[2b2]

I just wish someone had some pictures of it.

 

me too!

[BORG]

The ATS is not a re-badged Cruze, there is a huge difference in the experience and appeal of a car engineered for luxury car competitors as opposed to the economy segments. The Lincoln would be a tarted up Focus, and would be in no position to take on the competitors in this segment unless they priced it like a Focus Titanium or Buick Verano...and then you're back to an under-achieving Lincoln that doesn't think much of itself or it's reputation (or it's hapless customers who have been sold a Focus on gigantic margins).

Edited September 30, 2012 by BORG

[RichardJensen]

Audi does *reasonably* well with the A4, but that's because 1) they've got global volume, and 2) they've got better brand equity, and the A4 is an exact match for the Lincoln compact 'form factor': FWD/AWD capable compact based on an entry level product.

[sullynd]

FWD/AWD capable compact based on an entry level product.

 

Which entry level product is the A4 based on? It's not based on any VW models.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Group_MLB_platform

Edited September 30, 2012 by sullynd

[RichardJensen]

Sorry for the confusion. I had the A4 confused with the upcoming A3 sedan. The best Audi parallel is the upcoming A3 sedan, which will be based on a VW platform.

Edited September 30, 2012 by RichardJensen

[jpd80]

IMO, a Compact Lincoln based on Focus is redundant because the Titanium Focus trim level already captures the majority of

those potential Lincoln Luxury compact sedan buyers supplying products at much more affordable prices.

 

 

I find it kinda funny and sad that: Cadillac can have it's own version of Volt, yet offering a Lincoln version of C-max hybrids is unacceptable.

that Cadillac can spend a fortune on a compact RWD ATS yet next the Gen Mustang is unsuitable for Lincoln.as a luxury compact coupe.

I'm sure if we looked hard enough a Lincoln Escape would probably be unacceptable too but you just know there will be a Compact Lincoln.

 

The ATS is not a re-badged Cruze, there is a huge difference in the experience and appeal of a car engineered for luxury car competitors as opposed to the economy segments. The Lincoln would be a tarted up Focus, and would be in no position to take on the competitors in this segment unless they priced it like a Focus Titanium or Buick Verano...and then you're back to an under-achieving Lincoln that doesn't think much of itself or it's reputation (or it's hapless customers who have been sold a Focus on gigantic margins).

Good reasoning except that Focus platform was also engineered as a Volvo too so there is some high series input

but agree that Titanium Focus as a world wide high series product probably achieves all financial objectives for Ford.

 

Let's see how ATS goes, a lot of models at dealerships are priced between $40,000 and $50,000. remember this is a tight, little car with limited room

from a brand with far less cache than BMW or MB and honestly I'm not convinced that buyers in enough numbers will continue paying those prices, .

 

ATS might be a BMW 3 series beater but it is still not a BMW - and that's the problem I see for Cadillac

Edited September 30, 2012 by jpd80

[2b2]

...I find it kinda funny and sad that: Cadillac can have it's own version of Volt, yet offering a Lincoln version of C-max hybrids is unacceptable.

that Cadillac can spend a fortune on a compact RWD ATS yet next the Gen Mustang is unsuitable for Lincoln.as a luxury compact coupe.

I'm sure if we looked hard enough a Lincoln Escape would probably be unacceptable too but you just know there will be a Compact Lincoln...

AH! another "not so rhetorical" "rant of frustration"

&

guess I'm hoping the MKuGa will partake of attributes of all Ford C vehicles without directly following any of their patterns - sort of a Focus/Escape crossbreed with unique styling & formfactor plus drivetrains from the C-Maxs + a 2.7EB RS as well as a somewhat more mainstream base model

 

however

Sorry for the confusion. I had the A4 confused with the upcoming A3 sedan. The best Audi parallel is the upcoming A3 sedan, which will be based on a VW platform.

the MKuGa most definitely leaves room between the MKuGa & Z for an A4-5/S4-5 sized car, imho a Requirement for one (& like the Audis, just a skôsh longer than the current 3-series and C-class) which mostly likely would be just about the same length as the nextgen Mustang

[jpd80]

A compact Luxury vehicle needs to have distinctive features that separate it from other mass produced entry level examples.

