Lincoln preparing to re-enter the pickup market with F-150-based model - Ford Forums

Stacy94PGT · 11-17-2003, 09:18

By RICK KRANZ | Automotive News

DETROIT -- It's deja vu: Lincoln is preparing to re-enter the pickup market.

Ford Motor Co. is developing a full-sized Lincoln pickup based off the redesigned Ford F-150 Crew Cab.

The four-door Lincoln is expected to go into production in July 2005, according to the product forecasting arm of J.D. Power and Associates. J.D. Power is estimating production at 15,000 to 20,000 units annually.

While much of the sheet metal is expected to be shared with the Crew Cab, the Lincoln pickup's front end will draw styling cues from the Lincoln Navigator SUV.

"We're really pleased with the launch of the F-150," Lincoln Mercury spokeswoman Sara Tatchio says. "We've looked for several years at different options for Lincoln Mercury showrooms, and this is certainly something to consider."

While not confirming that Lincoln will offer the pickup, she says that "for a long time dealers have been interested in a pickup truck."

This will be Lincoln's second attempt to grab incremental sales from a pickup. The Blackwood entered production in 2001 but was killed in August 2002 after only 4,000 units were produced. Production and quality problems were cited, along with the vehicle's limited appeal.

Rather than having a traditional bed, the Blackwood's composite bed was carpeted, illuminated and covered with a tonneau that could not be removed, making the vehicle useless for most pickup use. It also was available only in black and only two-wheel drive was offered. The new Lincoln will be a traditional pickup.

Jeff Schuster, director of product analysis at J.D. Power's Troy, Mich. office, doubts that the Blackwood's failure will hurt Lincoln's new pickup.

The Blackwood "came and went so fast," Schuster says. There was little advertising for the vehicle, he says, and those familiar with the Blackwood probably saw it at an auto show.

Stacy94PGT · 11-27-2003, 07:45

Lincoln to revive pickup truck for 2006

-- Paul Lienert/Autos Insider

Ford Motor Co. plans to revive a luxury pickup in its Lincoln product stable in model year 2006, according to recent press reports.
The new four-door truck is said to be based on the Ford F-150 Crew Cab, and would fill the slot left by the early demise of the ill-starred Lincoln Blackwood.
Few details are known about the new Lincoln pickup, which will be aimed directly at the Cadillac Escalade EXT, the only other full-size luxury truck on the market.
J.D. Power and Associates estimates annual production at 15,000 to 20,000 units. Pricing will be announced closer to the pickup's on-sale date in mid to late 2005.