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.

USA RECALL - Ford and associated brands issues a recall for more Takata issues, this time, nearly 2 Million units.

Ford is issuing a safety recall for vehicles that have certain non-desiccated Takata passenger-side frontal airbag inflators after Takata declared those inflators are defective. This expanded recall follows Takata’s notification to the U.S. NHTSA that certain of its airbag inflators are defective, affecting several automakers across the industry.

The vehicles affected by this Takata action are 

2007-2010 Ford Edge, 

2006-2011 Ford Fusion, 

2005-2011 Ford Mustang, 

2007-2011 Ford Ranger, 

2007-2010 Lincoln MKX and 

2006-2011 Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles built in North America. 

Ford is not aware of any injuries associated with these passenger side frontal inflators in any Ford vehicles related to this safety recall. Driver side airbag inflators in these vehicles are not included in this recall.

A total of 1,898,728 vehicles now are affected by this safety recall, including 1,896,443 in the United States and federalized territories, 1,304 in Canada and one in Mexico. Dealers will replace the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator at no cost to the customer.

Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly. 

Customers who want to know if their vehicle is included in this recall can visit www.ford.com and click on safety recalls at the bottom of the page and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

USA RECALL - Ford and Lincoln issue a recall each for two separate issues.

Ford Motor Company is issuing one safety recall and one safety compliance recall in North America. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America to replace their brake master cylinders.

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 271,000 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles to replace brake master cylinders. In some vehicles, it is possible brake effectiveness could be reduced due to brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, increasing the risk of a crash. The brake fluid leak affects brakes to the front wheels only and does not affect rear wheel braking.

Ford is aware of allegations of nine accidents with no injuries, and one alleged injury involving interaction with the vehicle’s brakes but not associated with an accident.

Affected vehicles include certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines built at Dearborn Truck Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 22, 2014; and Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2014. There are 270,873 vehicles affected including 225,012 in the United States and federalized territories, 43,682 in Canada and 402 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to the customer. Additionally, dealers will replace the brake booster if they find leaks from the brake master cylinder.

Ford issues safety compliance recall for certain 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles to replace seatback trim cover for second-row seat

Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for five 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles to replace the seatback trim cover for the left-side second-row seat and to install a tether cover bezel. In certain vehicles, the trim cover used for the second row was intended for the China market. As a result, the center tether anchor is covered by the trim cover.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include five 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles built at Oakville Assembly, Sept. 24-25, 2015. All are located in the United States.

Dealers will inspect and replace the seatback trim cover for the left-side second-row seat and install a tether cover bezel at no cost to the customer.

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 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.  

USA SALES JANUARY - Ford dips in January while luxury arm, Lincoln grows.

• Ford brand SUVs have their best start since 2004 with 50,212 vehicles sold; Edge sales up 26 percent
• Transit sales increase 51 percent, driving Ford van sales to their best January since 1985
• Lincoln posts January sales up 8 percent on strong demand for all-new Lincoln MKX
• Ford Motor Company average transaction prices grow almost three times the rate of overall industry; U.S. sales of 173,723 vehicles decline 3 percent versus last year

Coming off strong results last January, Ford Motor Company’s total U.S. sales of 173,723 vehicles declined 3 percent last month versus a year ago.

Bright spots for January include industry-leading transaction price increases for the month, the best start since 2004 for Ford brand SUV sales and an 8-percent gain in sales for Lincoln.

“For Ford, overall transaction prices were up $1,800 in January – almost three times more than the overall industry average – driven largely by strong customer demand, especially for our SUVs and F-Series pickups,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Ford SUVs totaled 50,212 sales last month – a 3 percent increase versus a year ago and the brand’s best sales start since 2004. The all-new Edge was the biggest driver, posting a 26 percent jump on sales of 9,533 vehicles.

   

Transit sales increased 51 percent in January with 9,631 vehicles sold, lifting overall Ford van performance 20 percent for their best start since 1985. 

F-Series January sales totaled 51,540 vehicles, down 5 percent. F-Series average transaction pricing grew $2,500 last month, while incentive spending was down $500 versus a year ago.

“We continue seeing strong commercial fleet orders for F-150 and will be filling more orders this year,” LaNeve said. “As the largest seller of commercial vehicles, this represents good news for Ford trucks and the overall economy.”

Lincoln sales increased 8 percent, for the best start of the year since 2008. Lincoln sold 7,177 vehicles, and the all-new MKX posted a 51 percent increase with 2,052 vehicles sold. It was Lincoln’s best January for SUVs since 2001.  

CHINA - Lincoln's first full year has been a success, this will grow with more dealers coming on stream this year.

• Lincoln sold 11,630 vehicles in China during 2015, the first full year of sales for the brand in China
• Lincoln exceeded its dealership expansion plan, opening 33 dealerships in China
• Three of Lincoln’s top 10 dealerships globally in terms of sales in 2015 are located in China
• Lincoln launched The Virtual Lincoln Way, allowing customers to shop at their convenience from anywhere in China

Lincoln, an iconic luxury automotive brand with a heritage linked to presidents, royalty and movie stars, sold 11,630 vehicles in China during 2015, the first full year for the brand in China.

Lincoln offers customers a full SUV line-up in China - the medium-size premium utility Lincoln MKC, the medium-large-size premium utility Lincoln MKX and the full-size luxury SUV Lincoln Navigator, as well as its popular mid-size premium sedan, the Lincoln MKZ.

Lincoln exceeded its dealership expansion plan by opening 33 Lincoln Stores, eight more than planned. Sales performance of these first stores has been strong and three of Lincoln’s top 10 dealerships globally in terms of sales in 2015 are located in China.

“We are very encouraged by the consumer response to Lincoln in China,” said Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China. “Our sales growth and rapid network development are proof that consumers are looking for a new way to shop for luxury products and they are finding it with Lincoln’s one-size-fits-one approach.”

The personalized experience of The Lincoln Way is a mainstay of all Lincoln dealerships, while The Virtual Lincoln Way is bringing the experience online to reach more customers, even those with no immediate access to Lincoln Stores. Launched in September, The Virtual Lincoln Way allows customers to tour a Lincoln Store, video chat with a Lincoln Host and make an appointment for an at home test drive.

Lincoln will continue its expansion in China, with 60 dealerships in 50 cities by the end of 2016. Lincoln also plans to launch the legendary full-size luxury sedan Lincoln Continental – further rounding out Lincoln’s product offering in China.