Autoblog

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge redesigns caught nearly naked

John Neff — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge spy shots - Click above or below for high-res image galleries

Ford and Lincoln's crossover offerings are plentiful, but all attention is being paid nowadays to the boxy-yet-practical Flex and hit-by-the-ugly-stick MKT. What about the Edge and MKX? This duo was launched years before the automaker's polarizing pair of three-row CUVs arrived.

Well, their due for redesigns. Or at least, according to these spy shots, refreshenings of their front and rear ends. In the Edge's case, that means making the already handsome people mover look a bit more windswept, though it appears things will stay largely the same between the A- and D-pillars.

The changes look more substantial for the MKX, which launched before Lincoln debuted its increasingly ubiquitous doubled-winged grille design. That punum looks pretty okay on the MKS sedan and like a baleen whale on the oversized MKT. It looks just right on the MKX to us.

Ford and Lincoln may have other news about the Edge and MKX for us - powertrain and infotainment upgrades most likely - at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in early January, which is when we expect to see these new looks formally trotted out on stage.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Edge

[Images: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge redesigns caught nearly naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions, Canada

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, India

Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Lincoln, Mercury, Luxury

Lincoln Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

If The Blue Oval boys intend to keep buyers filing into Lincoln and Mercury showrooms over the next few years, each brand's product portfolios are going to need a bit more than a simple nick-and-tuck to compete with the best from around the world. To that end, expect Lincoln to continue making the switch from large, rear-wheel drive SUVs and old-tech luxury barges to smaller, more nimble premium models akin to the next-gen Focus-based compact Concept C that was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. Around the same time, the very last Lincoln Town Car will roll ingloriously down the assembly line, replaced as it's already been in most buyer's minds by the newer MKS.

Don't expect to see a replacement for the aging Lincoln Navigator SUV any time soon, but joining the MKX and MKT mid-size crossovers may well be a new compact 'ute based on the underpinnings of the next-gen Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Ford Kuga (for Europe, at least). Speaking of Ford's interplanetary brand, it's reportedly finally confirmed Mercury has a future products in the pipeline. Starting small - which seems to be a definite theme for Mercury and Lincoln - Mercury should get its own version of the next Focus, probably as a 2012 model.

A year later in 2013, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are all scheduled to get a new front-drive mid-size platform that will thankfully share its guts with the European Ford Mondeo. The Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape twins along with the expected Lincoln crossover should show up late in 2011. Finally, the body-on-frame Grand Marquis and Mountaineer will make the long, cold walk to the automotive graveyard within the next few years. Somehow, we doubt many will miss their absence.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln C Concept Live

Gallery: Lincoln Concept C

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot: Redesigned Lincoln MKX gains corporate face

John Neff — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln

Redesigned Lincoln MKX spy shot - Click above to enlarge

Lincoln's new corporate grille is comprised of a split-wing design that flows up into a pair of swept back headlamps. It debuted on the MKS, has migrated to the MKZ and was expanded for the MKT three-row crossover, and now it's set to appear on the redesigned MKX crossover.

The MKX crossover has always been the odd-man-out in terms of styling when compared to the rest of the Lincoln lineup. Even before the split-wing grille came into being, the MKX debuted with a front fascia that didn't match any of the brand's other models because it was based on the 2005 Lincoln Aviator concept. All that will change as this spy shot reveals.

Whereas the split-wing grille looks over-the-top on the much larger MKT crossover, this most important of Lincoln design cues seems right at home on the smaller MKX. Click the image above for an enlarged view and let us (and Lincoln) know what you think in the comments. Specifically, how do you think the new MKX design compares to its cross-town rival, the 2010 Cadillac SRX?

Spy Shot: Redesigned Lincoln MKX gains corporate face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Ford, Celebrities

Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

What recession? Perhaps anticipating the euphoria that will follow the end to the seemingly decades-long Presidential race today, Ford decided to throw a huge tuner party at SEMA this year, and they invited ALL of their friends. The Ford booth always houses a bunch of tuned blue ovals, but they generally tend to be grouped around a central vehicle. Last year it was the Mustang. And the year before. And probably the year before that, too. But this year they gave the ol' spit shine to virtually every model in the lineup. Ford even threw in a Lincoln or two for good measure (above).

In the gallery below you'll see the Lincoln MKS and MKX, as well as Ford Focus Coupe, Escape, Escape Hybrid, Transit Connect, and Edge. Tuners include 3dCarbon, Custom Creations, RKSport, Stout Performance, Barber Driving Experience, FSWerks, Street Concepts, EcoTrek, HPA Motorsports, H&R, and Steeda. For more info on each one, check out the press release after the jump. There are actually quite a few interesting concepts in the bunch.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford Booth

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford cancels planned third shift for crossovers at Oakville plant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Canada

Click above high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Flex

Ford has been banking on strong sales of its crossover vehicles to help counter the sinking ship that is its line of SUVs. While the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, along with the brand new Ford Flex and revised Escape, have sold well enough to post a meager 2.8-percent gain in overall sales so far this year, that number apparently isn't high enough to warrant a third shift at Ford's Oakville, Ontario plant that the automaker was hoping would be necessary. Unfortunately, this shift cancelation means that 350 workers who had planned on showing up for their first day next Monday are now left jobless.

