Lincoln “Committed” To Sedans Despite Ford’s Decision To Drop Them

Ford recently revealed plans to eliminate its entire sedan lineup in North America so naturally there were questions about whether or not Lincoln would follow suit.

Thankfully we’re getting some answers as a spokesperson told Automobile Magazine the company is “committed” to both the Continental and MKZ. The mention of the latter model is interesting as Ford will drop the Fusion in North America.

Carsalesbase data shows Lincoln sold 27,387 MKZs in the United States last year and this was a significant decline from the 34,009 units that were sold in 2014. It remains unclear why Ford would want to keep the model around especially when it’s axing the Fusion which sold 209,623 units last year.

Regardless of the company’s reasoning, previous reports have suggested the MKZ successor will be launched in 2020. Little is known the sedan but it will likely be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Continental’s future is a bit clearer as the company reportedly used the National Automobile Dealers Association convention to confirm plans to bring back the suicide rear doors. There’s no word on timing, so it remains unclear if Lincoln will offer suicide rear doors on the current Continental or wait until the next-generation model which is due in 2022. Like the MKZ successor, the next Continental is expected to have a plug-in hybrid option.

Lincoln is the midst of a major product push as the company’s president recently confirmed plans for five new or redesigned models besides the Aviator. Details remain elusive but the company has already confirmed plans for an new crossover and an MKC successor.