Lincoln debuts MKT town car.

[RichardJensen]

sold 240,000 cars during its six year lifespan

Yeah, but that wasn't enough to pay the bills. They were banking on *at least* 300k over a six year span.

[2b2]

Yeah, but that wasn't enough to pay the bills. They were banking on *at least* 300k over a six year span.

did they start out by "banking" on Not Ever doing a major update for that 300k number?

Edited February 18, 2011 by 2b2

[PREMiERdrum]

did they start out by "banking" on Not Ever doing a major update for that 300k number?

 

As I recall, wasn't that whole program greenlit using internal politics instead of realistic numbers? I remember reading about all the fudged figures that put the LS, Thunderbird, and S-type into production. It wasn't until the DEW platform was recycled into the D2C that they made a return on it.

 

Let's not forget, there was to be a Ford Fairlane sedan, a 2nd Lincoln, and a new Mustang built directly off of DEW before the program was shut down.

[ANTAUS]

That was the Navi-Cross if I remember correctly, sort of a cross-over station wagon concept built off Dew98 with AWD. Now Jaguar gets to play with the platform and at their pricepoints, they seem to have better success with that. I test drove a new XF when it was introduced, and my friend who knows nothing about cars sat down on the passengers seat and said "Oh its like being in your LS , same feel", as I'm hitting my head on the steering wheel...that killed that idea... I wonder where their new entry-level 3-series fighter platform will come from.

[akirby]

Yeah, but that wasn't enough to pay the bills. They were banking on *at least* 300k over a six year span.

 

It was 100K per year or 600K over 6 years. They were counting on European sales which never materialized. The platform was too expensive including the jag v8 engines to be profitable at 50K/year or less. It was a terrible business case even though the vehicle itself had some great qualities. Lincoln was also handicapped by Jag and corporate not allowing Lincoln to compete with Jag (by getting a supercharged 4.2L V8 like the S-type e.g.).

 

If the platform had been a little cheaper and could have used the Ford corporate V8s then it may have been the basis for GRWD. But that's water under the bridge.

[rkisler]

It was 100K per year or 600K over 6 years. They were counting on European sales which never materialized. The platform was too expensive including the jag v8 engines to be profitable at 50K/year or less. It was a terrible business case even though the vehicle itself had some great qualities. Lincoln was also handicapped by Jag and corporate not allowing Lincoln to compete with Jag (by getting a supercharged 4.2L V8 like the S-type e.g.).

 

If the platform had been a little cheaper and could have used the Ford corporate V8s then it may have been the basis for GRWD. But that's water under the bridge.

 

This is a very accurate summary.

 

The original program included an LS with Europe exports for 100k annually. And it included the Jag S-type which Jag never would have been able to afford on a stand-alone basis.

 

The original proposal included provision for a longer wheelbase sedan, and a new Mark. But both of those proposals were cancelled.

 

The T-bird was a late add, and was only "sold" because it made use of idle facilities (the separate Mark line at Wixom), and was able to lunch off of existing DEW components thereby resulting in a very low investment.

 

The tightening of the belt on investment that was caused by the relatively low volume ended up with a very constrained and non-flexible facility at Wixom that made any follow-on programs or derivatives very difficult to implement. And an engine plant in Lima pumping out only 50,000 units annually at a very high total cost.

 

Maybe water under the dam might have been a better analogy?

Edited February 18, 2011 by Austin

[akirby]

This is a very accurate summary.

 

The original program included an LS with Europe exports for 100k annually. And it included the Jag S-type which Jag never would have been able to afford on a stand-alone basis.

 

The original proposal included provision for a longer wheelbase sedan, and a new Mark. But both of those proposals were cancelled.

 

The T-bird was a late add, and was only "sold" because it made use of idle facilities (the separate Mark line at Wixom), and was able to lunch off of existing DEW components thereby resulting in a very low investment.

 

The tightening of the belt on investment that was caused by the relatively low volume ended up with a very constrained and non-flexible facility at Wixom that made any follow-on programs or derivatives very difficult to implement. And an engine plant in Lima pumping out only 50,000 units annually at a very high total cost.

 

Maybe water under the dam might have been a better analogy?

 

How about "water under the dam bridge"?

 

Most people here simply don't understand that a big part of the cost equation is the manufacturing facility. Keeping an entire plant open for just a few vehicles is just too expensive even if the vehicle itself can be sold in reasonable numbers at a decent profit.

 

That is also the advantage that Ford had with the GT - it was essentially outsourced and did not require much capital investment by Ford (for assembly).

[rmc523]

I haven't been able to find a full picture of the limo version yet, but here's a video that shows it (cameraman walking down vehicle's side):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqlH-jADI_w

[silvrsvt]

That Stretch MKT actually isnt all that bad..besides the ugly lincoln symbol in the middle of the extended window.

