Let’s start with the basics. For Lincoln just announced that the percentage of hybrid models sold within the MKZ range is higher than expected.
Furthermore:
- Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.
- It is the first model to offer a no-charge hybrid powertrain option
- Lincoln received highest score for durability in the latest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study of three-year-old vehicles
Sales of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid luxury sedan continue to exceed expectations. Having launched with a sales mix of approximately 15 percent within the MKZ model range, sales have continued to track at more than 20 percent since January 2011.
Lincoln Dependability
Recently, Lincoln received the highest score for long-term durability among all vehicle brands in the annual J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study, the second-highest performing model for long-term durability in the entire study.
Lincoln MKZ Choice
Lincoln was the first luxury automaker to offer a hybrid vehicle with the same base price as its gasoline counterpart. Both gasoline and hybrid versions of the MKZ have the same suggested retail price of $34,605.
That’s a value equation for the consumer that San Diego Lincoln dealer Ed Witt calls “huge.” He has delivered Lincoln MKZ Hybrids to customers who traded in other luxury brand vehicles as well as other hybrids. Witt’s store has delivered MKZ Hybrids to drivers of Toyota’s Prius and Lexus luxury vehicles, and has even taken BMWs in on trade for the car. One family, he said, traded in three cars and bought two Lincoln MKZ Hybrids.
To date, Witt has sold the most MKZ Hybrids out of any other Lincoln dealer in the United States since the vehicle’s launch in October. “Potential customers are surprised by the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’s quietness, comfort and power. They just love the performance,” says Witt.
Outfitted with Ford’s award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, permanent magnet electric motor and eCVT transmission. For Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers seamless performance. In addition, the gas-electric powertrain is rated at 191 horsepower.
“Lincoln’s latest models continue to be well received by luxury car customers,” said C.J. O’Donnell, Lincoln group marketing manager. “The MKZ Hybrid is just the start of the journey we are taking in redefining the Lincoln brand and its new model range for the future. Lincoln uniquely blends the style today’s luxury vehicle customers demand with impressive, clean, economical performance as well as a wide range of intuitive technologies and features.”
Source: Ford Motor Company
