Lincoln

18th October 2008 12:00 pm Lincoln

These days, time is becoming the ultimate luxury, as most commuters would agree. Traffic congestion is increasing, commute times are getting longer, and workers are spending more and more time behind the wheel.

Ford Motor Company has been studying this trend carefully as it brings new vehicles to market such as the Lincoln MKS flagship sedan, which offers an unprecedented suite of technologies that help drivers stay connected, informed, entertained, and safe on the road.

“Certainly, people are spending more time in their cars,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trends and futuring manager. “And some of that is because of how the nature of work is changing. In the last couple of years, a lot of companies got rid of brick and mortar – people may be working from home, covering more territory, spending more time on the road. The way they’re utilizing their time is changing.”

A study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimates that the typical individual spends about 16.5 hours a week in his vehicle. And the Urban Mobility Study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute indicates that congestion is worsening in all 437 urban areas the report studies.

Ford has seen these changes on the horizon, and it’s prepared. The company realizes that today’s drivers are thinking not only about performance and fuel economy, but also how they can better use that time spent in traffic.

“Customers are increasingly demanding a smart, connected in-car experience,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager. “They are seeking both entertainment and information options they’re accustomed to in their homes, and they want information that has value for them when they travel.”

Lincoln MKS comes with standard features like SYNC, the award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. And the Voice-Activated Navigation system with SIRIUS® Travel Link™ not only offers users the entertainment of an in-house jukebox, but up-to-the-minute travel information.

“The new Lincoln offers state-of-the-art technology,” Hsu said. “SIRIUS Travel Link, as part of the next generation navigation system, can give commuters an escape plan by providing real-time traffic updates that help drivers avoid the worst traffic congestion.”

The role of cars is changing, Connelly said.

“The idea of driving with the wind in your hair, enjoying the open road, is more elusive,” she said. “We don’t have that many open roads any more; we don’t even have the gas to travel them. We need the time we spend in the car to be more productive. At Ford, we can’t give people more hours in the day, but we can make the time they spend in the car more comfortable, more luxurious.”

Ford engineers took special care to ensure that the Lincoln MKS offers an elegant interior and incomparable ride. The sedan is the first vehicle to offer the THX II Certified 5.1 Sound system that allows customers to play DVD-Audio Discs in true discrete surround sound, as well as listen to CDs, satellite radio and MP3s through a 600-watt, 16-speaker automotive entertainment system.

And since safety is at a premium – particularly on congested roads – the extensive array of safety features on the Lincoln MKS can’t be ignored. Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator, while a radar-bases system monitors the vehicle in front – up to 600 feet – and adjusts the speed to keep it a safe distance behind. Adaptive headlights and Auto High Beams enhance nighttime visibility, and Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling to set the optimum wiper speed.

“The Lincoln MKS has it all,” said Hsu. “Its exceptional handling gives the driver confidence needed to take on big-city traffic, and its expansive comfort and time-saving technology offer the best of both worlds.”

Lincoln Mks Stars In “Rpm,” A New Crime Thriller Microseries On Tnt

18th October 2008 10:00 am Lincoln

LINCOLN MKS STARS IN “RPM,” A NEW CRIME THRILLER MICROSERIES ON TNT

The 2009 Lincoln MKS stars in “RPM,” a new crime thriller microseries on TNT that will air during Lincoln-sponsored commercial breaks in back-to-back one-hour episodes of “Law & Order” starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 29.

“By working with Turner to develop the series from the ground up, we were able to infuse Lincoln’s DNA into every element of ‘RPM.’ The Lincoln MKS is an integral part of the storyline, specifically how the vehicle’s technology is used and the main character’s interaction with it,” said Thomais Zaremba, Lincoln communications manager. “This type of unique branded entertainment enables us to reach our target customers through engaging, entertaining, richer content.”

Written by Wendy West (“The Closer”) and directed by Steve Shill (“Deadwood,” “Dexter”), “RPM” centers around the character of Reed Marks, played by actor Jonathan Schaech, who is a former homicide detective called back to duty to help solve a four-year-old murder investigation.