[Edstock]

That Stretch MKT actually isnt all that bad..besides the ugly lincoln symbol in the middle of the extended window.

Makes a nice target for a T-bone . . .

[atvman]

This is a very accurate summary.

 

The original program included an LS with Europe exports for 100k annually. And it included the Jag S-type which Jag never would have been able to afford on a stand-alone basis.

 

The original proposal included provision for a longer wheelbase sedan, and a new Mark. But both of those proposals were cancelled.

 

The T-bird was a late add, and was only "sold" because it made use of idle facilities (the separate Mark line at Wixom), and was able to lunch off of existing DEW components thereby resulting in a very low investment.

 

The tightening of the belt on investment that was caused by the relatively low volume ended up with a very constrained and non-flexible facility at Wixom that made any follow-on programs or derivatives very difficult to implement. And an engine plant in Lima pumping out only 50,000 units annually at a very high total cost.

 

Maybe water under the dam might have been a better analogy?

The DEW98 was a great concept with poor execution. The chassis was nothing short of excellent, but it was too one dimensional to be a volume platform.

 

1. It wouldn't accept the 4.6L. The Jaguar 4.2L and Jaguar based 3.9L were smooth and reasonably powerful, but a 4.6L 3V would blow either of them away while also being more reliable, more economical, and cheaper.

2. It was expensive to build. The Aluminum suspension components made it ride and handle well, but they were too costly for anything short of a Lincoln. A version with standard steel components would have been ideal for the Mustang and a Ford sedan.

3. Lincoln was limited by Jaguar's presence. Lincoln wasn't allowed to make a car that was as good as the S-Type, so the LS had to make do with a cheaper interior, a less powerful engine, and a lower price. That really hurt the potential of the LS.

[jpd80]

The DEW98 was a great concept with poor execution. The chassis was nothing short of excellent, but it was too one dimensional to be a volume platform.

No.

DEW was a poor concept on a restrictive chassis that couldn't cover the product envelope that Ford chiefs wanted.

It was expensive, Ford engines didn't Fit, wouldn't work for Mustang and other RWDs couldn't afford it.

It is the exact opposite of how Ford builds cars today, it was a top down directive to make a platform work

and if Lincoln had not signed up to DEW, the thing would have been dead in the water.

 

DEW may have produced some interesting cars but it sure cost the company a lot of money to do it.

I'm glad Ford learned their lesson with this program.

Edited February 20, 2011 by jpd80

[RichardJensen]

DEW is also a classic illustration of the way Jaguar torpedoed any chance they had for success as part of Ford---and I'm sure this attitude has carried over to Tata.

 

As I see it, Jaguar execs had no real grasp of reality:

 

They were not viable as an independent car company and refused to cooperate on Ford products.

 

They fought capacity reductions ("You dumb Americans don't understand. We *need* three factories for our 150k annual sales!!!!!!!!!"), they fought parts sharing ("we can't have our reputation as purveyors of unreliable junk damaged by the inclusion of quality Ford parts"), they fought platform sharing ("Okay, we'll let you give us a new midsize sedan, but only if all the other cars built on this platform suck compared to it."), and so on and so forth.

 

I would've liked to see Jaguar succeed, but that would've required reining in Jaguar management (rather, firing almost all of the JLR management), and Ford didn't have the time....

[RichardJensen]

I mean the Terrain Management system is a PERFECT example of this.

 

Know why it's in the Explorer? Because Ford bought and paid for it----and you can bet that JLR management would've fought tooth and nail to keep it out of ANY Ford brand product.

 

It's the 'royalty' attitude: "We are royalty. You will give us money. We will give you nothing."

[RPF]

I haven't been able to find a full picture of the limo version yet, but here's a video that shows it (cameraman walking down vehicle's side):

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqlH-jADI_w

 

That looks much nicer than the Panther TC limos. Here's hoping for more headroom

[jcthorne]

Got to admit, it really does look nice as a limo. Thanks for the link.

[armadamaster]

MKT Town Car....if you say it enough times, you can almost get the vomit taste out of your mouth:

 

 

Lincoln Debuts MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car [/color]Livery and Limousine Models at International LCT Show

 

• New chauffeur-dedicated Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Livery and Limousine versions announced to fleet customers at the International LCT show in Las Vegas.

• New Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car [/color]offers a higher roofline, roomier, more sophisticated seating, a spacious trunk plus even easier passenger entry and exit.

• Comfortable and productive work environment for driver and passengers enhanced by technologies including SYNC®, hands-free navigation, standard Wi-Fi capability and a rear view camera system.

• MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] available in two body styles – standard livery version with available all-wheel drive, and stretchable heavy-duty limo with standard all-wheel drive.

