Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.
As Ford Motor Co. expands its Lincoln lineup, look for a large sedan, followed by a 4-passenger convertible and finally a compact cross/utility vehicle, WAW is told.
That is over and above the new Aviator SUV now hitting dealerships; a freshened LS rear-drive luxury sedan and the larger Town Car that was reskinned for '03.
“We don't want too many models, but there is room for a few more,” says Chris Theodore, Ford vice president-North American product development. “We can't overload. We need more, but not one of every flavor.”
A large performance sedan would fill the niche between the LS and Town Car. The gap is created with the end of Continental production in July — a result of Ford's corporate restructuring.
Theodore says only that an all-wheel-drive sedan is “under consideration, but I'm not confirming any dates.”
As for open-air motoring for Lincoln buyers, Theodore says it will be a few years before Lincoln adds a convertible. Then a compact CUV, similar in size to the BMW X3, will follow, sources tell WAW.