Throughout the microseries, Marks utilizes the advanced technology available in his Lincoln MKS, such as the next-generation navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, which is voice-activated and offers up-to-the-minute travel information, as well as the award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC voice-activated hands-free communications system, to crack the case.

“Branded entertainment on TNT has dramatically evolved over the last few years, becoming more sophisticated alongside our consumers and technology,” said Linda Yaccarino, executive vice president and general sales manager, Turner Entertainment Ad Sales & Marketing. “Through custom content like our microseries, we are able to leverage our marketing partners’ brand attributes with compelling storylines and content from some of the top names in Hollywood.”

In conjunction with “RPM,” TNT.tv also will host the “Lincoln RPM Sweepstakes,” starting Oct. 17. TNT will drive awareness for the consumer promotion both on-air and online, while Lincoln will feature the promotion on the Lincoln MKS Showcase on DISH Network. The grand prize winner will receive a new 2009 Lincoln MKS.

2009 Lincoln Mks Now Shipping To Dealerships, Combining Luxury And Value

17th October 2008 3:00 pm Lincoln

More than 150 launch events have given consumers the opportunity to better understand the luxurious 2009 Lincoln MKS

The much-anticipated 2009 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln’s all-new luxury flagship, is now shipping to dealerships nationwide. The new flagship sedan from Lincoln is an excellent value, thanks in part to its the comprehensive safety, convenience and comfort technologies.

Prices start at $38,465 (including destination), thousands less than facing competitors from Lexus and Acura. For example, the base Acura RL is priced at $46,995, but does without many features that come standard on the base MKS. Standard features on the MKS that are optional or not included on the RL are: reverse sensing system, heated rear seats, cooled front seats and keyless entry keypad.

Adding to the value story, of course, is the overall level of connectivity that is available on the new Lincoln sedan: SYNC is standard and the company’s next-generation of navigation, which includes SIRIUS Travel Link, is available. No other car maker, luxury or otherwise, offers such a comprehensive suite of new technology.

As a key part of the launch, consumer events are being held at Lincoln dealerships across the country to generate word-of-mouth interest in the new vehicle. To date, more than 150 launch events have given consumers the opportunity to better understand the luxurious 2009 Lincoln MKS. Some event, such as the one held at Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury in Garden City, Mi., have drawn over 500 curious consumers.

Stuck In Traffic? The Lincoln Mks Makes Time Spent In The Car A Pleasure, Not A Hassle

16th October 2008 10:00 am Lincoln

The striking, full-size sedan, with its elegant interior, sophisticated technologies and incomparable ride, could increase commuters’ traffic tolerance considerably.

There’s construction on Lake Shore Drive, a lane closure in the Loop, and the Dan Ryan Expressway, as usual, is bumper to bumper. For Chicago commuters, traffic is a way of life. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chicago has the nation’s second highest average commute times for large cities – 34 minutes. And it can be a long, frustrating trip.

Unless, of course, you’re in the Lincoln MKS.

The striking, full-size sedan, with its elegant interior, sophisticated technologies and incomparable ride, could increase commuters’ traffic tolerance considerably. For commuters faced with increasing time behind the wheel, staying connected and comfortable is an important purchase consideration. In fact, the MKS, built in the Chicago Assembly Plant, offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any other luxury sedan in its class.

“Customers are increasingly demanding a smart, connected in-car experience,” said Pei Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager. “They are seeking both entertainment and information options they are accustomed to in their homes and they want information that has value for them while they travel.”

With standard features like SYNC, the award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft, it is easy – and safe – for drivers to stay in contact with the outside world. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. And the Voice-Activated Navigation system with SIRIUS® Travel Link™ not only offers users the entertainment of an in-house jukebox, but up-to-the-minute travel-information.

“The new flagship Lincoln offers state-of-the-art technology,” said Hsu. “SIRIUS Travel Link, as part of the next-generation navigation system, can give commuters an escape plan by providing real-time traffic updates that help drivers avoid the worst Chicago traffic congestion.”

Of course, in the MKS, time on the road doesn’t have to be all about traffic. The luxury sedan is the world’s first vehicle to offer the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system that allows customers to play DVD-Audio discs and DVD movies in true discrete surround sound, as well as listen to CDs, satellite radio and MP3s through a 600-watt, 16-speaker premium automotive entertainment system.