While there are certainly buyers out there who require the capability to haul around their entire families and their associated gear, all large passenger vehicles -- crossovers like the new Flex included -- face an uphill battle now to overcome current market conditions, as this latest announcement once again proves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: Courier-Journal]

Ford cancels planned third shift for crossovers at Oakville plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru?

Erin Mays — Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Subaru

Watch out Fuji Heavy, Ford Motor Company is out to nab your claim to fame. The Detroit Free Press states that the automaker working its way toward becoming the leading producer of all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars and crossovers in the North American market. Ford says that it will offer AWD variants of the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, bringing its total AWD offerings to 22 vehicles and sales to 500,000 by next year.

The trick, Ford thinks, is to offer up models in the middle range of the market -- vehicles a little above entry-level, but not reaching the high cost of luxury vehicles such as BMW and Audi's AWD offerings.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press; Ford Motor Company]

Ford to take all-wheel drive lead from Subaru? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Edge gets full suite of safety equipment

John Neff — Tue, 02 May 2006 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Ford has already responded to a safety-conscious market and beefed up the level of standard safety equipment included in the 2007 Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans, and its now apparent the new Edge CUV and its Lincoln MKX counterpart will hit dealer lots with loaded to the roof rack with safety equipment.

Both the Edge and MKX will include the following laundry list of safety features:
-    AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
-    Dual stage driver and front passenger airbags
-    Seat-mounted side air bags
-    Safety Canopy air curtain system
-    Driver seat positioning sensor
-    Passenger seat occupant classification sensor
-    Load-limiting safety belt retractors and pretensioners
-    Energy absorbing steering wheel, knee bolster and glove box

Perhaps the best piece of safety equipment the Edge will be packing is its spankin' new 3.5L V6 that produces 265 hp. Accident avoidance will be much easier with that much squirt on tap.

[Source: Ford]

Ford Edge gets full suite of safety equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 May 2006 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda 6 mule bagged!

Chris Paukert — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda

Mazda's bread-and-butter 6 looks to be receiving a dramatic makeover for 2008. Fortunately for consumers, the cross-eyed development tester seen here isn't it. But like momma always said, it's what's inside that counts, and Hefty bag four-doored dose of Zoom-Zoom appears to be no different.

According to Edmunds Inside Line, the mule's camouflage is probably masking the 2008 Mazda 6's chassis. Judging by the shots seen here, the 6 is set to grow, likely in all dimensions. As the 6 has been left behind both in size and power by newer competitors, expect a more capacious interior and a driveline offering something a bit sexier than the 215 horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 currently on offer. Edmunds is betting that the replacement powerplant will be parent company Ford's new 3.5-liter V6 set to serve under the hoods of the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and MKZ. In the latter vehicles, the six-pot has been rated around 265 horses and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Spy Shots: 2008 Mazda 6 mule bagged! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorting out the automotive alphanumeric name-game

Joel Arellano — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Etc.

Quick: Is an RX a Lexus, or a Mercedes-Benz? It's a Lexus. What about an XG?* And is the "M" an Acura, BMW, Lincoln, or Nissan? Well, that depends on whom you ask (as explained here, Acura squares off with Lincoln, and here, BMW suing Nissan).

Kim Seung-hyun of the JoongAng Daily tries to clear which alphanumeric name belongs to which brand and how each company arrived at their respective nomenclature schemes. The Hyundai Grandeur L330, for example, refers to its engine capacity of 3300 cubic centimeters. Peugeot use a three-digit naming scheme where the first number indicates the vehicle's make like a compact, mid-sized sedan, etc., while the third number tells what generation it is. Details on the naming scheme for BMW, Renault, and others can be found at the link. Bonus points to anyone that can recall what Merkur's XR4Ti nameplate stands for.

For everyone else who is still confused, be sure to check out our own Chris Paukert's Alphanumeric Soup rant over at TheTruthAboutCars.com for a moment of clarity.

*The XG's, as in XG 30, XG 300, and XG 350, used to be Hyundai's flagship. The Azera has replaced it.

[Sources: JoongAng Daily, TheTruthAboutCars.com]

Sorting out the automotive alphanumeric name-game originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's Oakville assembly plant to go wireless, eh?

Chris Paukert — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Ford

Ford Motor Company is cutting the cord at its Oakville assembly plant. No, the site isn't the latest casualty of The Way Forward-- quite the opposite. As part of a $1 billion dollar investment, the automaker is taking the 486,000 square-meter site wireless.

The facility will feature a transponder lane for trucks called 'Fast Gate,' that will automatically open the main gate and record the time/location/cargo of vehicles entering the site. The entire factory, which is set to produce the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers will have wireless internet access, thanks to 65 antennas placed throughout the complex.

The technology infusion will reportedly help the plant's 'just in time' production methods, as well as increase flexibility and efficiency.

[Source: The Canadian Press via CanadianBusiness.com]

Ford's Oakville assembly plant to go wireless, eh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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