The Lincoln MKZ could be discontinued before the end of the decade, as Ford shifts the Focus compact to the plant in Hermosillo, Mexico where the mid-size luxury sedan is currently built.
Citing information from AutoForecast Solutions, Autoline reports that the Lincoln MKZ will be axed when it reaches the end of its current life cycle in late-2019. The MKZ was reportedly going to be shifted to Ford’s Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant, which currently builds the Ford Mustang and new Lincoln Continental, but with Ford’s forthcoming electrified vehicles and first fully-autonomous car slated to be produced there, the plant won’t have adequate capacity left over.
Autoline says that absent the Lincoln MKZ sedan, the brand will shift to focus more on crossovers and SUVs.
However, in reporting on the news this week, Motor Authority suggested that the Lincoln MKZ might die in name only – that there could be another mid-size luxury sedan on the way to replace it. The website cited AutoPacific Vice President Ed Kim, who says that “the role of a sedan is arguably more important for Lincoln than it is for other brands because it’s a brand that still has appeal with older and traditional customers. These customers prefer sedans to crossovers and SUVs.” Kim says the MKZ’s replacement will ride on the new D6 modular platform currently in-development, and will have a “real name” – i.e. no alphanumerics.
The Lincoln MKZ was the second-best-selling model in Lincoln’s lineup last year, with 30,534 units sold. The MKX narrowly surpassed it with 30,967 sales.
For Autoline‘s segment on the MKZ, skip to about 1:49 in the video above.
Comments
That would be dumb to kill there only mid size choice and leave only one other sedan in the lineup.
That would be really stupid if they did cancel the MKZ!! Not everybody wants a minivan or CUV or an SUV. I know I don’t. I guess we’ll just have to go to one of Ford’s competitors to find our next sedan after the 2019 model year. If we wanted a Ford Fusion we wouldn’t be driving a Lincoln MKZ.
I am a loyal Lincoln customer who’s had an LS then four MKZ’s and I am about to order another MKZ which I guess might be my last Lincoln especially if Ford eliminates the MKZ!! I may have to go back to Cadillac or Buick…
I owned loaded 2013, 2015 & now 2017 MKZ Reserve hybrids. But if I discover that Lincoln will abandon the MKZ for the near future, I will abandon them for a competitor hybrid for 2019! Other articles also stated 2020 Fusions & MKZ ‘may’ be redesigned around an ALL-ELECTRIC sedan. Plug-in nor ALL electric vehicles are not practical for where I live nor 1300 mile vacation trips! Hybrids are a good compromise for me. I will be closely watching for Lincoln’s decision on MKZ future! Change the name, change the style, but cancel MKZ/Zephyr future, you lose me.