Mulally: Time’s right for Lincoln
Detroit News
October 8. 2010
by Alisa Priddle
Detroit -- The time to build a new Lincoln brand is now, Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Alan Mulally said this morning before being honored as the Goodfellow of the Year at a breakfast at Cobo Convention Center.
"It is a fabulous opportunity to take Lincoln flying now," Mulally said.
Ford met with many of its 1,200 Lincoln dealers earlier this week to outline the need to reduce the number of franchises, especially in metro areas where there are about 175 too many. The dealers who remain in business after the Mercury brand is phased out at the end of the year will be expected to invest to upgrade their facilities to offer a luxury experience for Lincoln customers.
"It will be hard, on one hand," Mulally said, referring to phasing out dealers.
But it is necessary, he said: "We need a different distribution going forward."The CEO said dealers are highly motivated to increase their sales volume, and they were pleased by the increased focus that Ford will devote to the brand.
"We will continue to work collaboratively," Mulally said.
Ford’s chief is excited about new vehicles it will soon offer.
The automaker announced it will price the new 2011 Focus from $16,995 to $24,785, setting up direct competition against the new Chevrolet Cruze midsize car.
"We will see how much people value great cars and really want the very best cars and trucks based on quality, safety, fuel efficiency and MyFord and Sync" communications and entertainment systems, Mulally said.
Full article at link.
Detroit News
October 8. 2010
by Alisa Priddle
Detroit -- The time to build a new Lincoln brand is now, Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Alan Mulally said this morning before being honored as the Goodfellow of the Year at a breakfast at Cobo Convention Center.
"It is a fabulous opportunity to take Lincoln flying now," Mulally said.
Ford met with many of its 1,200 Lincoln dealers earlier this week to outline the need to reduce the number of franchises, especially in metro areas where there are about 175 too many. The dealers who remain in business after the Mercury brand is phased out at the end of the year will be expected to invest to upgrade their facilities to offer a luxury experience for Lincoln customers.
"It will be hard, on one hand," Mulally said, referring to phasing out dealers.
But it is necessary, he said: "We need a different distribution going forward."The CEO said dealers are highly motivated to increase their sales volume, and they were pleased by the increased focus that Ford will devote to the brand.
"We will continue to work collaboratively," Mulally said.
Ford’s chief is excited about new vehicles it will soon offer.
The automaker announced it will price the new 2011 Focus from $16,995 to $24,785, setting up direct competition against the new Chevrolet Cruze midsize car.
"We will see how much people value great cars and really want the very best cars and trucks based on quality, safety, fuel efficiency and MyFord and Sync" communications and entertainment systems, Mulally said.
Full article at link.