And since safety is at a premium – particularly on congested roads – the extensive array of safety features on the MKS can’t be ignored. Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator while a radar-based system monitors the vehicle in front – up to 600 feet – and adjusts the speed to keep it a safe distance behind. Adaptive headlamps and Auto High Beams enhance nighttime visibility, and Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling to set the optimum wiper speed.

“The Lincoln MKS has it all,” said Hsu. “Its exceptional handling gives the driver the confidence needed to take on big-city traffic, and its expansive comfort and high-end technology make the journey far more pleasurable.”

Ford’s New Mykey System Helps Teens Drive Safer, Conserve Fuel; Gives Parents Peace Of Mind

9th October 2008 1:23 pm Lincoln

MyKey, another innovation from the company that introduced SYNC, allows parents to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.

Ford Motor Company is introducing an innovative new technology – called MyKey – designed to help parents encourage their teen-agers to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety-belt usage.

Ford’s MyKey feature – which debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Ford Focus and will quickly become standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.

“Ford not only offers industry-leading crash protection and crash avoidance systems, we also are committed to developing new technologies such as MyKey that encourage safer driving behavior,” said Susan Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “MyKey can help promote safer driving, particularly among teens, by encouraging seat belt use, limiting speed and reducing distractions.”

MyKey is appealing to parents of teen drivers, including 75 percent who like the speed-limiting feature, 72 percent who like the more insistent safety-belt reminder, and 63 percent who like the audio limit feature, according to a recent Harris Interactive Survey conducted for Ford.

About 50 percent of those who would consider purchasing MyKey also said they would allow their children to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with the new technology. The added seat time can help teens build their driving skills in a more controlled setting, complementing graduated licensing laws that give young drivers more driving freedom as they get older.

More than half of parents surveyed worry that their teen-age children are driving at unsafe speeds, talking on hand-held cell phones or texting while driving, or otherwise driving distracted. More than a third of parents also are concerned that their teens do not always buckle their safety belts when driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers.

Teens surveyed by Harris said they are largely open to MyKey if it means they will have more freedom to drive. Initially, 67 percent of teens polled said they wouldn’t want MyKey features. However, if using MyKey would lead to greater driving privileges, only 36 percent would object to the technology.

“We’ve upgraded an existing, proven technology – the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system – with some simple software upgrades to develop a new unique feature that we believe will resonate with customers,” said Jim Buczkowski, director, Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering – the same team that developed SYNC in partnership with Microsoft. “We also developed MyKey’s functions in such a way to quickly spread it across multiple vehicle lines, giving us the ability to go mass market in the spirit of other Ford innovations such as safety belts, stability control and SYNC.”

Holding the key

The MyKey system allows the parent to program any key through the vehicle message center, which updates the SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system. When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:

Persistent Ford Beltminder™ with audio mute. Ford’s Beltminder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Beltminder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio” also appears on the instrument cluster.
Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty.
If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as Park Aid and BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert cannot be deactivated.
Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s message center setup menu:

Limited top speed of 80 mph
Traction control system, that limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume
A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
Using MyKey to teach teens to avoid speeding can provide an added benefit – improved fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph consumes 15 percent less fuel, and mastering other eco-driving habits such as avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive idling can help improve fuel economy by more than 50 percent.

Safety is the key

MyKey is just one way that Ford is helping teens drive more safely. Ford Motor Company Fund’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program helps young motorists master four critical driving skills – hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management, and speed management – that help address the majority of dangerous driving conditions. More than 3,000 teens have participated in DSFL ride-and-drive events.

Ford’S Latest Safety Brakethrough – Collision Warning With Brake Support – Coming In 2009

9th October 2008 12:20 pm Lincoln

The new technologies build on Ford's leading number of top safety ratings.

Ford Motor Company, building on its safety and technology leadership, announced it will offer a new advanced “active” collision-avoidance technology, Collision Warning with Brake Support, on certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles next year.

Collision Warning with Brake Support uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead. When the danger of a collision is detected, the system warns the driver with an authoritative beep and a red warning light projected on the windshield above the instrument panel. The system also automatically pre-charges brakes and engages a brake-assist feature that helps drivers quickly reach maximum braking once the brakes are engaged.

