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Ford to ramp up Lincoln rollout in China in bid to catch rivals

DETROIT/BEIJING — Ford Motor Co's premium Lincoln brand plans to build as many as five new vehicles in China by 2022, according to two U.S. sources, in a move to expand sales in the world's largest vehicle market that would also blunt the impact of trade U.S.-China trade spats. Ford has said it plans to build an all-new sport utility vehicle in China by the end of 2019, however the company has not detailed future production plans for the Lincoln brand in China beyond that. "Our localization plans to support the China market are on track and will serve to further drive Lincoln's growth in China," Lincoln spokeswoman Angie Kozleski said. "Beyond that, it would be premature to discuss our future product and production plans or timing." Sources familiar with Ford's production plans told Reuters the automaker now expects to begin building the new Lincoln Aviator in China in late 2019 or early 2020, along with replacements for the MKC compact crossover and the MKZ midsize sedan, followed in 2021 by the all-new Nautilus, which replaces the Lincoln MKX crossover. A fifth model, a small coupe-like crossover, is tentatively slated for production in China in 2022, the sources said. Ford has much to lose if the war of words over trade between China and U.S. President Donald Trump escalates into a full-blown tariff war. Last year, it shipped about 80,000 vehicles to China from North America, more than half of them Lincolns to support the brand's growth. All Lincoln vehicles that Ford now sells in China are brought in from North America. Even if China does reduce its 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles - as Chinese President Xi Jinping promised on Tuesday - it is not clear that would mean a big, long-term increase in Fords and Lincolns made in U.S. factories heading to Chinese showrooms. Ford is pursuing long-range plans to build more vehicles in China to serve a market that is now roughly 60 percent larger than the U.S. market, and projected to keep growing. But it is playing catch up to hometown rival General Motors Co and German luxury brands including Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which have invested heavily in Chinese production in recent years as a form of insurance against trade, political and currency gyrations and to lower price points for their premium cars.

2017 Lincoln Model Year Preview and Updates

For those wondering if there's more to Lincoln than a reflective Matthew McConaughey, the debut of Lincoln's all-new Continental - pictured above - should emphatically answer the question. But aside from a refresh here and there, the Continental is effectively 'it' for the 2017 model year. LINCOLN CONTINENTAL: Although the new Continental may not represent the design stretch Lincoln enthusiasts might have hoped, it's a significant step when compared to the Fusion-based MKZ or displaced MKS. With available all-wheel drive and up to 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the Continental is described by Lincoln as targeting 'culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms.' In short, this isn't a me-too interpretation of German or Asian luxury; it's the Lincoln Motor Company's interpretation of American luxury, on sale in the spring of '17. MKZ: A freshened design with all-new, Continental-esque front fascia offers an upgraded interior, new technology and available Revel Audio. MKC: It is a year of minor tweaks for Lincoln's compact crossover. A power liftgate is now standard, while Auto Start-Stop is available on MKCs equipped with the 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive, standard on 2.0-liter front-wheel drive. And the MKC receives Sync 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Audio. MKT: Aside from color revisions, Lincoln's livery car/crossover is unchanged. MKX: Lincoln's midsize, Edge-based crossover receives little more than color changes for 2017. NAVIGATOR: Lincoln's biggest SUV navigates the model year with few changes except for color. However, with the announcement of an all-new Ford Expedition – on which the Navigator is based – in showrooms this fall, an all-new Navigator can't be far behind it. Lincoln Car Buying whats new 2017

Lincoln plans pilot subscription service for pre-owned vehicles

Lincoln's foray into the world of monthly subscriptions will follow the mold of Ford's Canvas program and launch a pilot service offering a range of pre-owned 2017 Lincoln vehicles in West Los Angeles and the San Francisco area. Lincoln first announced plans for a subscription service on the sidelines of the L.A. Auto Show. The luxury automaker says its new service will allow customers to have a vehicle "as if it were their own," with a monthly payment that covers a prescribed mileage package and includes comprehensive insurance, warranty, maintenance and roadside assistance. It'll be based on Ford's nearly year-old Canvas program, also offered in the Bay Area and West Los Angeles. It offers pre-owned Ford vehicles on a monthly subscription basis, including insurance, maintenance and warranty coverage. Terms for that program are one to 12 months, with an ability to swap cars at any time. While Lincoln didn't announced pricing or a start date for its own subscription program, Canvas' existing service starts at $400 a month, not including tax and depending on vehicle and other options, for pre-owned Ford vehicles. Ford in February said its Canvas fleet has more than 600 customers who've logged more than 3 million miles in the two markets. Lincoln joins a growing list of automakers including Volvo, Cadillac and Porsche who are offering monthly subscription services as an alternative to traditional ownership or leasing. The subscription service will also come with Lincoln's Pickup & Delivery program, in which a valet picks up a customer's vehicle for service at any location and provides them with a loaner Lincoln before returning their vehicle. Lincoln also reiterated its plans to expand its Lincoln Personal Driver service first piloted in San Diego and Miami to Dallas, saying it will soon be integrated into the Lincoln Way mobile app. The service, previously called Lincoln Chauffeur, allows customers to call on a screened personal driver who can also assist with errands while the customers attend to other matters. The luxury brand is emphasizing "warm, human and effortless" services as a way to differentiate itself from its competitors. For more information on Vehicle Subscription Services, check out the Complete Guide. Related Video: