USA - The all new Lincoln Navigator Extended Length, more room for more luxury and toys.

• All-new Lincoln Navigator debuting on the longest day of the year, is nearly a foot longer than the regular model, with best-in-class cargo volume behind the second-row seats
• Luxurious, spacious interior allows for first-class seating for every passenger, and is specially designed with below-floor storage behind the third row
• Destination, a new Lincoln Black Label interior design option that celebrates the art of travel, also is being unveiled

Today marks the first day of summer, the longest day of the year and the perfect time to debut the extended-length Navigator, Lincoln’s longest, most luxurious and spacious SUV.

This all-new Navigator, nearly a foot longer than the regular model, features increased cargo capacity*and is specially designed with a below-floor storage compartment behind the third row. In addition, the second-row door is larger, allowing for easier entry and exit.

It’s the definitive vehicle for getaways with family and friends – everyone travels in comfort and nothing is left behind. Both versions of the new Navigator go on sale this fall.

The longer Navigator provides best-in-class cargo volume behind the second-row seats. Also, the extra 15 cubic feet of storage behind the third row means while every passenger enjoys a comfortable ride, bags still fit and bulky cargo isn’t a hassle.

The roomier Lincoln Navigator comes standard with Lincoln’s signature personalized customer service, including Pickup and Delivery.

With the service, a Lincoln Service Valet picks up a client’s vehicle for any service need, at any location, provides the client with a complimentary Lincoln loaner vehicle, and returns the freshly washed vehicle to the client once service is complete.

Lincoln introduces Destination

With the new extended-length Navigator, Lincoln is unveiling Destination, a new Black Label interior theme that celebrates the art of travel.

Destination takes its inspiration from vintage luggage, hearkening back to a time when travel was rich with excitement and intrigue. Mahogany Red Venetian leather with an intricate diamond weave on the seats is complemented by khaya wood laser-etched appliqués that lightly echo the pattern.

“There’s so much fine detailing throughout this interior,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director. “While it’s monochromatic, it is rich, warm and inviting through the use of color and textures. The look is truly indulgent and luxurious.” 

Navigator comes in two other Lincoln Black Label interior themes, as well – Chalet and Yacht Club.

Lincoln Black Label gaining in popularity

Lincoln Black Label offers the ultimate expression of Lincoln style and substance, providing clients personal service and a host of exclusive membership privileges. These range from premium service coverage to personalized vehicle shopping with dedicated personnel at home, in the showroom or online.

Every Lincoln Black Label Navigator comes standard with the best Lincoln has to offer in features and technology, including its award-winning Perfect Position Seats and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This system uses advanced radar and cameras to provide a collision warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, it can automatically apply vehicle brakes. The system is designed to reduce the severity of and, in some cases, eliminate frontal collisions, including those involving pedestrians.

Lincoln Black Label continues to grow in popularity, according to Doug Hange, Lincoln Black Label brand and operations manager. “It’s our ultimate expression of design and personal service,” he said. “It offers an upgraded vehicle that’s appealing to many clients. And the member privileges open up a whole level of options.”

Lincoln Black Label members receive lifetime complimentary car washes, a complimentary culinary experience – with enhancements such as a champagne or wine toast, appetizers and a personalized menu. Membership allows them to qualify for the Avis® President’s Club – an exclusive, invitation-only program. Perks of the club include complimentary rentals in select locations and premiere savings.

*Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

LA SHOW - Lincoln showcases the Lincoln Navigator Concept at this years Show, a real leap forward in every aspect.

• The Lincoln Motor Company’s Navigator Concept, a full-size SUV boasting the brand’s quiet luxury features, will be showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 18-27, offering auto enthusiasts a glimpse into the future of the nameplate
• Lincoln’s design team drew inspiration for the SUV from luxury yachts and sailboats, resulting in clean, modern lines for the exterior, and teak finishes and a wardrobe management system inside
• Navigator concept features an array of smart technologies designed to make the vehicle increasingly efficient on a variety of road surfaces

Auto enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the Lincoln Navigator concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 18-27, as the brand hints at what’s next for its best-known nameplate – a full-size SUV geared toward quiet luxury.

