Rumors revolving around the idea that The Blue Oval may discontinue both the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair have swirled for years now, most recently picking up steam this past November. It was then that the new master contract agreement between Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union noted that both models will continue to be produced at the Louisville Assembly plant through the “planned product lifecycle” of each, after which an “all new EV product will be added.” Now, we’re hearing more about what may become of the Lincoln Corsair, specifically.
According to a recent report from Automotive News, production of the Lincoln Corsair at the Louisville plant is now expected to end in 2025. However, the report also states that it’s “unlikely” Lincoln would abandon the compact crossover segment altogether, and it may consider doing what The Blue Oval did with the redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus – building that model elsewhere, such as China, and then importing it into the U.S., though nothing is set in stone as of yet. Additionally, FoMoCo may consider adding a Lincoln EV of the same type underpinned by the automaker’s under-development low-cost platform.
As Ford Authority reported late last month, Escape production at Louisville is also allegedly set to end by the conclusion of 2025, after which The Blue Oval will focus on the Ford Bronco Sport as its compact crossover of choice. However, that same report also claims that Ford plans to launch an all-electric compact crossover later this decade, though it’s unclear if it will utilize the Escape nameplate.
Rumors that Ford will replace Escape production with a new low-cost EV crossover at Louisville surfaced back in March, though it’s unclear if that still remains the case. What we do know is that Ford itself recently revealed that the first vehicle to ride on its new low-cost EV platform will be a mid-size pickup, and not this small crossover, as many had previously thought to be the case, though that latter model may follow at some point in the future.
Comments
Twist and turn the Lincoln brand on a semi-annual basis for more confusion. Is Lincoln creating a profit? Will management just throw away the brand in a way of conserving cash?
I’m glad that all Ford/Lincoln’s U.S. factories are running at full capacity, and that the entire eligible labor force is employed, so that their only option is to build in China. #SARCASM
I will never buy any vehicle made in China. That is the bridge too far.
I assume a Chinese Escape is on the list next. Unacceptable.
Please, Ford, reconsider! The Escape and Corsair have a lot of potential each. Rejuvenate the nameplates, reintroduce them as Hybrids, make these models appealing to buyers and it will be worth it! Build in America!
I have no intention of ever buying any kind of vehicle that is built in China! I now have a 2020 Escape hybrid that I purchased new in February 2021. It is the first Ford product I’ve bought in more than 20 years and it will be the last if Ford starts producing cars in China!
A Ford Escape PHEV or a corresponding Lincoln that gets 75 to 90 miles of EV range will sell in unprecedented large quantities.
Ford can build the Lincolns in Canada , but NOT in China ! I have a 2016 Ford Flex built in Canada , a well built vehicle and very little problems . The Chinese build inferior products, and have a short life !
I do not want any kind of car made in China. My brand loyalty ends at the western border of the Pacific Ocean.
Earth to Bill Ford: Americans don’t want to buy a Lincoln made in China.
It looks like Ford has found out that the American profits have dwindled to the point where it is better to have the variety of products in Europe and China. We over here in America have fewer and fewer choices.. Fusion is gone, Taurus is gone, Edge is gone, Escape is going.. but there are those models across the sea.. and they look pretty sharp..
I hope FoMoCo reads these, because it seems clear the people don’t want Chinese imports wearing a Ford or Lincoln badge. I have a Lincoln now, and love it, but I will never consider a Chinese built one. For now, the Explorer and Aviator could be options (though I hate the lack of physical buttons), but I don’t like the direction lately.
How about sending the China Zephyr here along with the China Corsair. Only call both Corsair Estate Wagon and Corsair Touring Sedan. I did hear rumor that a version of the MachE with a Lincoln grille was going to come here from China so this is probably it. BTW Nautilus sales are rockin it. Getting wishful but why not a China Continental coach door in sedan and convertible please.
Estate Wagon? Too Buick-y. Colony Park? Mercury isn’t using it.
I guess we need a tariff on gas cars from China too. You won’t ever catch one in my driveway
I won’t buy a china made Ford. I love my Ford Edges. I have 2. Let thr Canaidians build the new care.