All-new MKZ debuts in the 9th Middle East International Motor Show, bringing an entry level mid-size sports sedan to the prestigious Lincoln lineup.
2008 to witness the addition of the all-new MKS full-size sedan, enlarging the Lincoln offering with six unique models of sheer luxury and elegance.
Lincoln Navigator and the new MKX are considered a "Recommended Buy" and "Most Reliable" cars by one of America's well-respected magazine for 2007.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 31 Oct, 2007 - Bringing sophistication and elegant simplicity to the region's roads, Lincoln is presenting an impressive rejuvenated portfolio at this year's Middle East International Motor Show, starting with the debut of the all-new mid-size MKZ. The new model adds further zest to the already energized lineup that saw the addition of the new MKX crossover and the new Navigator and Navigator L full-size SUVs.
"We are proud to introduce the new MKZ to our younger customers as an entry-level model for those who want to experience owning and driving a Lincoln," said Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing director of Ford Middle East. "The new sedan is moving Lincoln to a modern vision of American luxury. It enters the market from a position of strength, following the outstanding success of the nameplate in North America."
For 2008, luxury enthusiasts will have a wide choice of new and exciting products to choose from as Lincoln rolls out its refreshed lineup, featuring the recently launched MKX crossover, the Navigator L extended wheelbase full-size SUV as well as the all-new MKZ, which join the classic Town Car full-size sedan and the full-size SUV Navigator.
The MKZ five-passenger luxury sports sedan boasts a newly-designed front end, a distinctive Lincoln signature front end, intelligent all-wheel drive and superb luxury amenities and driving dynamics.
Powered by the all-new Duratec 35 V-6 engine paired with a premium 6-speed transmission, MKZ delivers 263 NET horsepower and 249 NET pounds-foot of torque. The result will be smooth power and a confident, comfortable ride.
The award-winning Lincoln MKX combines modern Lincoln design with a sporty stance, a powerful engine and quiet interior. It also boasts such technological advances as adaptive headlamps, a panoramic glass Vista Roof™ with dual power sunshades, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and an impressive THX® II-Certified audio system.
The MKX, a five-passenger CUV powered by a fuel-efficient NET 265hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a class-leading 6-speed transmission and fully independent suspension, promises to deliver the same style, refinement, fuel economy and nimble handling of luxury sedans. MKX, together with Navigator, were recently cited by a well-respected magazine in its reliability survey in the US as part of its "Recommended Buy" as well as the "Most Reliable" lists.
Lincoln offers further rewards with the completely reworked version of the Navigator - the nameplate that created the luxury full-size segment back in 1997 - together with the all-new Navigator L, which is 14.7 inches longer than the regular model.
With its cavernous interior space, the Navigator L offers an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Lincoln Navigator's expressive design brings a unique elegance and an unrivaled presence to the full-size luxury-utility segment. Navigator charts its own path, offering confident ride and handling, outstanding comfort and craftsmanship, and class-leading capability.
Power is provided by Lincoln Navigator's 5.4-liter, 3-valve V-8 engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, that generates 300 NET horsepower and 365 NET pound-feet of torque.
"With five product offerings, the Lincoln line up is richer than ever, and promises to further expand with additional products such as the all-new Lincoln MKS full-size sedan which we will offer in the course of 2008," added Murad. "We are confident that Middle East customers will enjoy experiencing the rejuvenated Lincoln lineup and its products that clearly mark a significant shift in design, while offering the outstanding performance and luxury that millions of Lincoln customers worldwide have appreciated."
Lincoln has offered luxury drives in the Middle East for decades and has proved to be a favourite among Arabs, often serving as official royalty vehicles and VIP limousines. Its famous nameplates like Zephyr, Continental, Mark series, Town Car and Navigator have been known as symbols of excellence. The Continental has been used by a number of US presidents in the past which further elevated Lincoln's status as a premier car brand.
Lincoln Historical Milestones
1920s: Lincoln Town Car was born in 1922, built for Henry Ford himself. Town Car featured an open chauffeur's compartment and enclosed passenger compartment. This configuration elevated the vehicle from mere transportation to a bona fide status symbol.
1924: Lincoln was on its way to becoming the car of choice for the rich and famous, such as Thomas Edison, W.C. Fields and Herbert Hoover.
1930s: Lincoln had become well known for its luxury and prestige, but it wasn't until the Zephyr came out that Lincoln truly became financially successful. Zephyr followed the "streamlined" look of the day, and was one of the first to consider aerodynamics in design.
1938: The Continental was born and created a dynamic new image for Lincoln thanks to its clean flowing lines. Frank Lloyd Wright called the Continental "the most beautiful car ever made."
1950s: Power steering, power brakes, power windows, wraparound windshields, tubeless tires and automatic seats started with the Lincoln Premier. Continental received a complete overhaul. The Continental Mark II became the new look of Lincoln and was one of the most beautiful and influential cars of the decade.
1960s: Continental became available in either a 4-door hardtop or convertible, both with center-opening doors. Just like the original 1939 Continental, this car changed the image of Lincoln overnight. In fact, it was the first automobile to be named Design of the Year by the prestigious Industrial Designers Institute.
1970s: Era of larger and plusher cars. The sportier Mark IV coupe went after the younger, "new rich" consumers of the early 70s.
1974: Lincoln introduced the first rear-window defrost system. In addition, Lincolns started a fashion trend. In keeping with the times of over-the-top styles, Lincoln signed on designers like Givenchy, Gucci, Cartier and Bill Blass to put their marks on a Lincoln.
1980s: Lincoln achieved supremacy in the personal luxury coupe segment with the Mark VII. In addition, the new Lincoln Continental garnered its own press by being Lincoln's first front-wheel drive car. With the continued success of the Town Car and the rest of the vehicle line, Lincoln rounded out the decade by hitting a record high of 280,659 in total vehicle sales, proving once again that Lincoln was at the top of its game.
1990s: The 1990 Town Car was named Motor Trend "Car of the Year."
1993: Lincoln launched another star performer, Mark VIII
1998: Birth of Lincoln Navigator, the first true full-sized ultra-luxury SUV.
2000s: Lincoln concentrated on attracting more young buyers to the brand with the introduction of the sporty 2000 LS. This was Lincoln's first entry in the highly competitive luxury sport segment.
2002: Another vehicle that turned heads of the younger generation was the 2002 Aviator, Lincoln's newest SUV - a luxurious, versatile mid-size SUV that's been heralded for its performance and interior.
2003: Lincoln introduced an updated 2003 Navigator model that was better than ever, with a number of power features exclusive to its class.
2006: Lincoln introduced Zephyr, a stunning midsize premium sedan that combines the classic elegance and attitude of its original 1936-model inspiration with contemporary design and technology.
2007: Lincoln introduces the all-new MKX crossover as its first entry into the category, launches the all-new Navigator L extended wheelbase model of its full-size SUV. The brand also introduces the MKZ as the new Zephyr, and unveils the MKR Concept, a dynamic premium four-door coupe that expresses Lincoln's future design strategy.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Ford Motor Company's history in the Middle East goes back to nearly 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 55 facilities in the region and directly employ more than 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
Ford Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered USD600,000 in grants to over 75 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000.
© Press Release 2007
