Ford's Escape and Lincoln's MKC to have an extra week of build during the summer shutdown to meet demand.

• Ford is building its most popular SUV, the Ford Escape, an extra week at Louisville Assembly Plant this summer due to stronger demand
• Portions of seven North American Ford component plants will take a one-week shutdown, while all other North American Ford plants will take the traditional two-week summer shutdown
• Ford continues to match production with customer demand

Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC sales are off to their best start in company history during the first five months of the year, prompting the company to shorten the traditional two-week summer shutdown at Louisville Assembly Plant to build more than 8,500 additional vehicles there.

“The record sales for Ford Escape through May are being driven by strong demand from our retail customers,” said Raj Nair, Ford’s executive vice president and president – North America. “This is our strongest ever retail start for Escape, with retail sales up more than 6 percent versus this time last year.”

Ford Escape sales totaled 129,805 through May of this year, a 3 percent increase versus the same time period last year and our best ever start to the year for Escape. Lincoln MKC sales totaled 11,161 in the first five months of the year, up approximately 10 percent over this time period last year.

Louisville Assembly Plant is the only assembly plant in North America that will shorten the summer shutdown period. The remainder of Ford assembly plants in North America will have a traditional two-week summer shutdown.

Portions of a number of component plants will take a one-week summer shutdown, including: Van Dyke Transmission, Sterling Axle, Chihuahua Engine, Rawsonville, Chicago Stamping, Michigan Assembly Stamping and Woodhaven Stamping. Those plants will be closed the week of July 4 for building maintenance and machine retooling.

This production was included in the second quarter production guidance that Ford provided on April 27

USA RECALL #1 - Ford recalls over 2 million units for possible door latch component breakage, with a false door closed reading.

RECALL Subject : Doors may Unexpectedly Open , 1 INVESTIGATION(S)

Report Receipt Date: SEP 06, 2016

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000

Component(s): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,046,297 

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2015 Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vehicles. A component within the door latches may break, preventing the doors from latching and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.

CONSEQUENCE:

A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Due to a limited parts supply, each owner will be sent an interim notification beginning October 3, 2016 and will receive a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S30.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov

USA RECALL - Ford/Lincoln recalls nearly 900,000 units to replace side door latches.

Ford Motor Company is issuing a regional safety recall in North America for approximately 830,000 2013-15 Ford C-MAX, 2013-15 Ford Escape, 2012-15 Ford Focus, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, and 2014-16 Ford Transit Connect vehicles sold or ever registered in certain states to replace side door latches.

In the affected vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break. This condition typically will prevent the door from latching. In certain situations where the door is able to be closed, the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury.

Because the rate of reports is higher for vehicles in states with higher ambient temperatures and solar loading, this recall is focused primarily in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Oregon and Washington.

Ford has identified one reported accident and one reported injury that may be related to this issue.

Affected vehicles include those built:

• 2013-15 C-MAX – Michigan Assembly Plant, April 19, 2012 to Jan. 31, 2015
• 2013-15 Escape – Louisville Assembly Plant, Oct. 19, 2011 to Jan. 31, 2015
• 2012-15 Focus – Michigan Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2015
• 2015 Lincoln MKC – Louisville Assembly Plant, Dec. 4, 2013 to Jan. 31, 2015
• 2015 Mustang – Flat Rock Assembly Plant, May 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015
• 2014-16 Transit Connect – Valencia Assembly Plant, Aug. 9, 2013 to Feb. 1, 2016

The approximately 828,053 vehicles affected include 766,682 in the United States and federalized territories and 61,371 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace side door latches at no cost to the customer. In addition, Ford will launch a corresponding customer satisfaction program for vehicles outside the scope of this recall. If a vehicle exhibits a broken door latch, Ford will provide a one-time replacement at no charge for the life of the vehicle.

Lincoln is the only luxury automaker to provide standard pick up and delivery service for all it's vehicles.

