USA - Ford Motor Company issues two recalls mainly affecting the Fusion and MKZ.

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

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-16 Ford Fusion, 2015-16 Ford Mondeo and 2013-15 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to insulate seat belt anchor pretensioner cables

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 650,000 2013-16 Ford Fusion, 2015-16 Ford Mondeo and 2013-15 Lincoln MKZ vehicles to insulate front driver and passenger seat belt anchor pretensioners to prevent cable separation in a crash. 

In the affected vehicles, increased temperatures generated during deployment of the seat belt anchor pretensioner could cause pretensioner cables to separate, which may inadequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing risk of injury.

Ford is aware of two accidents and two injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include:

• 2013-15 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 2, 2012 to July 31, 2014
• 2013 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 13, 2012 to Nov. 1, 2012
• 2015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to April 2, 2016
• 2015-16 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2014 to Feb. 22, 2016
• 2014-15 Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, April 12, 2013 to July 31, 2014
• 2013-15 MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Nov. 14, 2012 to July 31, 2014
• 2015-16 Mondeo vehicles built at Valencia Assembly Plant, Aug. 5, 2014 to July 31, 2016

There are approximately 680,872 vehicles affected, including 602,739 in the United States, 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 in federalized territories. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S42.

Dealers will inject a conformal coating into the front driver and passenger seat belt anchor pretensioner to protect the cables from increased temperatures generated during deployment at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles to replace second-row left-rear seat back frame

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 27 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles to replace the second-row left-rear seat back frame, which may have been built with improperly welded pivot pins. 

In the affected vehicles, seat backs with pivot pins that were improperly welded may not adequately retain cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

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

Affected vehicles include certain 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, Sept. 27, 2016 to Sept. 28, 2016.

There are approximately 27 vehicles affected, including 25 in the United States and two in Canada. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S43.

Dealers will replace the second-row left-rear seat back frame at no cost to the customer.

USA - The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has been awarded the Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has earned the highest safety award issued by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – due in part to its front crash prevention system.

To earn the agency’s Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must have superior ratings in its small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength and head restraint tests. 

It also must have an available front crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating. Lincoln MKZ is available with an optional front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating.

Also helping Lincoln MKZ earn a Top Safety Pick+ are modifications to its front-end structure that boost the vehicle’s small overlap front rating and front crash prevention system. The small overlap front test represents a frontal crash in which only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end is involved.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety track tests, MKZ avoided collisions at 12 mph and 25 mph. The car also has a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ also is available with a suite of intuitive, driver-assist technologies. Its Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses camera and radar technology to monitor the vehicle’s proximity to other vehicles and pedestrians. If a potential collision is detected, the system can alert the driver with visible and audible warnings and, if needed, pre-charge the brakes and increase brake sensitivity to help provide full responsiveness.

The lane-keeping system uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings. It can apply steering wheel torque and alert the driver with a steering wheel vibration should sensors detect drifting.

Finally, BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert uses radar sensors to alert drivers with lights in their sideview mirrors if another vehicle is detected in Lincoln MKZ’s blind spots. When drivers are backing up, the system can detect a vehicle approaching from either side, notifying drivers with a warning light and an audible tone.

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).

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.

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.

USA SALES 2015 - FORD/LINCOLN - Ford continues to be the biggest single brand in the US, #1 model too.

• Ford Motor Company 2015 U.S. sales total 2,613,162 – up 5 percent, the company’s best annual sales performance since 2006; Ford is America’s best-selling vehicle brand for sixth straight year
• Ford Motor Company posts best U.S. December monthly sales results since 2005, selling 239,242 vehicles, up 8 percent
•  F-Series sales total 85,211 trucks in December, surpassing 85,000 sales for the first time in a decade; F-Series now America’s best-selling pickup for 39 straight years and the best-selling vehicle for 34 straight years with 780,354 trucks sold; Ford vans set annual sales record
• Ford brand SUVs up 13 percent, for best December since 2003; Escape, Edge and Explorer contribute to gains
• Fusion posts record December results, with total sales of 25,576 cars
• Lincoln has its best December since 2006, with annual volume their highest levels since 2008; sales of all-new Lincoln MKX up 77 percent

Ford Motor Company’s total 2015 U.S. sales of 2,613,162 vehicles are the company’s best annual sales results in nine years – up 5 percent. Ford brand sales of 2,511,935 vehicles make Ford America’s best-selling brand for six straight years.

U.S. December sales total 239,242 vehicles, up 8 percent versus a year ago. An 8 percent retail sales increase drove overall performance, with 174,509 vehicles sold last month.  

F-Series sales totaled 85,211 trucks in December, up 15 percent. Strong demand for F-150 contributed to the performance, as F-Series broke through the 85,000 vehicle mark for the first time in a decade. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 780,354 trucks – making it America’s best-selling pickup for 39 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 34 straight years.

“December capped off six straight months of year-over-year sales gains for F-Series, with strong increases coming from both retail sales and the strength of commercial fleet orders, as we closed out 2015,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. 

“Ford-brand SUVs delivered their best sales results in more than a decade, with our newest SUVs leaving dealer lots in a matter of days.”

Ford sold a total of 220,586 vans in 2015. This was an increase of 32 percent compared to the year prior and represents Fords highest van sales performance in company history. For the month of December, Ford van sales totaled 21,549, a 6 percent increase. 

Ford-brand SUVs totaled 65,675 sales last month – a 13 percent increase versus a year ago, for the best December performance since 2003. Escape sales of 27,954 rose 9 percent, for a record December and a record year. 

The all-new Edge delivered a 29 percent increase, with 10,263 vehicles sold. New Explorer sold a total 18,892 SUVs, a 14 percent increase, marking its best December performance since 2005.

December Fusion sales increased 15 percent at retail and 10 percent overall, making it Fusion’s best-ever December sales performance with 25,576 cars sold.

Lincoln sales totaled 10,860 vehicles for the month, representing a 12 percent increase and a 13 percent retail gain.

Strong performance from the all-new Lincoln MKX, with 2,960 vehicles sold, contributed to a 77 percent increase compared with a year ago. Lincoln MKZ sales were 3,207, up 22 percent.