For quite a few months now, new Lincoln inventory levels have remained among the highest of any automotive brand – by a long shot. In fact, new Lincoln inventory levels were once again more than double the industry average in August, and followed that up at a 147 days’ supply in September, followed by 168 days’ in October. These figures remained higher than almost every other automotive brand over that time frame, and much higher than the average of all brands. Unfortunately for Ford’s luxury arm, things didn’t improve in the month of November, either.
According to new data from Cox Automotive, new Lincoln inventory once again ranked higher than almost every other automotive brand – save for Jaguar – by posting a days’ supply that was at least double the industry average of 85 days’, which is unchanged from October. Meanwhile, certain brands continue to manage inventory better than others, with Toyota and Lexus ranking at the bottom of the list with a 36 and 31 days’ supply, respectively. As for the Ford brand, it has ranked near the top of the pack over the past few months, and that’s also the case here, as The Blue Oval wrapped up November with a 125 days’ supply of inventory.
As has been the case for some time now, domestic automakers continue to post some of the highest days’ supply figures, while Japanese brands are carrying some of the lowest inventory in the industry. Cox Automotive notes that compact cars, compact crossovers, and hybrids are selling at a faster pace than other models, which is a major contributing factor here, as the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry, and Honda CR-V were three of the top five best-selling models in November and have an average supply of 35 days – far below industry average.
The U.S. automotive market as a whole closed out the month with 3.15 million units of unsold inventory, which is up just 8,700 units compared to the start of November – and its highest mark this year, albeit 11 percent lower than December 2019. Sales increased by 6.5 percent or 67,000 units month-over-month, while the average list price for a new vehicle in November was $48,978, – up 1.8 percent from a month earlier and higher by 2.8 percent compared to last year.
Comments
No surprise. With an incomplete lineup of only boting SUV´s and crossovers Lincoln is way behind and has nothing to do against its competitors. Without a sedan or a sports coupe and uninspiring vehicles Lincoln is nothing but a vulgar joke. Lincoln publicity in the 80´s said “What a luxury car brand shoud be”. Today Lincoln is exactly what a luxury car brand shoud not be.
I mostly disagree with your assessment. Core luxury buyers are wealthy, and most wealth is accumulated over time (as opposed to being inherited). As such, a majority of luxury buyers are older and appreciate the ease of entry/exit afforded by a CUV/SUV. Some Navigator customers also have acquired large “toys” to haul.
I speak from experience… my Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas and 2-seat sports car were retired for a Lincoln crossover (much easier to live with… better infotainment and more space for Costco shopping sprees).
Bottom line, your comments are overly harsh. Do I lament the loss of the MKZ and Continental? Absolutely. Do I wish there was a spiritual successor to the Mark LSC? Yes, but I recognize that’s a very small niche market of the past, and one that is rapidly shrinking.
More importantly, Lincoln and Ford need to be matching production to demand, lest resale values will plummet.
I sat inside a Jaguar XJ at an auto show in 2004 and felt interior space was very low, then I sat inside a Lexus LS and had an abundance of interior space.
Not surprised about Lincoln inventory increasing. Lincoln products have grown larger, prices and loss in resale value. There is no incentive to purchase a Lincoln when there are many more options now available in the market. IRS a shame Lincoln executives live in a bubble. What a same, I was a believer in Lincoln…
Acura gets made fun of for the new Integra just being a higher priced nice Civic, but that’s literally Lincolns entire line up. Just nicer Fords that are way overpriced.
And most of Lexus sales volume comes from Camry derivatives. Similarly, Audi’s most popular vehicles are derivatives. I know you will retort with BMW and MB examples. Their businesses had been supported by global sales… mostly in China and the Middle East, but that is rapidly deteriorating on them.
I can say that my 2024 Lincoln Nautilus has hit the magic number to qualify for the Lemon Law. Sad. Should have purchased a Lexus I guess.
I have a 2016 Ford Flex SEL . I traded a 2005 Lincoln Town Car in 2016. For the Price of $ 37,465 , I got a reliable SUV , and after trade-in and Rebates for $ 32000. Why buy a Lincoln for over $ 50000 plus ?
Given Lincoln’s poor quality and high inventory levels, it’s a surprise that the Brilliant Dianne Craig has not been replaced. Under the Brilliant Dianne Craig, Lincoln’s products are very boring and have become overpriced. Sales should continue to decline.
Time for Ford to just take Lincoln out in the woods and tie it to a tree and shoot it and bury it.