Lincoln adds the luxury segment’s only standard Pickup and Delivery Service across all 2017 nameplates starting with the all-new Lincoln Continental. The exclusive standard service builds on the brand’s commitment to providing a human, warm and personal experience at all Lincoln dealerships. 

  

Lincoln Service Valet will pick up a client’s vehicle at an agreed location and, provide a complimentary Lincoln loaner vehicle, and then take the client’s vehicle to the dealership for service. Once complete, clients can arrange for their washed and serviced vehicle to be returned to them at the location of their choice.  

“Lincoln Pickup and Delivery service revolves around complementing our luxury vehicles with outstanding luxury experiences,” says Andrew Frick, Lincoln North American director of sales and services. “This kind of Quiet Luxury provides an exclusive and personally crafted service experience that enhances their lifestyle and saves them what is a true luxury item – their time.”

Lincoln has been piloting this program with a select group of dealers since May 2015 with overwhelming results:

• 98 percent of clients indicate they would be more likely to receive service from that Lincoln dealer in the future
• 98 percent would recommend Lincoln and the service to a friend
• 93 percent are likely to purchase another Lincoln vehicle

“Our dealers view this as a way to differentiate the client experience for Lincoln owners,” says Frick. “No matter what Lincoln vehicle clients have from our portfolio, they have the peace of mind of getting that vehicle to and from service at a location of their choice, with a complimentary Lincoln loaner in order to maintain their busy schedules.

“When nearly 100 percent of clients receiving this service say they would recommend Lincoln to a friend, it clearly indicates positive momentum for the brand and our dealers,” adds Frick.   

This exclusive Pickup and Delivery marks another milestone in Lincoln Motor Company commitment to merge great products, an outstanding experience and impeccable service – part of its original 2012 business plan. Since Lincoln began this journey, it has delivered four all-new products in four years, established a dealer network in China, built brand awareness, and increased volume for the brand and Lincoln products. 

As part of Lincoln’s ongoing client experience efforts, these successful programs have already been implemented:

• Lincoln Concierge: A trusted personal advisor – like the most attuned hotel concierge – assists clients 24/7 online at www.lincoln.com. While other luxury brands offer similar services, only Lincoln provides clients with an opportunity for video chat with a live person.
• Black Label: Started in 2015, the number of participating dealers has increased to more than 90 committed locations. Black Label provides personalized shopping with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online, or in locations convenient to clients. Specially trained Black Label experience liaisons meet prospective clients at their home, office, or anywhere within 30 miles of the showroom to begin the experience. Acting as a personal shopping assistant, the liaison helps clients identify their ideal vehicle by sharing paint and wood trim samples, as well as material swatches. Lincoln Black Label owners enjoy special privileges – ranging from extended premium service and maintenance coverage on wear items to Culinary Collection membership that provides access to a curated list of restaurants from coast to coast.
• Date Night:This extended test drive allows qualified buyers the chance to experience a Lincoln vehicle for up to 48 hours. In 2015, Date Night resulted in more than 11,000 sessions at select dealers, prompting nearly an 11 percent increase in Lincoln purchases. The program attracted nearly 70 percent of clients who had been with other luxury nameplates.
• Lincoln Institute: Training for key client-facing individuals is provided through Lincoln Institute. The program, which combines all of the brand’s training efforts under one umbrella, has been expanded to include all Lincoln dealers. Lincoln Institute includes not only hospitality training, but an all-new series of workshops that provide participants with tools to help local teams develop and execute processes consistently for luxury clients.

Pickup and Delivery is an important milestone in Lincoln’s commitment to providing personal client services to match its unique luxury products, coming at the perfect time as Lincoln prepares to launch the much-anticipated 2017 Lincoln Continental.

The all-new Lincoln Continental returns as the brand flagship this fall, offering first-class travel for clients in America and China through warm, human touches and a contemporary design. The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms – craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety.