Cadillac has gone for an expensive but well designed RWD sedan in the hopes of unseating BMW 3 series, good luck with that.

 

So a compact Lincoln needs to have unique feature that sets it apart form what others are doing, I recon hybrid and utility are the key.

and if a compact Lincoln can embrace most of the features of the ELR while offering more utility than either ELR or ATS it will work.

I would see either a more luxurious C-max hybrid or Escape hybrid as being central to a successful (to Ford) compact Lincoln.

But maybe Ford makes the decision easier by offering an MK Escape with Ecoboost 2.0 and maybe V6..

[Biker16]

BMW cross tourer concept

 

LxWxHxWB

171x72.3x61.5x105.1

 

Ford C-max Energi

173x72x63.9x104.3

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TYXYCAi-lE

 

Munich. With the new BMW Concept Active Tourer, BMW presents a vehicle at the 2012 Paris Motor Show which is the first in the premium compact segment to combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and style. Annual growth rates of up to five per cent are expected in the small car and compact segment of the premium class in the years to come. For this reason, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is a key component in the ongoing development of the BMW brand and its model portfolio.

As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW Concept Active Tourer also provides a glimpse ahead to future drive variants in automobiles of the compact class. The eDrive concept familiar from the BMW i8 is used here for the first time in a model of the core BMW brand and will in future be the designation for all electric and plug-in hybrid drives. It covers all components of the electric drive, the electric motor developed by BMW, the lithium-ion battery and the intelligent engine control unit.

 

Excellent combination of sporty aesthetic appeal and comfort.

The new BMW Concept Active Tourer combines compact dimensions

and an attractive, sporty design with hallmark BMW quality. With an exterior length of 4,350 millimetres, a width of 1,834 millimetres and a total height of 1,560 millimetres, the BMW Concept Active Tourer is geared towards customers of the premium segment who appreciate a high level of comfort, a raised seating position and a generous amount of space.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer will also be attractive to families who attach importance to functionality and versatility as well as lifestyle and athletic flair.

A long wheelbase of 2,670 millimetres, a high roof line and a compact transverse engine with front-wheel drive make it possible to create a generously sized interior. The spacious load compartment of the BMW Concept Active Tourer provides fully-fledged everyday suitability since the batteries of the hybrid drive are housed entirely underneath the load floor.

 

The design: dynamic and compact.

With its harmonious proportions the BMW Concept Active Tourer displays sporty elegance from every angle. It demonstrates how compact dimensions, functionality and versatility can be skilfully combined with a dynamic design. The exclusive exterior paint finish in High Reflection Silver contributes to the refined appearance of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Meanwhile, interesting touches are provided by the additional applications at the front, side and rear. The surfaces are in high-gloss polish with brushed velvet matt on the undersurface. This subtle shimmering between matt and gloss emphasises the play of light and shadow created by the new exterior paint finish.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer unmistakably retains the characteristically expressive BMW front view. The dominating element here is the distinctive, slightly front-tilted BMW radiator grille. The striking twin headlines with LED positioning lights (eyebrows) stretching far back into the side panels and the multi-faceted front apron combine to reinforce the sporty presence of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Furthermore, the two large outer air inlets below the headlights emphasise the impression of width created by the front view.

Seen from the side, the elongated silhouette with its suggested wedge shape gives the BMW Concept Active Tourer a dynamic feel even when stationary - something which is unique in the class. Integrated door openers and the strikingly contrasted side sills with their rising shadow line combine with the large 20-inch wheels to give the BMW Concept Active Tourer its sporty, elegant appearance. Short body overhangs at the front and rear and the long wheelbase make for an unusually generously sized interior considering the vehicle's compact exterior dimensions. The raised roof line and large doors at front and rear promise convenient access to all seats.

Meanwhile, the rear section of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is characterised by athletic elegance. Marked, horizontal body lines define the rear view of this compact BMW. The large rear light clusters running well into the side panel highlight the broad wheel arches, visually underscoring the vehicle's solid road-holding. The large tailgate with low load sill and wide opening provides convenient access to the luggage compartment.

