[Hunter090]

Lincoln is not going to be heading into the European market anytime soon, so says Ford CEO Alan Mulally. Instead, Lincoln will continue to to focus on the United States and China, a market which it just entered last month. At the Beijing Motor Show Lincoln debuted the MKX crossover. That was the first ever concept to be unveiled by Lincoln outside of US borders.

Do you think Lincoln would have a chance if it tried to enter the European market?

 

[humpty dumpty]

there no point for lincoln to head into europe. Ford carries massive weight with European shoppers and already offer more luxurious offers to euro shoppers. There's really no point to the marketing expenditures to build brand rep from the ground up, not to mention complying with regulations. Ford has a happy place in europe, no need to muddle that for no reason.

 

[Hunter090]

Isn't there a bunch of Ford models that are nicer that only are sold in Europe? Those Fords are probably a mix of Ford and Lincoln as far as the parts that go into them.

 

[humpty dumpty]

yea the Vignale trim line. But even Europes top trims spec much better than NA top trims...

 

[Hunter090]

Do you mean when they are compared to Ford USA vehicles, or when you compare them to Lincoln USA ones? I would find it hard to believe that these European Fords are nicer than a top of the line Lincoln.

 

[golfball]

it wouldnt be a bad idea to goto europe

lincoln isnt doing amazing in north america

they may as well give europe a try

 

[DeMarco]

Do you mean when they are compared to Ford USA vehicles, or when you compare them to Lincoln USA ones? I would find it hard to believe that these European Fords are nicer than a top of the line Lincoln.

Me too, you'd think with cheaper vehicles they wouldn't focus so much on making them as perfect as they would with a lincoln

 

[Hunter090]

On the topic of Ford's Vignale nameplate, I read this article about how only Ford has such a brand.

Ford Motor Co. is planning to take on luxury carmakers in Europe by offering high-end versions of its volume models as it tries to stop its financial bleeding in the region. Executives at Ford’s Europe base are assured that they can persuade consumers to shell out extra cash for current models fitted with luxury leather interiors and chrome moldings and for premium customer service – all under a new label, Vignale.

Analysts say that attracting premium buyers with volume cars will be difficult though. Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne believes that brands between mass-market and premium "don't have legs." That doesn't sound good for Vignale or Buick.

Ford will be hoping it works in order to start reaping profits in Europe once again though.

Ford's take on European luxury brands with Vignale label not followed by competitors

 

[humpty dumpty]

Over NA Ford trims. Like I said already Ford Europe is in a great place already, a heavily respected brand for a LONG time. Theres no need to showhorn in on that with a lincoln brand that carries no panache with Euro shoppers..

 

[Hunter090]

So basically we just think that Lincoln wouldn't be able to compete in the European luxury market, so instead, they are trying to be more sub-luxury. Hey, if that is where the opportunity is than it makes sense why Ford is going down that path.

 

[humpty dumpty]

So basically we just think that Lincoln wouldn't be able to compete in the European luxury market, so instead, they are trying to be more sub-luxury. Hey, if that is where the opportunity is than it makes sense why Ford is going down that path.

No, I think theres no need to harm Euro Fords continued success. Only politicians break what already works on purpose. Besides Lincoln has no products that would appeal to European shoppers, Its not a simple matter of importing whats already here. Euro Ford became so successful because they were building cars tailored to the European market, not trying to sell them an American car for Europe like another certain american brand has tried and failed to do SEVERAL times now.

Although in fairness the MKC is basically a Euro Kuga my original point stands, why break whats not broken? Its an uphill climb and money pit to grow and build a brand like lincoln in such a saturated and mature market as Europe.

 

[DeMarco]

\
Although in fairness the MKC is basically a Euro Kuga my original point stands, why break whats not broken? Its an uphill climb and money pit to grow and build a brand like lincoln in such a saturated and mature market as Europe.

Exactly, thats how it should be for Lincoln while they're still growing, I don't think they can afford to tinker and fix what isn't broken, when they're more established then maybe it will be a good time for that.