“Quiet Luxury is Lincoln’s unique approach to ensure impeccable service is consistent with our outstanding products for the ultimate client experience,” says Frick.

Note: Service is available for retail and warranty repairs. Mileage limitations may apply. See your dealer for details. Lincoln reserves the right to change program at any time without obligation.

Lincoln collaborates with upscale men’s salon Fellow Barber to offer young professionals free personal grooming.

• Lincoln collaborates with upscale men’s salon Fellow Barber to offer young, aspirational professionals the same level of attention to detail in terms of grooming that the automaker builds into its Lincoln Black Label vehicles
• Throughout April, current Lincoln Black Label customers can enjoy complimentary barber service at any Fellow Barber location in New York or San Francisco
• Lincoln’s association with brands such as Fellow Barber and Tribeca Film Festival is a critical piece of its strategic efforts to reach a younger target customer

The Lincoln Motor Company announces an exclusive collaboration with Fellow Barber, a leading men’s grooming salon for young, aspirational professionals. Throughout April, current Lincoln Black Label customers can receive a complimentary grooming treatment at any of five Fellow Barber locations in New York and San Francisco.

Lincoln Black Label redefines what it means to shop for, purchase and own a luxury automobile. 

“Lincoln Black Label not only provides the best level of materials in specially curated design themes, but also offers a host of member privileges,” said Andrew Frick, Lincoln director, sales and service operations. “The Lincoln Black Label dealer network is designed to cater to our clients on an individual level.”

Membership privileges include annual vehicle detailing, anytime carwashes, and access to a curated list of restaurants where noted chefs will provide an at-your-service dining experience.

Fellow Barber upscale grooming shops are similarly devoted to offering their clients a high-quality, personal and authentic luxury experience.

“Lincoln’s brand philosophy is a natural fit with Fellow Barber’s passion for executing the details and delivering a high-quality experience,” said Sam Buffa, Fellow Barber founder. “Lincoln Black Label strongly resonates with the Fellow Barber customer. Each interior design treatment presents the vehicle in a unique and authentic way – much like the way we style our clients to express who they are. We are excited to take part in Lincoln Black Label membership privileges and welcome customers to our salons.”

Attracting younger, aspirational buyers

Over the past three years, Lincoln has introduced an all-new product portfolio and supported brands and events that appeal to a younger target customer. In addition to Fellow Barber, other collaborations include:

• Lincoln Re-imagine!, a $1.2 million project that funds art, design and thought leadership collaborations to explore unique concepts in film, theater and architecture
• Lincoln Hello, Again campaign, which seeks to take something that tends to get overlooked and create something new, fresh and usable from it. In the Burrows Street Park project, Lincoln worked with Architecture for Humanity to turn an empty lot into a pocket park in San Francisco’s Portola District
• 2016 is the third year Lincoln is teaming up with Tribeca Film Festival as part of its ongoing support for the arts

Lincoln Black Label is helping to attract new, affluent luxury customers to the brand. It is available on new Lincoln vehicles including the recently revealed 2017 Lincoln MKZ and all-new 2017 Lincoln Continental that will go on sale later this year.

USA RECALL - Ford issues THREE recalls, under the Transit, Lincoln and F-650/F-750 models, details within.

Ford Motor Company is issuing three safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Ford Transit vehicles in North America to inspect and adjust side-curtain airbags

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 38,000 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles to inspect and adjust side-curtain airbags as needed. In some vehicles, it is possible the side-curtain airbags are positioned incorrectly on either or both sides of the vehicle, which may influence side-curtain airbag performance and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, March 12, 2014 through March 18, 2016. There are 37,905 vehicles affected, including 37,066 in the United States and federalized territories and 839 in Canada.

Dealers will inspect and adjust the side-curtain airbags to the correct position as needed at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles to replace engine block heaters

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 5,500 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles to remove the heaters and replace them with an updated design. The engine block design, coupled with the particular block heater installed in these vehicles, causes the unit to be susceptible to overheating when the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in –increasing the risk of an underhood fire.

