Summertime promotions to boost sales are nothing new--cheap or free gas, extended warranties, and in Lincoln's case this summer, a Complimentary Maintenance Program on 2011 model-year vehicles. But rarely do those promotions become permanent features. Lincoln has bucked tradition, making the free maintenance program standard for all of its 2011 and future vehicles.

Offered on top of the standard four-year/50,000-mile standard bumper-to-bumper warranty, the Complimentary Maintenance Program (CMP) includes tire rotation, inspections, and oil and filter changes. It can be transferred, just like a warranty, to a second owner as well.

“We are redefining the Lincoln customer ownership experience,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Lincoln group marketing manager. “Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance is just one example of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to elevating the Lincoln brand and experience.”

Redefining the Lincoln ownership experience is a must-do task on Ford's corporate checklist if it hopes to grow the brand.

Looking to the future, a first-ever for Lincoln, a C-segment vehicle, is due soon; exclusive powertrains are also on the docket including a new V-6 engine and more fuel-efficient high-tech transmissions; plus the expansion of EcoBoost across the full lineup, and more focus on value-packaged high-tech features.

Check out page two for the full release, including more on Lincoln's plans for the future.

[Lincoln]

LINCOLN COMPLIMENTARY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FURTHER ENHANCES BRAND’S LUXURY IMAGE

  • Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance Program builds on brand’s luxury image
  • Program offers free maintenance service to all 2011 customers and beyond on a permanent basis
  • Lincoln is fully committed to providing consumers with a true luxury experience

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – The Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance Program has become a permanent staple for all new Lincoln customers with the beginning of the 2011 model year. First announced last summer as a promotion for select model year 2010 Lincoln lease and retail customers, the program became permanent for all model year 2011 vehicles in fall 2010.

The program is designed to enhance the four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper manufacturer’s warranty and is fully transferable to a second owner. Furthermore, the program includes coverage for oil and filter changes, tire rotations and multipoint inspections for up to eight service visits.

“We are redefining the Lincoln customer ownership experience,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Lincoln group marketing manager. “Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance is just one example of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to elevating the Lincoln brand and experience.”

The company also will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.

Lincoln hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.

New products form solid base
The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the flagship MKS large sedan; MKT seven-passenger crossover; significantly refreshed MKZ midsize sedan; new MKZ Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan at 41 mpg city; and Lincoln MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology.

Plans for Lincoln include:

  • First-ever Lincoln C-segment vehicle
  • New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
  • EcoBoost™ engines available in all Lincoln models – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
  • Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
  • More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear selectors; active noise control and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology 

Lincoln already is gaining traction. The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study showed Lincoln had moved into the top 10 among all automotive brands in the U.S. Lincoln was in the eighth spot, up from the 26th position a year ago – the largest jump of any brand.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 82,000 new 2010 model year vehicle owners after they have driven their new vehicles for three months. It measures problems per 100 vehicles and was based on November through February registrations.

Also, Lincoln placed second behind Porsche in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, ahead of several luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Acura and Cadillac. This study examines long-term durability of vehicles sold in the U.S.

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