Collision Warning with Brake Support is one of three new radar-based active safety and driver-aid technologies Ford is launching across a range of vehicles in 2008 and 2009. The others are Adaptive Cruise Control, launched this year, and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert, which debuts in 2009. All three features use radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

The new technologies build on Ford’s leading number of top safety ratings, including the most 5-star government ratings of any automaker, and a leading number of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Picks.”

“The new Collision Warning with Brake Support technology puts us on the leading edge of active safety to help customers detect and avoid possible dangers,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president of engineering, Global Product Development. “Ford will be the first to offer this technology on mainstream models that many families can afford.”

Unexpected detected

Collision Warning with Brake Support builds on the basic function of Adaptive Cruise Control, a driver-assistance feature that Ford introduced on the 2009 Lincoln MKS. Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to detect moving vehicles immediately ahead and modify cruising speed if necessary.

“Adaptive Cruise Control really marked the beginning of pre-emptive driver-assistance systems,” said Jerry Engelman, Adaptive Cruise Control supervisor, Chassis Electronics. “Ford was able to use the radar technology and experience to develop the Collision Warning with Brake Support system.”

Research indicates that Collision Warning with Brake Support could be particularly helpful in warning a driver who is distracted or drowsy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of accidents involve driver inattention. The agency’s research found that one extra second of warning could prevent up to 90 percent of rear-end collisions. CWBS offers three programmable alert settings ranging from approximately 1.5 seconds to 2.5 seconds.

“It depends on the user’s preference, because one person’s false alarm may be another person’s near miss, and it’s important that drivers are comfortable with the system,” said Tom Pilutti, technical expert, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “Some people have a slower reaction time, and the longer time setting may meet their needs better than the shorter setting. Our research shows that most drivers will prefer and feel more comfortable with the longer default setting.”

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, forward collision warning systems like Collision Warning with Brake Support have the potential to help prevent the kind of rear-end crashes that occurred 2.3 million times per year from 2002-2006 – almost 40 percent of the total crashes reported to police each year in the U.S.

Clearer sight with science

BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert can help provide extra confidence to drivers in parking lots by alerting drivers sooner of nearby traffic while backing out. It uses two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels. The radar detects moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. An audible alert is sounded as well.

Researchers at Ford’s North American advanced driving simulator, Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), dedicated most of the past few years studying how active safety technologies in vehicles may better alert drivers of potentially dangerous driving incidents.

“New technologies such as radar, cameras, lasers and GPS may enable us to offer more safety and convenience features in the future,” said Jeff Rupp, manager, Active Safety, Research and Advanced Engineering at Ford’s Research and Innovation Center. “A key is identifying the kinds of warnings that drivers will find both more effective and easier to understand.”

For Collision Warning with Brake Support, VIRTTEX researchers learned drivers respond more quickly to certain audible alerts that are more authoritative. Their research also shows some preference for a combination of warnings – audio alerts backed up by a visual warning – such as those that will be offered with Collision Warning with Brake Support system.

Safety in demand

Vehicle safety technology is second only to fuel efficiency on customers purchase consideration lists, according to a recent study by RDA Group Global Market Research of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. According to the research, among consumers’ top desires for safety features are collision warning and prevention, greater traction controls, entrapment prevention, and vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

“Over the past several years we’ve seen drivers’ attitudes change regarding safety technology,” said Jim Thomas, senior vice president, RDA. “It used to be that they didn’t want to release control of the vehicle at all, but now they’re looking for the vehicle to be more proactive.”

Lincoln Mks First To Offer New Thx Gold Standard

2nd October 2008 11:03 am Lincoln

With the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround system, Lincoln MKS customers can throw in a DVD-Audio disc or hook up their MP3 player and feel as if they are a part of a private jam session in the comfort of their own car.

The 2009 Lincoln MKS is the world’s first vehicle to offer the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system, which allows customers to play DVD-Audio discs and DVD movies in true discrete surround sound, as well as listen to CDs, satellite radio and MP3s through a 600- watt, 16-speaker premium automotive entertainment system.

