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All new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Fri, 31 May 2024 15:31:41 GMT

When was the last time you fell in love with a car? So much so that it almost felt like a forever car. The all new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus has the potential to just do that. And here is why...

We recently had the opportunity to look at and check the new vehicle and we were really impressed. The last 20 years have shown us a continuous improvement and progress made by Lincoln, with every model and every generation entering into a new stage of experience, delight and amazement. Even the most diehards and fanatic Lincoln fans can only enjoy the journey and the experiences provided. And the 2024 Nautilus takes that transformation to a whole new level.

More to come...

Two questions interview with a legend: Robert A. Lutz

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:16:19 GMT

Do you remember this book?

We always admired Mr. Bob Lutz, the author of the book, and followed him through the years.

For people in the auto industry, not many introductions are necessary, but we will attempt a short one for those who aren't aware:

Robert A. Lutz
President and Chief Executive Officer of Lutz Communications
Retired Vice Chairman, General Motors Company

Mr. Lutz retired May 1, 2010, as Vice Chairman of General Motors, following a legendary 47-year career in the global automotive industry.

Variety of Senior Sales and Marketing positions in Europe (until 1971)
General Motors
1963-1971

Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing
Member of BMW Board
BMW Europe
1971-1974

Executive Vice President of truck operations
Chairman of Ford of Europe
Executive Vice President of Ford's international operations
Member of Ford's Board
Ford Motor Company
1974-1986

Executive Vice President
Chrysler Corporation
Member of Chrysler Corporation Board
1986-1998
Led all of Chrysler's automotive activities, including sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, and procurement and supply.
Served as President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for Chrysler's car and truck operations worldwide.
Retired in 1998 as Vice Chairman.

Chief Executive Officer
Exide Technologies
Chairman (until 2002)
Member of Exide's Board of Directors (until 2004)
1998-2001

Vice Chairman of Product Development
General Motors
2001-2010
Chairman of GM North America and served in that capacity until April 2005, when assumed responsibility for Global Product Development.
Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor providing strategic input into GM’s global design and key product initiatives, in 2009,
Vice Chairman, Marketing and Communications, 2009
Vice Chairman, specially assigned to advise on Design and Global Product Development, 2009
President of GM Europe on an interim basis in 2004.
Retired in 2010, as Vice Chairman.

He serves as a member of the board of trustees for the U.S. Marine Corps University Foundation and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.

He served as a member of the board for VIA Motors up until the sale of the Company in April of 2023.

Lutz received his bachelor's degree in production management from the University of California-Berkeley in 1961, where he earned distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa.

He received a master's degree in marketing, with highest honors, from the University of California-Berkeley in 1962.

He received an honorary degree of doctor of management from Kettering University on June 21, 2003, and an honorary doctorate of law from Boston University in 1985.

The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Foundation named him the recipient of its 2006 Manufacturing Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the development of the automotive industry.

He also served as a jet-attack aviator in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1965 and attained the rank of captain.

Lutz was born in 1932, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Books published:

Guts: The Seven Laws of Business That Made Chrysler the World's Hottest Car Company, 1998
(His 12 years with Chrysler are chronicled in this book)

Guts: 8 Laws of Business from One of the Most Innovative Business Leaders of our Time, 2003 ( a revised and updated version of the 1998 book)

Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business, 2011

Icons and Idiots: Straight Talk On Leadership, 2013

An accomplished leader, a major executive at all Big 3 and BMW in Europe, was never shy and had a good relationship with the media. He was and still is a very influential personality, informed, knowledgeable and opinionated, often outrageous and controversial but always listened to and appreciated. Even now, in his nineties, he is still in demand, and keeps very busy.

So, when we reached out for an interview recently for this blog, we didn't expect much, but we were really excited and surprised to not be completely and politely refused, instead receiving an acceptance for a 2 questions interview. Yes, you read that well - two questions. That may not be a lot, but it is more than what we get from other executives. And remember, this is from a legend in the industry.

What questions would you have chosen?

It was a tough choice to make, but here is what we eventually stopped at:

Lincolnrati: Q1. Brand or product?
What is a customer buying? Is it the product or the brand? After so many years in the industry, have you come to a conclusion?