 

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 14, 2011 – Working from a proven platform that offers a luxurious interior with modern technologies, Lincoln is today announcing its chauffeur-dedicated MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] models designed specifically for fleet customers at the 2011 International LCT (Limousine, Charter, and Tour) show.

 

Two different MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] body styles, Livery and Limousine, make their debut in nearproduction form, maintaining Lincoln's position in the livery industry and building on the success of the well-established Lincoln Town Car sedan.

 

Lincoln's next generation of livery solutions using the MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] are modern, distinctive and high-tech, offering everything owners and passengers are looking for in a luxury ride, including up to 35 more horsepower under the hood.

 

"Livery operators are looking for a leading livery solution that is reliable and stylish, and the new

Lincoln livery and limousine solutions fit the bill in every capacity," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "The new MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] will be the best available in the livery industry, working off a solid base as the perfect way to achieve the versatility needed for executive transportation or a night out on the town."

 

The proportions and higher riding stance of the Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] also offer easier entry and exit for passengers as well as all-wheel drive capability.

 

The level of craftsmanship built in to the new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Livery and Limousine versions is evident with precise panel margins and the high tactile quality of interior surfaces and trim. Quality materials and precision-stitched craftsmanship are evident on every surface, such as the leather-trimmed seating. The vehicle also delivers a luxurious ride quality, consistent with Lincoln's brand characteristics.

 

The new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Livery version uses a standard MKT chassis and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with full technical details to be announced later this year. The heavy-duty Limousine chassis will feature standard all-wheel

drive for stretched wheelbase limousine conversion of up to an additional 120 inches (10 feet).

 

In developing the Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color], engineers worked hand in hand with the Limo/Livery

Advisory Board, which provided key input on desired vehicle attributes such as performance,

comfort and functionality. In addition to defining the quality, reliability and durability the industry

demands, the Advisory Board also talked directly to the people who would be using the vehicles

the most – owners, drivers and passengers – to get a better understanding of their wants and

needs.

 

"Extensive research helped ensure we designed the new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] to truly deliver on the key needs of operators to improve their business and provide end-users modern transportation capable of full connectivity," said Gerry Koss, fleet marketing manager. "These

industry stakeholders made it clear that this vehicle was the right direction because of its great

body proportions for overall comfort, including entry and exit. Also, the choice of two or allwheel drive for the Livery model and standard all-wheel drive on the heavy-duty Limousine version was a plus, not to mention Lincoln's reputation for dependability, especially with specialty vehicles."

 

Luxury and Comfort on the go

With its exceptional attention to detail, the MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Livery model will put its passengers

quickly at ease, thanks to redesigned rear seating. The seat has been repositioned rearward by

1.5 inches for additional legroom, providing additional comfort and functionality. There is also a

switch on the rear passenger side door that allows a rear seat passenger to control the front

passenger seat ahead, providing even more legroom if necessary. The three-person rear seat

also reclines for an additional level of comfort.

 

"Riding in the rear of the new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] will be a very special experience," said Scott Tobin, director of Lincoln Product Development. "We've enhanced the rear passenger space so passengers can be both extremely comfortable and productive at the same time."

 

The new MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car [/color]Livery model provides operators with a cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic

feet, more than the outgoing Town Car sedan. With space to stow golf clubs or several pieces

of baggage, the luggage area exceeds that of the outgoing Town Car sedan. A mini spare tire is

also available to help maximize luggage space.

 

High-tech touches

The new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] models deliver a wide range of latest technologies aimed at making life easier for the driver and passengers. In-car voice activated navigation and Lincoln

SYNC provide a smart and simple way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their

digital lives.

 

"All of these tools will help drivers accomplish just as much in their car as they do now but with

less distraction," said Tobin. "With the latest Lincoln SYNC system, the driver will never have to

take hands off the steering wheel when putting an address into the navigation system or when

looking at the rear view camera."

 

Key features to help passengers stay connected and productive while on the move in the new MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] include a USB charging port, a 110-volt power socket in the rear seat center

console, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability for mobile tablets, laptops and other devices. The audio

system controls are also fully accessible to rear seat passengers.

 

Limousine Heavy-Duty Chassis

In addition to the new Livery model, a specially engineered heavy-duty Limousine chassis is also available for the MKT Town Car. The chassis can be stretched by up to 120 inches or 10 additional feet in length, while retaining the standard all-wheel drive capability to ensure a new MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Limousine satisfies both operators and customers in all seasons over multiple lengths.

 

The MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Limousine chassis incorporates several heavy-duty components, such as

upgraded suspension, electric power-assisted steering system (EPAS) and transmission. Along

with standard All-Wheel Drive, the MKT Town Car Limousine chassis also offers unique wheels

and tires, unique wheel bearings and an upsized brake system.