Ford is aware of two reports of underhood fires in Canada, but is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, Nov. 25, 2013 through Jan. 25, 2016 and certain 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, Oct. 20, 2014 through Jan. 28, 2016. There are 5,536 vehicles affected by the issue, including 3,129 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2,407 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles, with 1,543 of the affected vehicles in the United States and federalized territories and 3,993 in Canada.

Dealers will remove and replace the engine block heater with an updated design and, if needed, replace the cord at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles to replace parking brake cable connector clips

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 4,800 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles to replace the parking brake cable connector clips. In some vehicles, the parking brake connector clips were not manufactured to the correct specifications and could break – resulting in unintended movement of the vehicle and increased risk of injury.

Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to this condition.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles built at Escobedo Assembly Plant, Jan. 28, 2015 through April 23, 2015, and Ohio Assembly Plant, Jan. 31, 2015 through Nov. 30, 2015. There are 4,764 vehicles affected, including 4,654 in the United States and federalized territories and 110 in Canada.

Dealers will replace the connector clip at no cost to the customer.

USA SALES MARCH - Ford continues to grow helped by SUV and Van sales,, Lincoln grew significantly too.

• Ford Motor Company U.S. sales of 254,711 vehicles for March up 8 percent versus last year; first quarter sales total 645,626 vehicles – up 9 percentz

• Ford brand SUVs reach best first quarter sales start in company history, best March sales since 2001 – March Edge sales up 49 percent, Escape grows 8 percent and Explorer gains 4 percent

• Ford F-Series sales up 9 percent, for best March and first quarter start in a decade; commercial vans produce best March sales in 38 years, led by record Transit sales

• Lincoln sales grew 11 percent, thanks to the brand’s best March performance for sport utility vehicles since 2001; Lincoln brand SUVs up 27 percent in first quarter

Ford Motor Company sold 254,711 vehicles in the U.S. in March – an 8 percent gain versus a year ago – while first quarter sales of 645,626 vehicles were up 9 percent. This represents the company’s best sales performance for March and first quarter since 2006.

Total Ford brand SUVs are off to their best start in company history, with first quarter total sales of 188,100 – up 15 percent versus a year ago. March SUV sales also were up 13 percent with 72,872 SUVs sold, marking the best March performance in 15 years. For the month, Edge was up 49 percent, Escape was up 8 percent and Explorer was up 4 percent.

F-Series sales exceeded 70,000 in March, with 73,884 trucks sold. 2007 is the last time F-Series broke the 70,000 mark this early in the year. F-Series sales rose 9 percent versus last year, marking their best March performance since 2006. For the quarter, F-Series sales totaled 186,121 – up 5 percent.

"Customers continue buying high-end SUVs and trucks, helping the Ford brand increase its average transaction prices by more than $1,600 per vehicle in March – nearly double the industry average,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We have been seeing solid sales momentum in the first quarter across our entire portfolio, with car, SUV and truck sales up across the board."

Cars were up 1 percent, SUVs grew 16 percent and trucks rose 9 percent to start the year.

Commercial van sales also rose in the first quarter totaling 58,738 vehicles, representing a 22 percent increase versus a year ago.

Commercial van sales for the month tallied 24,330 vehicles for America’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand, fueled by Transit, up 53 percent, with 14,895 sales – Ford’s best commercial van month in 38 years. With 36,022 vans sold in first quarter, Transit van sales are up 57 percent to start the year.

Lincoln sales were up 11 percent in March, while average transaction prices for the brand were up more than $2,100 – almost four times the rate of growth of the overall luxury segment.

Much of the growth came from 6,428 Lincoln SUV sales – a 28 percent gain. First-quarter Lincoln SUV sales increased 27 percent, marking Lincoln SUVs best sales performance for March and the first quarter since 2001.