The design team at The Lincoln Motor Company was inspired by luxury yachts and sailboats. This influence can be seen in everything from the vehicle’s clean, modern lines and Storm Blue exterior, to teak finishes and exquisite detailing throughout.

“Lincoln Navigator concept reinforces our commitment to give every Lincoln client what we call quiet luxury – vehicles and experiences that are elegant and effortlessly powerful,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, The Lincoln Motor Company. 

“Quiet luxury is what sets Lincoln apart. We’re showing fans of large SUVs how we can exceed their expectations, without being the loudest statement on the road.”

Lincoln’s most spacious interior yet – a key purchase consideration among buyers of large SUVs – is delivered with outstanding refinement in the Navigator concept. A custom wardrobe management system at the rear offers spacious organization for the savvy traveler. Six Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats adjust 30 ways to best support various body types. The driver’s seat includes independent deployable thigh support for maximum comfort.

Monitors on the back head restraints offer passengers Wi-Fi connectivity – allowing them to wirelessly share music and content from personal devices. In addition, Lincoln’s Revel^® audio system is specially tuned for superior sound quality throughout.

The concept vehicle is equipped with several drive modes designed to improve ride and handling and allow drivers to find the experience that best suits their given terrain. Drive modes affect steering, suspension and noise levels.

A 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist features take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking. The system seamlessly integrates views from four cameras – creating an overhead image that allows drivers to see all around the vehicle.

Navigator concept’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the road ahead. If a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the system provides a warning to the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond, it can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of – even eliminate – some frontal collisions. A lane-keeping system vibrates the steering wheel to alert drivers straying from their lane, providing mild input to encourage them back toward the center.

Lincoln Navigator concept is accessed through distinctive power gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps. A special lighting sequence – a signature Lincoln feature – welcomes passengers for every journey.

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 - For the second year in a row, the Lincoln Navigator has won the Vincentric Best Value in America™ award

• Lincoln Navigator wins 2016 Vincentric Best Value in America™ award in Large Luxury SUV category
• Vincentric awards are model-specific honors that determine the best value in each segment
• Awards are determined by statistical analysis incorporating total cost of ownership of all vehicles for the 2016 model year factoring in such elements as fuel, financing, maintenance, and insurance

For the second year in a row, the Lincoln Navigator has won the Vincentric Best Value in America™ award in the Large Luxury SUV segment.

Vincentric analyzes data to determine ownership costs over the lifecycle of a vehicle. The overall value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the total cost of ownership of all vehicles for the 2016 model year along with the current market price of those vehicles.

Every month, Vincentric measures the cost to own and operate more than 3,000 vehicle configurations based on typical use by consumers. Additionally, Vincentric estimates the current market price for each vehicle, incorporating rebates and incentives into this process to determine the total cost of ownership.

Areas in which the Navigator exceled to receive the best value award are:

• Lowest depreciation cost in its class
• Lowest maintenance cost in its class
• Lowest total cost of ownership in its class
• Lowest fixed costs in its class; combined total of depreciation, fees and taxes, finance, insurance, and opportunity cost  
• Lowest operating cost in its class: combined total of fuel, repairs, and maintenance costs

The value equation for Navigator is strengthened by its standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, which delivers a combination of power and fuel economy. It produces 380 horsepower, using 93-octane fuel, and provides best-in-class fuel economy of an EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 16 city/22 highway/18 combined mpg for the 4x2 configuration. Actual mileage will vary.

The award signifies Lincoln’s value leadership of the large, luxury SUV segment. The recent reveal of the Navigator concept gives a glimpse of what the future may hold for Navigator, and path of continuous innovation.

This is the third award for a Lincoln SUV this year following the 2016 Lincoln MKC being named a Best Buy from Consumer Guide, and the all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX receiving the Best Luxury Two-Row SUV for the Money Award from U.S. News and World Report.

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.