BL: "Brand or Product? A complex question the answer to which depends on social class. "Old money", people who have always been wealthy and who are secure in their social status, tend to buy "value". They will prefer a big GMC sport utility to a Cadillac Escalade, because they don't need the "prestige" of Cadillac. At the other end of the socio-economic scale, buyers will opt for Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda because it's all they can afford. ln the middle and upper-middle class, many people seek higher social status and recognition for their achievement in life. They buy "brand", whether it makes product sense or not. But their choice of vehicle is linked to their desire to be viewed as "smart" and "successful", and BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche, no matter how ugly or over-priced, will do that. Cadillac and Lincoln did not take care of their brands. They sold thinly-disguised Fords and Chevrolets as Lincolns and Cadillacs for decades. They also discounted heavily to maintain volume. You can't do that and maintain exclusive luxury status. They destroyed two formerly great American luxury brands."

Lincolnrati: Q2. How can Lincoln be again what it once was (or even more)?
Knowing what we know today, in 2024, what can be done?

BL: "Lincoln could return to luxury respectability, but it would require a long-term financial commitment and an intense focus on that objective. lt would mean an end to obvious product sharing with Ford. Cadillac recently commenced limited production of the hand-built $300,000 "Celestiq", on which GM certainly won't make money. But, with it's superb long range battery and exquisite interior, it once again places Cadillac up at or near the top of the luxury ladder. Lincoln would have to go beyond that: bigger, more beautiful, more expensive, limited volume, special-order only. And you'd have to wait to get it. There would be NONE in dealer inventory. Would Lincoln make money on it? Most likely not, but doing something extraordinary like that, possibly several times, is the investment in brand status required to make Lincoln a respected, aspirational brand again. Personally, l very much doubt that Ford leadership would be willing to make a commitment like that. lt may come as a surprise to you, but l learned during my career that very, very few senior executives understand brand equity and what it takes to maintain or build it."

What do you think?

In a world where (in his own words) "everybody is way too nice to everybody" once again he is ready to speak his mind. Do you remember his famous motto: “Often wrong, but seldom in doubt.” His answers to our questions are in line with his famous brand and belief. It makes you wonder if his observations of the past are still valid today: "In our business, taking no risk is to accept the certainty of long-term failure". Especially those "transformations in mentality and focus" that "are not created overnight", may actually take much much longer. And, ultimately, "the lack of problems does not equal the presence of appeal".

The Long COVID of the Auto industry

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:45:15 GMT

The COVID 19 pandemic is a thing of the past but the effects of the industry wide disruptions are still felt today. The microchip shortages and other supply chains issues have proved insurmountable many times for most automakers over the last couple of years. Long awaited, the full recovery is still not in sight and companies have hurried to lock in reliable resources around the world. Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has already stated that all the constraints are here to stay.

Pre-pandemic, the US auto industry enjoyed four long good sales years with levels above the 17 million units. In 2022 only 13.7 M vehicles were sold in the US, a 7.7 % drop from the 14.9 M sold in 2021.

This is the lowest level since 2011 when only 12.7M vehicles were sold in the US. But this doesn’t have to be bad news for the auto industry. The reason for the sharp drop in sales is the supply chain issues and the shortage of semiconductor chips that continue to linger on and hurt automakers. However, the lower inventories and the inability to meet demand have led to a scarcity that drove prices and profits higher. The average car price in December 2022 was $46,382 according to NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association). ZeroSum estimates that Americans are paying 20% more for new vehicles than in 2019. GM, for example, reported nearly $10 billion in profit in 2022. Stellantis on its part outdid its first year with $17.9B profit in 2022. All domestic cars and parts manufacturers together saw a combined profit of $32 billion through the third quarter of 2022.

Jonathan Smoke, the chief economist for Cox Automotive said that “The largest demand problem for automotive is affordability”. The chip shortages may be on everyone’s mind, but that is not the biggest problem. The increasing loan interest rates and the higher and higher car prices are the serious threat to auto sales. According to J.D. Power the average monthly payment for a new vehicle finance contract was above $700. LendingTree looked at payments, originations, term lengths, delinquencies and more and found out that the average car payment was up also for both leased and used vehicles. The average auto loan term is 68.6 months for new cars, 67.4 months for used cars and 35.3 months for leased vehicles, according to Experian. And, as expected, the average interest rates for new-vehicle loans are expected to increase to 7.0%(JD Power). Oversimplifying it, there are still more buyers in the market than there are cars. And the car sales are up in 2023 so far and most agencies estimate higher volumes for the full year 2023. AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, expects car sales to increase 10% in the US to 15.2 million for the full year 2023. Similarly, S&P Global Mobility predicts 15.2 million units for 2023. For its part, Cox Automotive forecasts 2023 auto sales to reach 15M units. So, who will be right? The most important thing is that all of them expect a 10% increase in sales year on year by the end of 2023 for the full year. The consumers however, will have to wait a long time before the big incentives are back in play.

