2024 Nautilus -- Feedback for Ford/Lincoln Management

[jcwCT 3]

I bought my second Lincoln, a 2022 Nautilus Black Label in Flight Blue Metallic with the Luggage Tan Flight interior. (I passed down my first Lincoln -- a 2018 MKC Reserve -- to my sixteen-year-old daughter). Our other car is a fully loaded 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plugin hybrid. Previous cars included two Acura MDXs, a BMW 328i wagon, and a Volvo V70R wagon.

 

I could not be happier with my Nautilus. The 2.7T AWD powertrain is smooth and powerful. The ride and handling in all three modes (Comfort/Normal/Sport) is exemplary. The interior is beautiful and supremely comfortable with excellent ergonomics. The SYNC 4 entertainment system with wireless CarPlay and 19 speakers is simply terrific. And Crest Lincoln in Woodbridge, CT is the best dealer I've ever done business with. 

 

That said. I've seen the announcements about the 2024 Nautilus. And as owner of a small manufacturing company with 60 employees in CT and OH, I will never buy a Lincoln -- or any other car -- made in China. I prefer products made in the USA, but I have no problem buying goods made in Canada, Japan, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, etc. because companies in those countries (like those in the U.S.) respect intellectual property rights, generally offer reasonable pay and benefits, and usually act responsibly when it comes to the environment. Not so with China. 

[akirby 16,900]

They know but given the need to get new BEVs into production it was either import it or drop it.  I think there is a good chance it moves to Louisville with Corsair at some point.

[tbone 1,094]

4 hours ago, akirby said:

They know but given the need to get new BEVs into production it was either import it or drop it.  I think there is a good chance it moves to Louisville with Corsair at some point.

I hope you’re right. 

[jniffen 84]

My ordered ‘24 Nautilus has passed the built stage,  not sure how long for shipping.

 

Back to topic, I’m saddened the Lincoln look has been dropped for a certain Korean auto design.

Edited April 26 by jniffen

[Gurgeh 514]

1 hour ago, jniffen said:

My ordered ‘24 Nautilus has passed the built stage,  not sure how long for shipping.

 

Back to topic, I’m saddened the Lincoln look has been dropped for a certain Korean auto design.

Think you mean '23 Nautilus. The 2024's don't start shipping for another 8 months or so.

[jniffen 84]

On 4/26/2023 at 6:27 AM, Gurgeh said:

Think you mean '23 Nautilus. The 2024's don't start shipping for another 8 months or so.

Oh sure, if you're going to get technical.

[dug50 1]

I currently own two Lincolns, aMKS and an MKX.  I will be replacing them in the near future and would have like to but a 2024 Nautilus unfortunately I will never buy a car made in China. The US has already shipped too many job to China and it’s disgraceful that Ford/Lincoln will be doing it.

[akirby 16,900]

2 hours ago, dug50 said:

I currently own two Lincolns, aMKS and an MKX.  I will be replacing them in the near future and would have like to but a 2024 Nautilus unfortunately I will never buy a car made in China. The US has already shipped too many job to China and it’s disgraceful that Ford/Lincoln will be doing it.

Except these jobs were never in the US and they’re not shipping these jobs to China.  But your aversion to Chinese products is very understandable and shared by many.

[Flying68 216]

I am also adverse to buying a Nautilus built in China.  I would have preferred a Nautilus BEV built in NA.  Mildly disappointed in the powertrain option, would have like to see a 2.7 or a bit more power from the hybrid or even a PHEV version.  Might change my mind when the first few hit the dealer and I can look.

[ice-capades 4,879]

Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally recommended dropping the Lincoln Division years ago, but the Ford family which controls the company insisted on continued investments in Lincoln to re-establish the brand, etc. Not considering the transition from ICE to EV, Lincoln has only 4 SUV models and no cars or halo product. Lincoln's "smoke and mirrors" marketing message always talk about the Lincoln future product plans but show few results currently after all these years. Lincoln's success, if you can call it that, has been due to its sales in China. And now, enthusiastic or loyal Lincoln customers have to decide whether to purchase a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus exported from China.  

[Gurgeh 514]

6 hours ago, ice-capades said:

Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally recommended dropping the Lincoln Division years ago, but the Ford family which controls the company insisted on continued investments in Lincoln to re-establish the brand, etc. Not considering the transition from ICE to EV, Lincoln has only 4 SUV models and no cars or halo product. Lincoln's "smoke and mirrors" marketing message always talk about the Lincoln future product plans but show few results currently after all these years. Lincoln's success, if you can call it that, has been due to its sales in China. And now, enthusiastic or loyal Lincoln customers have to decide whether to purchase a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus exported from China.  

Starting in 2017 with release of the new Continental and followed in short order by the all-new Navigator, the updated MKX (the Nautilus), the Aviator and Corsair, Lincoln appeared to be making a serious move toward revitalization and sales were improving. But the new Continental never really caught on as much as many hoped and Lincoln never made an effort to update it. Then FMC decided to shut down all sedans in North America (pretending initially that Lincoln was excluded), and then further development of the line seemed to come to a screeching halt with the all-new Nautilus canceled (later revised for China and now being brought here) and then the Rivian-derived large flagship electric vehicle also canceled. So now Lincoln has just 4 vehicles, which almost became 3. We'll see if FMC actually plans another revitalization effort as the company moves along its electrification route. What Lincoln needs is a vision, fiercely competitive product (and more of them), and maybe an impressive halo sedan (or pretend large crossover with a sloped back and lower stance -- so yeah, pretty much a sedan). But all of that takes serious investment and an actual commitment to the brand. I'm not saying make stuff luxury buyers don't want; there's lots of product out there in the luxury field that does sell. FMC really needs to decide whether to compete full-on in the luxury space on a sustained basis. Just look how far and how fast Genesis has risen in the field. It is possible, but again it takes sustained commitment, a vision, great products and resources.

 

Back on topic, I'll be getting the 2024 Nautilus (I have a Black Label on order), which will be my second Lincoln. It is fine with me that the more powerful engine option is a hybrid, though I'd like it to have at least (and ideally more) power than the outgoing excellent twin scroll V6. I would really like to be able to avoid oversized wheels that Lincoln wants to forced me into; I may go as far as to buy my own and put them on. I wish it wasn't coming from China, but I understand the special circumstances that made this necessary at least as a stop-gap measure. If the Nautilus wasn't being brought over from China -- the only realistic option in the short term -- Lincoln would have lost me as a customer as I look to replace my 2019 Nautilus. I like the unique cabin configuration, with the smaller steering wheel and the sweep of screens above the wheel displaying driver information. Even with its recent problems, Lincoln continues to arguably have the best interiors in the business.

Edited May 25 by Gurgeh