DVD-Audio is a specialized digital format known for delivering high-fidelity audio content and is cherished in the marketplace by audiophiles and musicians alike. The exclusive format is offered only by artists seeking to provide listeners with the ultimate musical experience.

“When you listen to music in surround sound it feels more immersive, as if you are right in the middle of the recording session with the artist,” said Todd Rockwell of THX’s car audio team.

Compared to a CD, which only offers stereo or two-channel recordings, DVD-Audio provides more space on the disc to allow for more multi-channel tracks. That means recording artists can use the additional channels to encircle the driver and passengers with musical instruments and other ambient sound elements. In audiophile-speak, the DVD-Audio format is 24 bits at 192 kilohertz (kHz), while a CD format is only 16 bits at 44.1 kHz.

Although DVD-Audio content is limited in the marketplace, popular artists ranging from country idol Toby Keith to hard rock icon Metallica and the Tuscan tenor Andrea Bocelli have created unique surround sound mixes and special tracks specifically for the format.

“With the addition of DVD-Audio playback, the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround system in the Lincoln MKS provides the driver and passengers a wide range of audio features to match their musical tastes,” said Rockwell. “Today, a lot of audiophiles listen to their favorite music on their home theater systems. Now we are offering them the same high-quality sound experience in their vehicle, where many people are spending more and more of their time.”

According to a 2008 Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) study, people spend more than 16 hours per week in their vehicle. During those hours, the driver uses the vehicle’s premium sound equipment 91 percent of the time, the survey said.

Join the Jam

The home theater-like sound is provided by a 12-channel amplifier that delivers 600 watts to 16 strategically placed speakers within the cabin, including a 10-inch subwoofer. In addition, the system includes a hard drive jukebox, allowing customers to store up to 2,400 of their favorite music tracks, all of which can be accessed hands-free using Ford’s voice-activated next-generation navigation system. The 5.1 system design features THX Slot Speaker technology in the dashboard, which allows for unmatched sound distribution.

“The THX Slot Speaker technology lets us distribute sound through a very narrow opening on the Lincoln MKS dashboard, allowing for a wider and more spacious sound image in the vehicle cabin,” Rockwell said. “The result is an acoustical experience that makes the MKS feel like a larger THX Certified home theater.”

Because the sound system is included as part of the MKS navigation system package, drivers and passengers also can watch DVD movies on the navigation system’s LCD screen – when the vehicle is in park – and hear the audio in full-blown THX surround sound.

More for the Money

While other standalone audio systems can cost as much as $6,000, the Lincoln MKS offers the exclusive THX II Certified 5.1 system as part of its navigation system package for less than half that price.

The great value – not to mention the desire for an exceptional in-car audio experience – hasn’t been lost on Lincoln MKS buyers. To date, the total take rate of the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround system on the Lincoln MKS is above 70 percent.

“The Lincoln MKS offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technologies and features of any luxury sedan in its class,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS Marketing manager. “The THX II Certified 5.1 Surround system adds to the allure and exclusivity of the MKS and customers are quickly capitalizing on all the extraordinary, yet affordable technologies this vehicle has to offer.”

Adds Rockwell: “For the price point, the THX II Certified 5.1 system on the Lincoln MKS is one of the best on the market in terms of quality, capabilities and value.”

The introduction of the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system on the Lincoln MKS is the most recent value-add of the Lincoln/THX partnership, which began in 2002. Since then, the collaboration has produced award-winning THX Certified in-car audio systems that have been hailed by audiophiles and auto critics alike, including PC Magazine, Wired and CNET.

Lincoln MKT production confirmed; all-new three-row luxury crossover to launch in 2009

21st August 2008 10:59 am Lincoln

Lincoln continues to expand its portfolio of luxury vehicles with the all-new, three-row Lincoln MKT set to be introduced during calendar year 2009 and redesigned Lincoln MKZ sedan to be shown at 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show
Lincoln MKT to be available with Ford’s EcoBoost™ engine and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission, offering consumers a new way to tour in style
Based on the Lincoln MKT concept from the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the production version will feature the timeless elegance of Lincoln’s signature design cues, industry-leading comfort and convenience technologies like SYNC and comprehensive safety and security features