 

The interior: elegant with an unhindered sense of space.

The generously designed interior of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is both transparent and refreshingly new. The open-pore laminated wood milled from a single block provides the visual link between the upper and low decor surfaces of the instrument panel. This creates a very elegant and light overall impression in the front section of the interior. The door trim panels and seats are covered in light, velvety soft full-grain leather and smooth leather, providing a silky, shimmering gloss which emphasises the luxurious, elegant ambience of the interior. There are also orange contrasting seams which underscore the vehicle's sporty character. The BMW Concept Active Tourer offers an entirely new sense of space. The centre console appears to hover between the two front seats with a smooth transition to the dashboard. This arrangement guarantees maximum legroom for both driver and front passenger.

The cockpit with hallmark BMW driver orientation provides optimum accessibility of all the main controls. The circular instruments in Black Panel Technology are within the driver's field of vision, as is the monitor of the central information display. As an optional extra, a full-colour Head-Up-Display appears on a special retracting glass surface between the steering wheel and windscreen - a first in the compact segment. The raised seats in the so-called semi-command position also ensure an excellent

all-round view, rounding off the optimum level of operating convenience and comfort.

 

"Cool Shade" panorama roof:

changes spatial feel and temperature at the press of a button.

An innovative panorama sunroof creates a unique ambience, extending across the entire roof surface of the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The composite glass roof with innovative Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology means that the desired brightness or temperature effect can be created at the press of an electric button - either being darkened to the level of powerful sunglasses or raised to crystal clear brightness. Occupants can achieve a special lighting effect by manually adding a large-area leaf structure design to the glass roof. Electrical impulses cause the molecular structure of the glass to change at continuously varying levels between light and dark according to preference. The play of light and shadow thus created highlights the sense of space, thereby generating a pleasantly atmospheric lighting effect on all seats.

 

Travel & Comfort System: generous lightness in the rear section.

Rear passengers likewise enjoy very comfortable seating in the BMW Concept Active Tourer. The generous leg space created by the long wheelbase and slightly raised roof gives passengers plenty of freedom for movement. This also makes it particularly easy to enter and exit the vehicle. The luggage compartment is highly versatile due to the variable rear backrests, which can be split 40 : 20 : 40. A flat load floor can be created by folding down all three backrest sections.

In addition to these variable luggage space expansion options, the BMW Concept Active Tourer offers rear passengers additional intelligent details as part of the Travel & Comfort System. A centrally located vertical metal track is integrated in the back of the front seats. This innovative clip-on track system allows folding tables offering a range of convenient adjustment options to be attached by means of a quick fastener, and additional storage bags can also be suspended. Use of all common models of tablet computer is especially convenient from the rear seats. Tablets can be fixed to the clip-on track system in either portrait or landscape format and used for internet search, games or relaxed movie-viewing at eye level.

 

New information experience: the multifunctional instrument display.

A particular highlight of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is the multifunction instrument display. Instead of a conventional instrument cluster with four analog circular instruments providing the driver with information on speed, engine speed, fuel level and oil temperature, there is a 10.25-inch integrated screen which makes for a modern display experience.

The familiar look with four circular instruments is still retained, but the use of extended Black Panel Technology gives the drive a whole new range of display options. For example, the screen shows the drive experience modes COMFORT, SPORTand ECO PRO with differing indicators and in distinctive colour schemes, thereby ensuring increased safety and efficiency as well as exemplary driver orientation. As a result, the instrument cluster provides the driver with information which perfectly matches the situation on the road.

 

"Seismic Surf" app for economical driving made easy.

Rear passengers in the BMW Concept Active Tourer can experience fascinating technology hands-on with the new iPad app "Seismic Surf". "Seismic Surf" creates a game world in real time. It is an exciting ecological racing game which draws on the acceleration figures, engine speed and other data supplied continuously by the BMW Concept Active Tourer. Each real-life driving situation is interpreted and used to generate an infinite variety of new challenges in the computer game.

