Starting with the 2014 model year lineup, Lincoln will reduce its free maintenance program to 2 years/24,000 miles (38,625 km) from a previous 4 years/50,000 miles (80,500 km). Lincoln said in a memo sent to dealers that the revised program “complements short-term 24-month leases”.
Lincoln said in a statement that the new program is “competitive with other luxury brands,” as Jaguar and Volvo also recently cut back their complimentary maintenance programs. Lincoln’s new program will only cover a maximum of three service visits, as opposed to eight visits under the old program.
Dealers’ reactions to Lincoln’s decision were mixed, with some criticizing it for sending the wrong message and being disappointing for the existing customer base, while others said the change would not make a big difference anyway, since most Lincolns are usually leased for two or three years.
BMW continues to be the premium brand that offers the best free maintenance program. The carmaker’s BMW Ultimate Service program covers all factory-recommended maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles. Complimentary maintenance is valued more by customers who buy a car rather than lease it, as buyers are more careful to long-term expenses.
Lincoln sold 7,305 vehicles last month, almost the same as in May 2012. In the first five months of 2013, Lincoln delivered 30,819 vehicles, down 14 percent from 2012 in a market that has risen 7 percent, partly because of MKZ-related problems.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Autonews
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