subject: Lincoln Faced Hard Choices In 2009 [print this page] When analysts and industry insiders are asked the question How did Lincoln do in 2009? they tend to be somewhat ambivalent. The problem with answering a question such as How did Lincoln do in 2009 is that luxury car makers in general were affected by a strange combination of factors that started in late 2007 or even before. The gist of these changes is that Lincoln and Cadillac were both creating less expensive entry level vehicles to attract customers up to the time that the global economy collapsed. This trend continued in 2009 with Lincoln receiving Ford's EcoBoost V6.
The implementation of Ford's EcoBoost in Lincoln vehicles was limited to the 3.5L models, and features a forced-induction system that propels the dual overhead cam (DOHC) motor to a stunning 355 horsepower. High performance V6 motors are quickly replacing V8s, which have been staples in Lincoln vehicles for generations despite being inefficient fuel guzzlers.
Also new for the 2009 model year was the Lincoln MKS, a vehicle that slots in above the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ shares platforms with the new Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, making it part of Ford's One vision concept. Lincoln also teased a MKT concept car in 2009, featuring a 415 horsepower variant of the EcoBoost motor called the TwinForce. While the TwinForce did not make it to market in 2009, it certainly helped turned Lincoln's public image around.
Prior to the MKT announcement and release, if one were to ask How did Lincoln do in 2009? the answer would probably have been anything but flattering. The simple fact is that archrival Cadillac has been making major inroads at Lincoln's expense. With the economy in bad shape, the two luxury brands from Detroit are engaged in their fiercest battle in generations.