The aim of the game is to collect as many points as possible along a virtual route and record the most efficient driving style. The driver can directly influence the level of difficulty. Anticipatory driving simplifies the game, while a sporty driving style creates a winding and more difficult virtual route in the game. Only perfect interaction between a fuel-efficient driver and a skilful player at the rear can maximise the point score and achieve a podium position in the BMW games universe.

 

Head-Up Display with brilliant resolution and a full spectrum of colours.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the latest-generation multicolour Head-Up Display. It projects all important information in brilliant resolution directly into the field of vision of the driver via a retracting glass surface. The intensity of projection automatically adapts to the light available. The day and night design is the same as that of the instrument panel. Depending on the driver's preference, not only the current speed and speed limits can be displayed but also overtaking bans. The driver can also obtain navigation assistance as well as a range of warnings. Because of the large number of driver assistance systems available, the scope of information which can be displayed in the Head-Up Display has reached a level as yet unequalled in this class of vehicle.

 

Central information display in Black Panel look.

An 8-inch display takes care of the familiar menu guidance and route planning functions in the new navigation system. What is more, the central information display also visualises the current operating state of the hybrid drive. This ensures the driver is constantly informed on deployment of the combustion engine and electric motor and is able to track the energy flow within the system. The power electronics of the hybrid drive is networked with the intelligent Plus navigation system so as to provide maximum efficiency. Based on the data collected such as route profile, speed limits and traffic situation, the vehicle is prepared in advance so as to make the most efficient use of the energy available.

 

The drive system of the BMW Concept Active Tourer:

the future begins.

The drive of the BMW Concept Active Tourer follows the BMW Group's pioneering philosophy of sustainable mobility. The drive technology of all BMW plug-in hybrid models and electrically powered BMW i models bears the designation BMW eDrive, a term which includes all electric drive components.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer has been designed as a so-called plug-in hybrid - ideally combining the benefits of electric drive with those of a classic combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV = Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Vehicle) will have a particularly important role to play in future. This is because plug-in hybrid vehicles normally have a range of well over 20 kilometres when run on electricity and can therefore be used efficiently for both short and long trips as well as in mixed mode. In the case of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, a state-of-the-art 1.5-litre petrol engine from the BMW Group Efficient Dynamics family of engines interacts perfectly with a synchronous electric motor.

 

PHEV: the best of both worlds for impressive performance.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer presents a drive concept which is new to the BMW brand. The 1.5-litre petrol engine does not drive the rear wheels - as has been the case in BMW models to date - but the front wheels. The electric motor of the BMW Concept Active Tourer is designed as a fully-fledged power unit and acts on the rear axle, if necessary powering the car on its own.

With a system output of over 140 kW/190 bhp, the combination of combustion engine and electric motor enables the BMW Concept Active Tourer to achieve highly sporty performance figures while maintaining extremely low fuel consumption and emission levels. The BMW Concept Active Tourer accelerates in less than eight seconds from standing to 100 km/h, while the maximum speed achieved by the dynamic plug-in hybrid is around 200 km/h. In spite of these impressive performance figures, the average fuel consumption is less than 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with a CO2 emissions level of less than 60 g/km.

In addition to convincing performance figures, the innovative drive concept also gives the BMW Concept Active Tourer a driving response which is both comfortable and dynamic.

 

New 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine:

high-performance power unit with hallmark 6-cylinder genes.

The combustion engine of the new BMW Concept Active Tourer is a new cutting-edge 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Derived from the multiple award-winning 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, it combines the latest generation of High Precision Injection with the fully variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and ultra-modern turbocharging. BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology will be used in all power units of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics engine family in the future - not least because it does not depend on total capacity or number of cylinders. The new 3-cylinder engine in the BMW Concept Active Tourer is one of the first representatives of this new generation of engines. The compact in-line engine constitutes an exemplary combination of dynamic performance and efficiency.