 

The Limousine also has the standard MKT's third seating row removed, and comes equipped

with a full-size spare tire. Available technology includes a rear view camera and SYNC.

 

"The MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] Limousine complements the Livery model giving us a comprehensive offering for every operator and passenger situation," said Koss. "Both vehicles will deliver the features and content this industry requires, in addition to the quality, reliability and durability they

demand."

 

Technology Under the Skin

The new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] features the same safety technologies available to customers

of the standard Lincoln MKT crossover, including the Trinity Front Crash Body Architecture. The

energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and features octagonal

front frame rails, engine/cradle/front subframe and "shotgun" front structural members designed

to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

 

It also includes Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement architecture (SPACE®) to optimize

side-impact occupant protection. The SPACE system integrates a hydroformed high-strength steel tube in the floor that runs the width of the vehicle from B-pillar to B-pillar and reinforcements along the rocker panels to help protect passengers in side-impact incidents.

 

The Personal Safety System™ combines multiple technologies to tailor the airbag package and seat belt functions to the individual passenger and the accident circumstances. The system can identify variables, such as severity of the crash, weight of the individual passenger and seat belt usage, to adjust airbag deployment force.

 

Key technologies and features included in the MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] models include:

• Puddle lamps on the rear doors

• Map and newspaper pockets in the back of the front seats

• Vanity mirrors in the headliner with integrated task light

• Continuous rear floor mat for both footwells

• Improved rear seating design

• Remote start

• Rear view camera

• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert

• Wi-Fi capability for mobile tablet, laptops and other devices

• Lincoln SYNC

• Voice activated navigation controls

• Second-row 110-volt electric plug and USB mobile phone charger

• Tri Zone EATC with Auxiliary HVAC unit

 

The new Lincoln MKT [color:#FF0000]Town Car[/color] models will be manufactured at Oakville Assembly Complex starting next spring. Current Lincoln Town Car production ends this fall, and dealers are working with their livery owners and operator partners to ensure their fleet planning needs are met between now and early next year.

 

 

 

I thought the D3 offerings were the second coming of Christ....why would you saddle it with the name Town Car which is synonymous with the Panthers, Ford's equivalent to the devil?

[Deanh]

MKT Town Car....if you say it enough times, you can almost get the vomit taste out of your mouth:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought the D3 offerings were the second coming of Christ....why would you saddle it with the name Town Car which is synonymous with the Panthers, Ford's equivalent to the devil?

repeat after me Armada..Profit trumps memories.....

[armadamaster]

repeat after me Armada..Profit trumps memories.....

 

 

Not if the memories sink your profit.

 

I seem to recall the Panther ninnies telling me that the Panther hasn't been profitable in years.....so why would Ford saddle ANYTHING with a name from one.

 

I've noticed this year that the higher end livery companies here have already started the switch from real Town Cars to Chrysler 300s and a few Navigators. I am assuming that something similiar is taking place in most other major cities' as well.

[Deanh]

Not if the memories sink your profit.

 

I seem to recall the Panther ninnies telling me that the Panther hasn't been profitable in years.....so why would Ford saddle ANYTHING with a name from one.

 

I've noticed this year that the higher end livery companies here have already started the switch from real Town Cars to Chrysler 300s and a few Navigators. I am assuming that something similiar is taking place in most other major cities' as well.

the panthers werent making any retail money because sales were pitiful, its the reason they switched purely to fleet with huge Govt concessions, the Vic is/ soon to be was, purely a PR move and was too expensive to retool to conform to current day standards...game over, get over it.....Ford has, and the bank balance is all the better for it...

Edited February 24, 2011 by Deanh

[silvrsvt]

Not if the memories sink your profit.

 

 

 

 

What in praytell does memories have to do with profits? The CV hasn't been sold in the retail market in years....

 

 

 

 

[LincolnV]

These redefines "ugly."

 

Can't they do better than this?

 

MKT Town Car

[PREMiERdrum]

These redefines "ugly."

 

Can't they do better than this?

 

MKT Town Car

 

A crudely made, unfinished prototype looks ugly? Man, who'd have ever thought? :shades:

 

I've seen some pics of a finished MKT stretch and it looked pretty damn cool. The front and rear were still ugly, but the profile looked slick. More stylish side view than any other limo out there right now.

[LincolnV]

A crudely made, unfinished prototype looks ugly? Man, who'd have ever thought? :shades:

 

Is the version in the youtube video an unfinished prototype?

 

It's ugly.

[rmc523]

Is the version in the youtube video an unfinished prototype?

 

It's ugly.

 

You mean the video in which you couldn't even see the whole thing at once, but instead only saw the side of the vehicle up close as a guy walked down the side of it? That video? I'm not saying it's going to be a beautiful masterpiece, but let's hold off judgment until we see reasonable pictures of the full production-spec vehicle from various angles.