There is this mindset that Ford will automatically fail unless the product fits into "x" or "y" bracket, and it is something that has bothered me as a fan, shareholder, and a consumer for quite a while.  Ford fails because Ford doesn't try hard enough in certain product categories.  If Ford put the same effort into a Lincoln sedan that they put into the F-150 or the Bronco or the Aviator, it could be a success.  Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac have no issues selling multiple sedans of various types, alongside utilities.  Ford can't figure out how to build just one Ford and Lincoln sedan that would sell and be competitive in North America?  They were out of the compact truck market for a decade and came back strong with the Maverick.  I have no doubt they could do the same with sedans if they actually tried.  Dealers wouldn't be asking Ford for sedans if there wasn't interest from customers.   I think of all the billions (it has to be nearing $15 billion at this point) that Ford has lost on its EV strategy, which still has borne hardly any fruit all these years later.  Yet Ford never seems to have the funds to invest in programs outside of core segments.  And then all the hundreds of millions that get wasted each quarter on warranty costs.  For all the talk I hear from Farley about how Ford culture is changing, I don't see it.  I don't see enough discipline from management.  I see a company that has been reacting to changing market conditions for the last 10 years, even under Farley's tenure.  In fact, I think there have been more major about-faces on product strategy under Farley than there were under Hackett and Fields.  Each time, Ford gets caught flat-footed when the market swings another direction.  Meanwhile, their less reactionary competitors continue to churn along with a full portfolio of vehicles across multiple segments.

Rolling out hybrid versions of all models in the Ford Blue division is a partial answer to that question. Obviously more is needed but this is an important step.    I really want a Ranger PHEV in my Christmas stocking but I’m going to have to wait longer than I want.

We received a new Explorer Interceptor at work.   They removed the windshield washer nozzle for the back-up camera compared to our older ones (2023).

Several problems with that, the big one being that CE1 was developed in isolation away from Ford’s own engineering to avoid valid objections and criticism. All of this new era stuff is being touted as the solution to everything wrong with the way Ford has been engineering, developing and manufacturing products, all push back on potential problems has been stifled and that’s a big worry.   On suppliers, the tables have turned in recent years and thanks to so much being outsourced and so many modules now  controlled by software, suppliers have Ford and other manufacturers by the nuts, one misstep with just in time supplies can close down production at the drop of a hat.   People gloss over this saying, just in time in play for over 30 years, fine but Ford has never been this exposed to risk, it’s insane how much production is on a knife edge ……and now, Ford wants to introduce a completely new build process.

Something like this McLaren 570S rendered as a suicide door 4dr. Distance it from the me too corporate look.:

So last Saturday a page I follow called Lincoln Addict posted about the 8th Annual Lincoln Kennedy Blvd Cruise in Tampa, FL.  He posted that it was open to all Lincolns and we would be a parade of Lincolns stopping at several locations and taking lots of photos then ending in Ybor City to grab lunch at the Colombia restaurant.  I used to be part of a large car group the TCCA (Taurus Car Club of America) and used to go to meets all the time, when I had my Mercury Sable.  After my Sable I had a Lincoln LS and joined the LLSOC (Lincoln Luxury Sport Owners Club) but by the time I joined I think the group was on it's last wind and never was part of any meetup sadly, I know some members are on this forum now a shame we never got together when I had my LS.  Since then I joined other Lincoln groups but never was able to be part of any meet so for me this was an opportunity to get back into it.  I reached out and asked if I could join with my MKZ and was told absolutely that it was open to any and all Lincoln vehicles.  I got to work cleaning my MKZ and making it spotless and headed out.  We had a great turnout about 30 cars total ranging from the oldest a 1940 V12 Zephyr to a 2018 Continental Reserve, in between a 50s Continental, lots of 60s Continentals, 70s Town Coupe, 90s Mark VIIIs, and my BL MKZ.  Everyone was very welcoming, nice, and talkative about their cars.  I even had a few check my car out and ask me questions about it.  Most of them complimented the color (Chroma Cabernet) and the huge sunroof.  I also had a few ask about the engine and they had no idea Lincoln even offered the 3.0TT in the MKZ and were really impressed with the power, one of the Mark VIII guys said to me "oh forget it you will blow my doors off that's almost too much power for me".   It was an awesome time and I 100% plan on doing it again next year.  I told some of the folks there that my mom called me to finalize plans for Thanksgiving and asked if I had plans that weekend, I told her I was doing this, and she asked which car I was driving in the parade.... seriously???? everyone got a good laugh at out of that and one of the wives told me next year I better show up in the 04 Aviator 🤣   Of course if anyone is in FL and owns a Lincoln you all should join up next year it's a great group of people and great group of cars.  We even had someone drive down from Ohio with the 61 teal Continental, though I think they had it on a flat bed.  I believe they do this every year on the anniversary of the JFK Assassination but I think it's also the anniversary of JFK visiting Tampa too maybe?  I know that was brought up during the ride when we stopped at UT to do a picture in front of the JFK statue.    

Both valid points. A proper flagship would really elevate the brand, but would take longer to develop. Bringing something like the zephyr to the US market is something that could be done quickly, and in a relatively cost efficient manner, but wouldn't have as much impact.    A Lincoln flagship should be the kind of car with insane jaw dropping proportions, never level tech, and the kind of street presence so vibrant it can be seen from space. The navigator is an incredible product, just never level. But if the goal is to elevate the brand, and take it's perception to the next level, a halo sedan, or even coupe would be a welcome addition. There's just something about the sex appeal of a sports coupe or evocative sedan that really boosts the brand's overall perception. 

So far I'm putting Inifiniti on "Death-watch" this year...they will only have 2 vehicle in their line-up. The Q60 and Q80...

That's what I thought he meant, but the sentence as typed contradicted itself lol.