The new BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder offers character-specific benefits: running smoothness, revving power, spontaneous response and a dynamic, sporty sound. Since there are no first and second-order inertia forces, it offers an especially high level of comfort in terms of noise and vibration. The level of roll torque is lower than that of a 4-cylinder and is compensated for by a single counterbalance shaft. Among other things, this helps keep the engine extremely smooth-running in the low engine speed range, too.

 

Synchronous electric motor: additional power without emissions.

The synchronous electric motor in the BMW Concept Active Tourer was also developed by the BMW Group. With a fully charged battery, the

BMW Concept Active Tourer has a maximum range of over 30 kilometres when running on electric power alone. This means that the majority of day-to-day trips dispense with local emissions entirely. What is more, the boost function can be applied to use the power provided by the synchronous electric motor for such things as highly dynamic acceleration manoeuvres. In both cases the drive power is made available spontaneously and without delay. The maximum torque of 200 Newton metres is available from standing.

The lithium-ion battery of the BMW Concept Active Tourer can be charged at any 220 volt household power socket. Power can be drawn from both axes of the BMW Concept Active Tourer and fed into the lithium-ion battery so as to enhance the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid. While the electric motor automatically recuperates maximum energy at the rear axle during deceleration, a high-volt generator connected to the combustion engine additionally charges the battery whenever needed.

 

Hybrid drive with intelligent energy management.

As part of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics strategy, the

BMW Concept Active Tourer also features a measures package specially geared towards the plug-in hybrid to increase efficiency. For example, an anticipatory operating strategy optimises the efficiency of the electric motor and the high-performance battery. The system draws on data provided by the navigation system, calculating in advance the most suitable sections of the route and driving situations in which to apply electric drive or charge the battery. This optimised charging strategy saves up to ten per cent of energy so as to extend the amount of travel time during which the vehicle runs on electrical power alone.

 

Wide portfolio of additional BMW EfficientDynamics measures.

The new BMW Concept Active Tourer naturally includes numerous other features of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, too. In the case of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, these are all mainly geared towards maximising the range of the vehicle when running purely on electricity. This involves optimising the energy consumption of the ancillary units. Every kilowatt hour of stored energy saved is thus instantly available to power the electric motor.

Other BMW EfficientDynamics measures include an automatic engine start/stop system geared especially towards the plug-in hybrid drive and the second generation of air flap control.

 

ECO PRO as standard further enhances efficiency.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer is fitted with the ECO PRO mode which is also available in current BMW serial production models. This additional method of cutting fuel consumption remains globally unique in the automotive sector to date in this form. At the appropriate opportunities, ECO PRO mode reduces the power of the interior air conditioning and other electrically powered comfort functions, ensuring drive components operate on maximum efficiency according to the current situation on the road.

ECO PRO mode also provides the driver with valuable advice. To this end, this system is linked to the navigation system. Based on the calculated route data and the driver's individual style of driving, ECO PRO mode is able to indicate how to reach a given destination with the lowest level of fuel consumption, for example. The preview assistant gives the driver tips such as "Remove foot from accelerator" if a tight bend or speed limit is approaching which the driver cannot even see yet. The preview assistant can take into account such features as bends, built-up areas, roundabouts, T junctions and motorway exits. At the same time, an anticipatory transmission assistant optimises the electronic transmission control system for imminent situations.

ECO PRO mode can also activate the so-called coasting mode at two levels between 50 and 160 km/h. Here the system completely deactivates the combustion engine at speeds of up to 125 km/h. It also decouples the engine from the drivetrain up to a speed of 160 km/h, allowing comfortable driving while making full use of the kinetic energy already generated.

 

For questions please contact:

 

Michaela Wiese, Product Communications BMW Automobiles,

Telefon: +49-89-382-25358, Fax: +49-89- 382-20626

 

Ralph Huber, Leiter Produktkommunikation BMW Automobile,

Tel: +49-89-382-68778, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

 

Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

[Biker16]

So it is the same size as the C-max energi, with a 190hp PHEV system.

 

this is my vision for A compact Lincoln BMW has obviously stole my idea.

 

 

[RichardJensen]

Alright, I'm tired of you spamming this board as part of this petty little war you seem intent on waging.

