Motoring Weekly

Luxury marque set for boost

September 15 - 21, 2010
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Ford has invited Lincoln dealers to a meeting in October to discuss its plans to breathe new life into the faltering luxury brand.

The meeting is scheduled for October 4 at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters in the US.

It will mark the first gathering of Lincoln dealers since Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers all met in April 2008, just as the automaker was beginning to win back market share under chief executive Alan Mulally.

The meeting comes as Ford prepares to phase out its Mercury brand and negotiates compensation with dealers for dropping the brand.

Some Mercury dealers have been offered payouts of $300,000 (around BD113,000) to $400,000 (around BD150,000) each by Ford in a bid to avoid a protracted legal battle, a source familiar with the discussions has said.

"It will be a Lincoln update ... giving dealers a look at how Ford will now work with Lincoln as an exclusive, luxury brand," Ford spokesman Christian Bokich said.

Ford's discussions with dealers are expected to include investment stragagies geared to lure the luxury buyer.

Mr Bokich would not say whether investments to upgrade showrooms would be part of the new plan.

Ford will use the October meeting to discuss upcoming products, including versions of the MKX crossover and a hybrid MKZ sedan, and plans to build Lincoln's image in luxury markets, Mr Bokich added.







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