I started a thread that included this article a while back and I suppose it is particularly relevant for this thread.
http://blogs.motortrend.com/one-ford-and-one-small-problem-26343.html#axzz2DO1qUk6c
I would classify all the members on this thread as car enthusaists, not Lincoln enthusiasts. Like the above posters, none of us here are going to by a Lincoln simply because it is a Lincoln, were going to buy nice cars. We all just happen to drive the LS because well, it's a really nice car. I too would also buy a equus or genesis before a new Lincoln. The majority of you I would say, are older than me, and are comfortable with money, you are the target brand for Lincoln and they simply aren't delivering.
With that being said, I have a respect for Ford and how they handled the recent rapid collapse of the domestic market. The buttoned down, made some tough choices and pumped out a robust all new product line (Ford side) and globalized their platforms. Where to me, it seemed like bam! GM kills off 4 brands and then takes private jets to Washington to talk bailouts.
It is however, glaringly clear that while Ford got the blue oval cars together, all their focus was indeed on that brand, which I can completely understand. The worthless distraction of mercury was killed off and Lincoln was put on auto pilot. It's obvious that they intent to keep the brand around, but were getting the blue oval cars profitable first before anything else.
With the quality of the new Fords on the roads I can promise you we aren't the only ones thinking "WTF are they doing with Lincoln", they know more then any of us that those FWD, low power, UGLY AS SIN, cars aren't selling. However, given the time a car line takes to design, develop, and produce I am not concerned. The last gen Lincolns were designed and built prior to the "Hey, lets get our $hit together attitude" and the new, previously described and "smiling whales" are clearly a result of a rushed, low cost, just enough effort to stay relevant update, IE autopilot.
With the new resources the Ford has in frames, and drive trains I would be really looking forward to the next generation and the one after that. I can understand the business sense of just coasting Lincoln along until they got the main brand profitable again.
For me that's good news. I just got my LS in February, those of you who have had them for some time and are about to replace and don't have the money to buy those BEAUTIFUL new jag's...Well Lincoln just isn't ready to give you the product that your looking for. Personally, the new Lexus's have my attention.
Better and brighter days are coming for Lincoln.
Just my two cents.
