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Lincoln Zephyr makes a comeback, but only in China

The Lincoln Zephyr name is back. The name was previously used on some of the luxury brand's sedans before World War II, and for a single model year on a sedan derived from the first-generation Ford Fusion. Now it appears on the Zephyr Reflection concept, a car that will preview a production sedan for the Chinese market. Yes, the car you see above is only for China, and also happened to be designed by Lincoln's Chinese design branch. Apparently the country still has a strong demand for sedans, so Lincoln can keep offering them. It's a very stylish machine, looking a bit like a smaller first-generation Audi A7 from some angles. The wide, low grille and accompanying light bar give it an athletic stance. It has cool details such as the fender trim that blends into the front door handles. Although it's being shown at the same show as the Ford Evos crossover, the Zephyr is unrelated. And looking closely at the profile, we can see that the roof and glass bear an extremely strong resemblance to the outgoing Ford Fusion. We wonder if it's a majorly redesigned version of the old sedan. There's nothing in the interior that would remind you of the Fusion, or its cousin the MKZ (successor to that other Zephyr). The whole width of the dash bears a screen, which can be split for driver and passenger to do things.The rest of the interior is similarly simple, decorated mainly with some contrasting leather, and a Lincoln badge pattern in the doors. Lincoln didn't give any information about the powertrain. We imagine it will use some existing Ford turbocharged engines. The production model will launch later this year, so more details will probably come closer to the on-sale date. But remember, this Zephyr won't be crossing the Pacific. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Ford CEO Jim Hackett reviewing the future of technology, Lincoln, overseas markets

By Paul Lienert and Joseph White Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett is reviewing the automaker's operations in India and other markets, as well as Ford's future product programs including plans to build a self-driving commercial vehicle in 2021. Hackett, who took over as CEO in May, has told investors he is working on a 100-day review of Ford's operations but has so far provided few details of the process, except to indicate that it is looking at the automakers' luxury vehicle strategy, the future of its small vehicles and investments in emerging markets. Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks told Reuters in an interview that the review covers a range of issues, including Ford's strategy for India. "We have a lot of work to do (as) we address issues of how to fix India," Shanks said. "Everything is on the table." General Motors in May said it would stop selling cars in India but continue to produce vehicles there for export. Shanks said no decisions have been made and noted that Ford has a larger business in India than GM did. "We are very cognizant that will be the third-largest market in the world," he said. "Some big decisions will be made," Shanks said, but he cautioned Ford may not disclose all those decisions at the end of the 100-day review. Hackett is addressing challenges that have contributed to a nearly 8 percent decline in Ford's share price this year. The review of the Lincoln luxury brand includes whether current plans will meet former CEO Mark Fields' ambitious targets for growth and revenue, people familiar with the process said. Ford has set a target of putting a self-driving shuttle into commercial ride-sharing fleets by 2021. Hackett is reviewing the investment and timing for that project, the sources said. Hackett also assessing whether to reduce and consolidate production of models such as the Fiesta subcompact and two midsized sedans that are built in multiple locations around the world, but are experiencing slowing demand. One proposal would shift production of the next-generation Mondeo midsized sedan from Europe to Mexico, where it would share an assembly line with its sibling, the Ford Fusion, avoiding the cost of retooling two plants. Shortly after he took charge, Hackett approved a proposal to shift production of the next-generation Focus for North America from Mexico to China, saving the company an estimated $500 million by consolidating two factories into one.

Monochromatic Package spreads to Lincoln's Corsair, Nautilus, and Aviator

Lincoln is catering to buyers seeking a mostly chrome-free SUV by making the optional Monochromatic Package available on the Corsair, the Nautilus, and the Aviator. It was inaugurated by the Navigator in 2019. Inspired by current trends in fashion and interior design, the Monochromatic Package bundles a darker grille, tinted emblems, body-colored mirrors, and darkened trim pieces all around. It also includes black 20- or 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model. Lincoln made no mention of modifications in the cabin. 2021 Corsair and 2021 Aviator buyers who tick the Monochromatic Package box will be asked to choose from three colors named Pristine White, Infinite Black, and Asher Gray, respectively. The Monochromatic-equipped 2020 Nautilus will exclusively be offered in Infinite Black, while the 2020 Navigator carries on with Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black as its color options when buyers add the package. Lincoln hopes expanding the Monochromatic Package's availability will allow its SUVs to keep building momentum, but pricing information hasn't been announced yet. For context, the chrome-free look costs $3,495 on the 2020 Navigator, and it's exclusively offered on the mid-range Reserve model priced at $83,665. Like parent company Ford, Lincoln is increasingly reliant on its crossovers and SUVs. It confirmed its last two sedans, the MKZ and the Continental, will retire without a replacement in sight after the 2020 model year.