Ford introduces the brand new Lincoln Nautilus to be imported from China

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

ford

Ford engine will import its next-generation Lincoln Nautilus from China to the United States, the company said Monday night.

The midsize crossover is currently being produced for the United States at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. The automaker recently announced it would invest CA$1.8 billion (about US$1.3 billion) to convert the facility into a new electric vehicle center.

This is the first time Lincoln has imported a vehicle from China to the United States.

The import of a vehicle from China to the US is not unprecedented, but it may generate public and political criticism or backlash, especially when tensions between the two countries are high.

First of all, General Motors has been criticized for importing its Buick Envision crossover from China to the US since 2016. The Detroit automaker has sold more than 200,000 of the Chinese-made vehicles in what US union reps have described as an “invasion” and “a slap in the face.” “

However, importing a vehicle into the US from overseas can make good business sense for a company like Ford.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

ford

“In this case, it’s good use of resources,” said Stephanie Brinley, associate research director at S&P Global Mobility. “Without importing, Lincoln doesn’t get the product, and the brand needs products between now and the arrival of their electric vehicles.”

Brinley said the decision to import the Nautilus does not suggest a fundamental shift for future US-market Lincolns, noting that the company continues to produce most of its US-market vehicles in North America.

“Lincoln is a global brand that’s growing,” a Lincoln spokeswoman said in an email. “As we execute on our US manufacturing growth plans, we believe it makes sense to centralize Nautilus production in China for both markets (since we already produce Nautilus in China for the local market), which will allow us to increase manufacturing efficiencies and convert our Oakville facility accordingly. Get ready to build our next generation electric vehicles.”

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

ford

The news comes a week after Ford released a report saying it was the top automaker in terms of American-assembled vehicles and hourly autoworkers, as well as vehicles exported from America to other countries.

The new Nautilus will feature a redesigned exterior and interior that includes almost door-to-door screens for front-seat occupants. It also offers a new feature called “Lincoln Rejuvenate”.

Ford describes Lincoln Rejuvenate as a “multi-sensory in-cabin experience, including lighting and digital scenting.” Lincoln last year unveiled a concept vehicle called the Star that included such features, but the Nautilus is the first production car for the US to be built with these unique features. The automaker has offered vehicles with the feature in China.

Read more about electric vehicles from CNBC Pro

“Lincoln Rejuvenate, a stationary experience, orchestrates specially curated sensory experiences tied to lighting, screen layouts, personal preferences such as seating position and massage options – to allow customers to recharge,” the company said in a press release accompanying the vehicle’s unveiling Monday night.

Fragrance cartridges for filling the vehicle interior are housed in the center armrest. The company said the fragrances that come with the package include:

• “Mystic Forest, an earthy blend with woody, rich patchouli notes.”
• “Ozonic Azure, a fresh blend of aromatic patchouli and hints of bright violet.”
• “Violet cashmere, exotic white florals and trusted violet, fresh and sophisticated like crisp linen.”

The vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a hybrid powertrain. The car is expected to go on sale in early 2024 with starting prices ranging from $51,810 to $75,860.

Lincoln Star concept electric vehicle

Lincoln

The redesigned Nautilus and Lincoln Rejuvenate are an attempt by the once prominent American luxury brand to rejuvenate itself.

Lincoln vehicle sales in the US fell 4% last year to fewer than 83,500 vehicles. That’s down from a recent high of more than 112,200 in 2019.