Topic: Lincoln offers the last ride you'll ever need

[ArticSteve]

Automotive News -- December 13, 2010
 
When you're moving from the land of the living to whatever lies beyond, what vehicle would be more appropriate than a crossover?

This prototype, spotted recently in the Detroit area, illustrates Lincoln's plan to boost sales for its slow-selling MKT crossover by offering conversion-ready kits to hearse builders.

In October, Ford Motor said two new livery vehicles based on the MKT would be offered beginning early in 2012. They'll replace the base-model and stretched Town Car, the livery business workhorses that will be discontinued next year.

This photo of the new livery prototype shows that the MKT's wheelbase has been stretched considerably. The rear passenger door is much longer than the door on the regular MKT.

The roof is padded and has been raised nearly a foot. Rear-end styling was reworked to accommodate a wide door that is hinged on the left side to handle a variety of caskets.

[MKII]

New product for `Canadian` workers 
The new Lincoln livery vehicles will be built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.



TIMELINES

The MKT announcement this week now dissolves much of the industry concern and impatience that had festered since 2007 about the future of Lincoln limousine and livery vehicles. Ford can now provide a definite, public timeline for fleet owners needing to make product and spending decisions:

• 2Q 2011: Order bank closes for the 2011 Lincoln Town Car Executive L

• 3Q 2011: Ford will manufacture the last 2011 Lincoln Town Car Executive L.

• 4Q 2011: Order bank opens for the 2013 Lincoln MKT (livery version)

• 1Q 2012: Ford begins production of the 2013 Lincoln MKT (livery version)

DETAILS TO COME

LINCOLN is still working on certain key details of the 2013 Lincoln MKT, which officials could not yet disclose during the forum:

1) Vehicle pricing

2) Exact engine configurations, such as size, cylinders and horsepower

3)Powertrain specs

4) Date of delivery of the first (Job 1) production batch in 2012 to dealers and operators.

5) Official Ford exterior and interior photos of both MKT livery versions. [Concept photos were displayed on a large screen during the power point presentation

http://www.at.ford.com/news/cn/Pages/NewLiverySolutionsBasedonLincolnMKTtoOfferAll-WheelDrive,StandardWi-Fi,Comfort.aspx

[safristi]

..really DIG those FORDS.................0-to 6 feet .......while getting a Police ESCORT....