20 Years of Lincoln Navigator

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 03:49:08 GMT

It's hard to believe but Lincoln Navigator has been with us for over twenty years. When it was launched back in 1997 it started a whole new segment - the Full Size Luxury SUV. After dominating the first couple of years of the segment it created, the Navigator came under siege and has been on defense ever since.

After recording a high of over 43,000 units sold in 1998, the Navigator experienced an almost continuous decrease, hitting a bottom of 8,000 units in 2011.

At the same time, the segment saw a solid growth, attracting more competitors, of which the Cadillac Escalade distinguished itself as a market leader. At its peak in 2006, with more than 134,000 units sold, the full size luxury SUV segment represented 7.2% of US luxury vehicle market.

After the tumultuous Great Recession of 2008, the Full Size Luxury SUV segment entered a period of rapid volume recovery, almost doubling in size between 2009 and 2017, but its share of US Luxury market remained relatively stable, oscillating between 5% - 6%. With all the changes happening in the market, when customers are heavily turning toward SUVs and CUVs many thought the Full Size Luxury SUV segment would recover to its previous highs, but that hasn't happened yet, neither for volumes nor for share of US luxury.

Of note is the fact the Navigator did not benefit from the recent segment recovery, and sales have been fairly flat until 2018 when the fourth generation was launched.

In over 20 years Navigator has sold 476,000 vehicles, coming only second in the segment to Escalades' 747,000.

The "long tail" like of Lincoln Navigator that we have seen in recent years has finally came to an end in 2018.

Since 1997, four generations of Navigator have reached the market. The first generation of Navigator is still the best seller, with 210,000 units sold. The third generation, although the longest on the market, only comes third, narrowly overpassed by the second generation.

The fourth generation started well and is really promising.

So, how good is the fourth generation? Launched with great reviews, the New Navigator has sold well, increasing the volumes and at the same time gaining market share.

Although selling in smaller numbers than other Lincoln models, the Navigator provides a significant portion of Lincoln's and Ford's profits. At its peak, the Navigator only represented 24% of Lincoln's volume in the US.

At only 6-7% of the total US Luxury vehicles, the Full Size Luxury SUV segment has been a magnet for manufacturers because of the larger profits involved. As the numbers of competitors in the segment increased, so the Navigators sales have decreased.

After dominating the segment for many years, the US OEMs, Lincoln and Cadillac, have been facing more competitors in recent years. Fortunately, Lincoln's comeback has meant more care and more dollars invested in the brand and its models, Navigator included. We all have great hopes and believe the company is well prepared.

50% of all Lincoln vehicles sold in the US in 2018 were built in the US.

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 20:36:04 GMT

With all the recent talks about Trade Wars and the GM strike, it is important to acknowledge that, while many of the other OEMs have increased the number of Mexico built cars sold in the US, Ford and Lincoln have actually decreased that proportion.

Overall, Ford, as a company, decreased the numbers of cars it imported from Mexico by 37% between 2011 and 2018. In actual numbers, the decrease is from about 400,000 vehicles in 2011 to just above a quarter million in 2018. It may not be significant, but it is against the trend, it is opposite to what other manufacturers are doing. There were 11 OEMs with assembling operations in Mexico, in 2018, comparing to just 8 in 2011. All of them have increased the volume of cars exported to the US, or will increase it. The exception is Ford.

As a percentage of total US car sales, Mexico built vehicles accounted for almost 15% in 2018, compared to just above 10% in 2011. The trend has been up for most years.

When it comes down to each individual manufacturer, the proportion of Mexico built cars, sold in the US, versus their total US sales, that proportion varies among the 11 OEMs from 0% for BMW, which only opened their Mexico plant in 2019, to almost 60% for Volkswagen. On the other hand, while the proportion of Mexico built cars, out of Volkswagen's total US sales is high, it hasn't changed that much, where others, like Honda, for example, have increased dramatically. The average among the 11 OEMs is at 19%, which is above the industry average of 15%, when accounted for all sales, including companies that don't sell in the US any cars produced in Mexico.

The amount of Mexico built vehicles sold by Lincoln in the US - their proportion was at 19%, in 2018. With the Lincolns built in Canada in 2018 at roughly 30% of the total US sales, the remaining half was produced at US plants (Chicago, Louisville, Flat Rock).

Although at 19%, the proportion of Mexico built cars out of the total Lincoln cars sold in the US in 2018 was average, among OEMs with operations in Mexico, it has in fact continually decreased since 2013, when it was at 40%.

After a low of 23.7% of total US sales (2013), Lincoln cars built in the US have gained ground reaching above 50% in 2018.

We might say that the decrease we see at Ford and Lincoln is mainly due to the change in taste of US customers, who have massively switched to SUVs and CUVs in recent years. Since Lincoln and Ford build more sedans in Mexico, that proportion has decreased as a result of the market changes. But, this is also a company strategy, because there have been many chances when they could have moved (or started) production of more SUVs and CUVs to Mexico (Aviator, or Corsair, for example), to reduce the labor costs, but they haven't done it. Of course, there are other reasons in place, like avoiding the higher tariffs, for example, so much discussed recently, but in the end the strategy remains, and we don't see Ford and Lincoln receiving enough credit or appreciation for their choice. Again, this is a company that "braved the recession without taking any money from the federal government."

Race for the White House: Lincoln vs Cadillac

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 20:06:56 GMT

Over the last 100 years Lincoln and Cadillac have competed for visibility and prestige by providing the Presidential State Cars to the White House. There was never an official or unofficial prize given to the manufacturer chosen to deliver the presidential state car; there was never something like the “Blue Riband”, in the old days, for the fastest passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean. However, the manufacturer of the presidential state car won many accolades and entered the public perception as a symbol, a builder of presidential cars.

Traditionally, Lincoln provided cars to the White House before the Reagan administration, but Cadillac has taken over recently and the U.S. presidents have been driven around in Cadillacs for the last eight out of nine administrations. The only return to Lincolns during this timeframe took place during George Herbert Walker Bush's sole term in office.

In spite of this long absence from the White House, Lincoln is still associated with movie stars and presidents. Especially the Chinese customers hold the Lincoln brand in very high regard. The reason Lincoln is seen more synonymous with presidential limos than Cadillac, even today, two decades after delivering its last presidential car, might be the connections experienced throughout the US history to iconic people and events, such as FDR and JFK - more so than Cadillac. The limo driving President John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated was a Lincoln Continental, and as sad as the moment was, or especially because of that, both the President and the car will be forever entrenched into the nation’s consciousness.

If we came up with a score of winning the White House, for Lincoln versus Cadillac, the first would dominate the beginnings and the last would dominate the recent periods. That score is getting tighter, 8-6 since 2018, and Lincoln is slowly losing its lead. All that historical memory and goodwill might disappear if not bolstered.

Lincoln’s comeback is well underway and pretty successful. They are not where they want to be yet, but the determination and the will is there. However, it should be given a more serious consideration to getting back the White House. Every time the bid requirements for a new presidential limousine are announced, Lincoln Motor should sign up and compete for the job. Because, this is who Lincoln is, this is Lincoln’s DNA and should not be taken lightly. The path of Lincoln’s turnaround is definitely going through China. But Lincoln’s turnaround would not be completed without taking back the White House. The day when that happens will be a big day, a great reason to celebrate.

And, probably both Lincoln and Cadillac would benefit from reigniting this old rivalry.

The relative worth of Lincoln Motor Co.

Sat, 30 Jul 2016 01:41:55 GMT

[...]

Lincoln Date Night: a strategy

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 03:07:08 GMT

[...]

Product Life Cycle: Lincoln MKS

Tue, 31 May 2016 03:57:14 GMT

Launched in 2008 as a 2009 model year, the MKS was built in Chicago, IL and sold over 100,000 units in nine years, before it was discontinued in 2016. It peaked at a little over 17,000 vehicles in 2009 and received a facelift in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Lincoln.com, and others.

Accounting for 24% of all Lincoln models, at its peak, MKS was the third best selling Lincoln model until the last part of its life cycle when it dropped as low as the fifth out the six models.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com, via chartgo.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Lincoln.com, and others.

According to ABC News, 55% of its components were made in USA.

To its credit, the Lincoln Motor Company has been trying in recent years to develop a cohesive identity that would incorporate some of its iconic design cues. Inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental, the MKS was the first production model to embrace the split-wing grille, probably one of its most emblematic exterior features. Although recently replaced by the new rectangular design that debuted on the Continental concept, the split-wing grill stood out as a unique, pure Lincoln DNA and had many supporters.

