The new three-row Lincoln MKT crossover is expected to go into production next year, and mirror a 'bustle back concept' displayed at the Detroit Auto Show this year, The Journal reported. Its primary competitors would be the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Mercedes R class.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) shares were virtually unchanged on the news, up 2 cents to $5.12 in Friday afternoon trading.
Crossovers are larger cars designed to look and function like SUVs, only with better gas mileage.
Analyst takes wait-and-see approach on crossover
Stock Analyst C. Leonard Bauer said he's reserving judgment on the Lincoln MKT, pending performance, fuel economy, and safety test reviews.
"From what Ford announced at the Detroit Auto Show, it's supposed to have a V-6 engine, not a V-8, and new technology to substantially increase fuel economy. We'll see," Bauer said. "The design has a sort of 'Batman movie' look to it, and it could find an eager clientele, if performance and road characteristics are strong." Bauer added that he does not have a rating on nor own shares in any auto manufacturer.
Nevertheless, Bauer said $4 per gasoline prices could weigh on sales, if fuel economy is not markedly higher than existing SUVs. That high gas price is also the major reason Ford - - and General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Chrysler - - have to dedicate the bulk of their scarce research assets to fuel efficiency, he added.
Nevertheless, Bauer said $4 per gasoline prices could weigh on sales, if fuel economy is not markedly higher than existing SUVs. That high gas price is also the major reason Ford - - and General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Chrysler - - have to dedicate the bulk of their scarce research assets to fuel efficiency, he added.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-15-2008 @ 7:05PM
gumbo koontz said...
It would help if something is being done about those idling time during stopping at intersections and crawling in traffic during rush hours. I think we can invent something short of full blow hybrid mechanism. We can devise a fifth wheel somewhere in the powertrain that can only go up to 5 mph and runs strictly on battery. So during stops or crawling, the fifth wheel can shut down the main engine at less than 5 mph except during acceleration phase . The idle time is what make the difference between city and highway fuel efficiency. They are really far apart like 16/24 mpg or 27/35 mpg. it doesnt have to be that way... the difference can be narrowed with the fifth wheel. The fifth wheel can resemble landing gears in a jet and it will be rather wide tread so to provide sufficient traction especially in rainy weather.
8-16-2008 @ 12:35AM
Scott said...
A fifth wheel? How complicated that would be to put a landing wheel down.
No, instead they should just make a vehicle with a bigger battery pack and plug the damn thing in. Oh, wait, that is what we call electric vehicles. Just like the EV1 that GM crushed, along with the Ford Ranger EVs and the Toyota Rav4 Ev, and the Nissan Altima EV and the Honda EV+!!!
Stupid as we are in this country it is outstanding how ignorant we truly are when it comes to technology that could work...If you want it to.
8-18-2008 @ 8:16PM
winslow said...
Ford producing a larger crossover !!!
No wonder their stock is so low!
As a country, we should be looking for other ways to move people rather than cars. We are pretty much a dumb society....but hey, it's free enterprise.
8-19-2008 @ 1:51PM
John Panzer said...
I was at Fenway Park in Boston to see my Red Sox this past June - and Ford roles out a Flex. The women behind me said, "It looks like a hearse."
8-21-2008 @ 10:07AM
jpdr1100 said...
All you need to shut down an engine at idle is the software to do it, and perhaps electric drives on the accessories to keep them functioning. The fifth wheel idea is ridiculous.
As for the difference between city and highway numbers, its not from idling. The actual EPA test circuit has little idling time in it. The mileage hit comes from continued acceleration and deceleration.