Global Courant 2023-04-18 06:11:22
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
ford
Ford engine will import its next-generation Lincoln Nautilus from China to the US, the company said Monday night.
The midsize crossover is currently being produced for the US at Ford’s assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The automaker recently announced that it would invest 1.8 billion Canadian dollars (about $1.3 billion) to convert the facility into a new electric vehicle hub.
This is Lincoln’s first time importing a vehicle from China to the US.
Importing a vehicle from China to the US is not unprecedented, but it can lead to public and political criticism or backlash, especially when tensions between the two countries are high.
in particular General engines has been criticized for importing its Buick Envision crossover from China to the US since 2016. The Detroit automaker has sold more than 200,000 of its Chinese-made vehicles, which US union officials have called the “invasion” and “a slap in the face.”
However, importing a vehicle from abroad to the US can make good business sense for a company like Ford.
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
ford
“In this case, it’s a good use of resources,” said Stephanie Brinley, associate director of research at S&P Global Mobility. “Without importing, Lincoln won’t get the product, and the brand needs products between now and when its electric cars arrive.”
Brinley said the decision to import the Nautilus does not suggest a fundamental shift for future US-market Lincolns, noting that the company continues to manufacture most of its US-market vehicles in North America.
“Lincoln is a global brand that is growing,” a Lincoln spokeswoman said in an email. “As we execute on our production growth plans in the US, we believe it makes sense to centralize Nautilus production for both markets in China (as we already manufacture Nautilus in China for the local market). Get ready to launch our next generation of EVs.”
2024 Lincoln Nautilus
ford
The news comes a week after Ford released a report that said it was the top automaker in terms of assembled vehicles and employed hourly auto workers in America, as well as vehicles exported from America to other countries.
The new Nautilus gets a redesigned exterior and a new interior with nearly door-to-door screens for front seat occupants. It also offers a new feature called “Lincoln Rejuvenate.”
Ford describes Lincoln Rejuvenate as a “multi-sensory in-cab experience, including lighting and digital scents.” Lincoln unveiled a concept vehicle last year called the Star with such features, but the Nautilus is the first US production car to be built with the unique features. The automaker has offered vehicles with the feature in China.
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“Lincoln Rejuvenate, a stationary experience, orchestrates specially curated sensory experiences coupled with lighting, screen images, personal preferences such as seating position and massage options – enabling customers to recharge,” the company said in a release ahead of the vehicle’s unveiling on Monday evening.
Fragrance cartridges are located in the center armrest to fill the cabin of the vehicle. The company said fragrances that come with the package are:
“Mystic Forest, an earthy blend with woody, rich notes of patchouli.” “Ozonic Azure, a fresh blend of aromatic patchouli and traces of bright violet.” “Violet Cashmere, exotic white flowers and familiar violets that are crisp and refined as fresh linen.”
The vehicle will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a hybrid powertrain. The car is expected to go on sale in early 2024, with starting prices between $51,810 and $75,860.
Lincoln Star concept electric vehicle
Lincoln
The reimagined Nautilus and “Lincoln Rejuvenate” come as the once prominent American luxury brand trying to rejuvenate itself.
Sales of Lincoln vehicles in the US fell 4% last year to less than 83,500 vehicles. That’s from a recent peak of more than 112,200 in 2019.