Considered Lincoln's flagship vehicle, the MKS didn't have a predecessor and was replaced by the new 2017 Continental. It ranged in price from around $40,000 to around $55,000 with factory options. Viewed by many as an upscale cousin to the Ford Taurus, the general feeling was that Lincoln MKS didn't distinguished itself to attract enough buyers. However, even though it didn't meet the initially forecast annual sales of 36,000 units, we can argue that MKS was able to steal market share from its competitors.

Since the MKS was a vehicle new to the market segment, it obviously needed to steal share in order to squeeze in. So, who was it going to steal market share from?

Before the introduction of MKS, the only other Lincoln model competing in the full size luxury segment was the Town Car, which was at the end of its life cycle. The segment leader was Cadillac DTS followed by Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. In 2008, the first year in the market, the MKS grabbed 11% of the segment, stealing market share from Cadillac DTS, Lexus LS, Town Car and Jaguar XJ. In 2009, the second year in the market, the MKS continued stealing even more share from Cadillac DTS and Lexus LS, reaching a high of 17,174 units sold. This time, the MKS further earned share from Mercedes S-Class, for a total segment share of 21%. Although the sales started declining from 2010, MKS was able to hold at least 16% share of the segment for a couple of more years, which was a remarkable achievement in itself, considering that it was during the worst of the recession.

Graph maker

Graph by Lincolnrati.com, via chartgo.com; Data Source: Wikipedia.org, Lincoln.com, Goodcarbadcar.net, and others.

For all these reasons, in the end, we believe MKS was a triumph. Being able to steal market share from the best in the segment, MKS did help elevate the Lincoln brand, paving the road for an even brighter future.

The Lincolnaissance: More (and better) models, higher volume

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:18:07 GMT

When you compete in the car industry it helps to have more models in your line up. This is particularly true in the luxury car segment, where the top makers have significantly more models than the rest of the competitors. For comparison, Lincoln only has 6 models currently, and will offer the 7th with the launch of the new 2017 Continental.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Lincoln.com, and others.

From a historical perspective, Lincoln has never had a large line up of models. The highest number of models was produced in 2010-2011: 7. In fact, the most successful years, from a sales volume stand point, were achieved offering only 3-4 models.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Lincoln.com, and others. Different variants of the same model were not included.

In an effort to catch up with the segment leaders, Lincoln has gradually increased the number of models offered since the late 1990’s. However, the larger offering has not produced the expected sales increase. We can all argue that the deep recession has played an important role, as everyone suffered for a good couple of years. The market rebound has turned things around for the industry and having more models has definitely helped Lincoln.

Despite the bragging rights and the brand push that come along with the higher sales volume, it is encouraging that Ford and Lincoln are focused on profitability and aligning business plans to the market conditions. Equally encouraging is the fact that Lincoln has often shown up in recent rankings higher than some of its competitors. Quality is an important attribute of luxury brands – probably one of the easiest to understand and compare – and this can only delight the Lincoln enthusiasts. It is a great time to be a Lincoln fan.

Where is Lincoln made? (“Appellation MADE IN USA controlee”/ Designation MADE IN USA controlled)

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 16:27:33 GMT

Have you ever wondered where was your car built? Of the six current models in Lincoln’s line up, three models are assembled in the US, two of them in Canada and one in Mexico. The seventh model coming up in 2017, the new Continental, is scheduled to be built in Michigan.

Lincoln MKZ: Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
Lincoln MKS: Ford Chicago Assembly, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Lincoln Navigator: Louisville Kentucky Truck Plant, Kentucky, USA.
Lincoln MKC: Louisville Assembly Plant, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Lincoln MKX: Oakville Assembly, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Lincoln MKT: Oakville Assembly, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Lincoln Continental (2017~): Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Flat Rock, Michigan, USA.

There is no “Appellation d'origine controlee” (controlled designation of origin) in case of cars, something like the wines of Europe, but sometimes we wonder why not…Watches made in Switzerland are highly prized and synonymous with unmatched quality. The Swiss watch makers are esteemed, valued brands. They successfully turned the manufacturing location into a differentiator. And the Swiss watch industry is the largest in the world. It is worth thinking about it and learning from it.

A “Fine cars of Michigan”, or “Made in Michigan”, or “Made in USA” stamp of quality on a new and proud Continental may give it even more to go along with the high quality. [say: Designation of “Made in Michigan” controlled]. How would it sound? A Continental made 100% (say) in Michigan (or USA), that would launch with a bang, hitting the top spot in all charts, from JD Power and safety scores to every other ranking in the industry. The expectations are high for such a revered brand; "the burden of being Lincoln" is heavy. But there is a great opportunity here - maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Well…this is a great time to be a Lincoln fan.