 

As far as I'm concerned, you haven't contributed anything worthwhile to this board since I asserted that minivans shouldn't share subframes with sedans. Lord knows I'm some kind of an idiot for responding to you, but this is just asinine.

 

I'm done with these topics, done with you, and I think you should take a long hard look at how seriously you take these things, and how bitter and angry and mean-spirited and vicious you get over stuff that really doesn't matter to you at all.

[Edstock]

IMHO, the Lincoln compact CUV should have power sliders — with the B-Max movable pillars.

[Biker16]

IMHO, the Lincoln compact CUV should have power sliders — with the B-Max movable pillars.

 

if you put sliders on it would it still be a CUV? or would become..... a MPV.

[jpd80]

The one thing we can be sure about is Ford's new resolve to revive Lincoln as an outstanding brand and what ever vehicles they chose from now on,

it's obvious that those future Lincolns will have far more distinction from their Ford originators and will bring features advantages to Lincoln like never before.

So ruling out certain types of vehicles because of past prejudices may be missing a great opportunity to separate Lincoln for the very things considered wrong now.

[Biker16]

The one thing we can be sure about is Ford's new resolve to revive Lincoln as an outstanding brand and what ever vehicles they chose from now on,

it's obvious that those future Lincolns will have far more distinction from their Ford originators and will bring features advantages to Lincoln like never before.

So ruling out certain types of vehicles because of past prejudices may be missing a great opportunity to separate Lincoln for the very things considered wrong now.

 

Exactly.

[Kris Kolman]

I understand the concern that a compact Lincoln would "dilute" the brand image... But the question is the current Lincoln brand image sustainable. With Lincoln's new global aspirations it needs to examine the future in that light. And while I agree Buick has much lower aspirations and brand equity than Lincoln one couldn't say the same for the German brands. Each of the German brands have smaller/compact vehicles as critical cars in their lineup. The difference is that these compact vehicles are not just international cars, but soon a part of the NA lineup. A Lincoln based on the Focus & C-Max with a bespoke top hat and interior wouldn't be out of place along side:

 

 

Edited October 3, 2012 by Kris Kolman

[silvrsvt]

And while I agree Buick has much lower aspirations and brand equity than Lincoln one couldn't say the same for the German brands. Each of the German brands have smaller/compact vehicles as critical cars in their lineup. The difference is that these compact vehicles are not just international cars, but soon a part of the NA lineup.

 

Why should Lincoln follow MB, BMW, etc downmarket? The biggest reason they are going smaller is because they can't meet CAFE regulations with their current lineup of cars...Lincoln can differanet itself from them by offering more "cache" by offering cars that are compacts or larger. There no point in pursing a smaller car at this very moment with Lincoln with so many other holes in their lineup that need fixing. Lets do the Escape, but lets also get the MKS fixed and launch a 2/3 row CUV based on the Explorer first.

[Kris Kolman]

Why should Lincoln follow MB, BMW, etc downmarket? The biggest reason they are going smaller is because they can't meet CAFE regulations with their current lineup of cars...Lincoln can differanet itself from them by offering more "cache" by offering cars that are compacts or larger. There no point in pursing a smaller car at this very moment with Lincoln with so many other holes in their lineup that need fixing. Lets do the Escape, but lets also get the MKS fixed and launch a 2/3 row CUV based on the Explorer first.

 

Is that the answer for Lincoln as it expands into China and further? Volvo V40 for example has been pulled from NA market, but is still critical in China and Europe. If Lincoln is to expand beyond these shores and have a hope and prayer it needs products for those markets. And while the two vehicles I showed are considered by many downmarket moves by offering them in NA one must put on international eyes. Additionally you're making is seem as if this is a either or decision... Ford can both have a compact MPV in the mold of the BMW Concept and a compact CUV in the mold of the BMW X3. And in fact these two vehicles by being based on the same basic platform can have a ton of parts sharing which in turn reduces development costs... This makes both vehicles not only an option, but something that together makes a better business case than separately.

[BORG]

The US market is different, and this is Lincoln's primary market. And even here, they struggle. If they can't fix here, then they can't find success there.