Lincoln: 100,000 vehicles /year milestone

Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:18:50 GMT

If you are connected to the auto industry in any way you probably noticed that in 2015 Lincoln sales topped 100,000 units for the first time since 2008. "It's an important sales milestone" that is "emotionally important for dealers and the team", said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Goodcarbadcar.net, and others.

It was also Lincoln's first two year streak of sales increases after a long while. Up 7.1 percent from 2014, Lincoln reached 101,227 vehicles sold in the US. Combined with 11,630 vehicles sold in China in 2015, and 7,939 in Canada, the overall Lincoln sales totaled more than 120,000 in 2015.

Historically, Lincoln production numbers reached the level of 100,000 cars/ year for the first time in 1973. It consistently exceeded 100,000 a year from 1973 onward, until the recession hit in 2008. Shortly thereafter, the numbers plummeted for everyone.

Recently, car sales have come back spectacularly, bringing hopes to many in the industry, hitting a record high in 2015. And the new peak raises the question of how long will the good times last. After all, it is the longest streak of annual gains for the industry as a whole since the 1920s. However, Lincoln has a newer, more modern lineup and promises bigger and better things to come.

Lincoln Presidential State Cars

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:30:30 GMT

The Lincoln Chief, Kumar Galhotra, recently mentioned that “Chinese customers associate the Lincoln brand with movie stars and President John F. Kennedy”. More than two decades after Lincoln delivered its last presidential car, the brand has remained relevant in the mind of customers, as a presidential symbol, maybe more so overseas than in the US. Lincoln has made some notable presidential cars throughout the US history and has kept that aura of a stately car. Past presidential limousines are scattered around the country in museums and libraries. Here are a few that are housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.

Lincoln Motor Company: A fast approaching centenary

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:16:53 GMT

The Lincoln Motor Company is fast approaching a landmark milestone in its history, the centenary. Reaching such a ripe old age will be a cause for celebration, especially after winning accolades recently, but will also be an opportunity to reflect on a hundred years of producing and selling luxury vehicles.

In almost a century, Lincoln Motor has sold over 7 million vehicles. The Lincoln Motor historical sales chart shows many peaks and valleys, making the story of the company a fascinating one. Lincoln Motor's story is in essence a tale of years and years of style, elegance and comfort. It is the story of a company that has tried to go places where others have not, of a company that did not "try to be all things to all people, but rather everything to a certain few". As many other companies have found out, it is very hard to continually be a trendsetter, it is risky and although risk is needed for a great reward, it does not guarantee success.

So, here is our chart of the historical Lincoln Motor sales. Take a look and join us as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Lincoln. Stay tuned and visit us often.

Graph by Lincolnrati.com; Source: Wikipedia.org, Goodcarbadcar.net, and others.

Lincolnrati - Home

All new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Two questions interview with a legend: Robert A. Lutz

The Long COVID of the Auto industry

20 Years of Lincoln Navigator

50% of all Lincoln vehicles sold in the US in 2018 were built in the US.

Race for the White House: Lincoln vs Cadillac

The relative worth of Lincoln Motor Co.

Lincoln Date Night: a strategy

Product Life Cycle: Lincoln MKS

Categories

The Lincolnaissance: More (and better) models, higher volume

Categories

Where is Lincoln made? (“Appellation MADE IN USA controlee”/ Designation MADE IN USA controlled)

Categories

Lincoln: 100,000 vehicles /year milestone

Categories

Lincoln Presidential State Cars

Categories

Lincoln Motor Company: A fast approaching centenary

Categories

Lincolnrati - Home

All new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Two questions interview with a legend: Robert A. Lutz

The Long COVID of the Auto industry

20 Years of Lincoln Navigator

50% of all Lincoln vehicles sold in the US in 2018 were built in the US.

Race for the White House: Lincoln vs Cadillac

The relative worth of Lincoln Motor Co.

Lincoln Date Night: a strategy

Product Life Cycle: Lincoln MKS

Categories

The Lincolnaissance: More (and better) models, higher volume

Categories

Where is Lincoln made? (“Appellation MADE IN USA controlee”/ Designation MADE IN USA controlled)

Categories

Lincoln: 100,000 vehicles /year milestone

Categories

Lincoln Presidential State Cars﻿

Categories

Lincoln Motor Company: A fast﻿ approaching centenary

Categories

Lincoln Presidential State Cars

Lincoln Motor Company: A fast approaching centenary