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All-new 2015 Lincoln MKC redefines design, performance, technologies [Saudi Gazette, The]
[October 18, 2014]

All-new 2015 Lincoln MKC redefines design, performance, technologies [Saudi Gazette, The]


(Saudi Gazette, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)     AUTOMOTIVE luxury brand Lincoln took a major step forward with the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle - the 'Official Smart Car of GITEX 2014' and automotive centerpiece of the region's premier technology trade show that was held early this week in Dubai.



Keeping true to the Lincoln brand promise, the Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln product in two years. The Middle East region can look forward to continued innovation in the Lincoln product line, with the refreshed Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV just around the corner, and the all-new Lincoln MKX luxury crossover expected by 2016.

"The MKC is Lincoln's compelling offer in the fast-growing small premium utility segment where we see a lot of demand," said Matt VanDyke, Global Lincoln director. "This segment has grown globally by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009, representing a phenomenal opportunity for Lincoln.


"This growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are trading up, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their lifestyles and priorities change," he noted. "We believe the all-new Lincoln MKC will appeal to all these customers, especially here in the Middle East." Lincoln's tie-up with GITEX is into its second consecutive year, with the Lincoln MKC building on the successful launch of the Lincoln MKZ sedan at GITEX 2013. The brand is also seeing growth opportunities across Middle Eastern markets with further momentum on the horizon thanks to more products on the way, according to Kalyana Sivagnanam, Sales, Marketing and Service director for Ford and Lincoln in Middle East & North Africa.

"Total Lincoln sales more than tripled over the past 5 years in the Middle East, and we expect the introduction of new products such as the MKC, together with our dealers' investments in the brand to further grow the Lincoln volume by at least 25 percent thru 2019," Sivagnanam said.

"We are working closely with our dealers to deliver a unique Lincoln luxury ownership experience as we dive deep into transforming Lincoln in the Middle East," he added.

Product and ownership experience will play a pivotal role in this new direction according to Sivagnanam, who added: "The all-new MKC offers the perfect blend of luxury and bespoke experience together with unique technologies that our customers in the Middle East will appreciate. As a challenger luxury brand, the small premium utility segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete - it will change the way people think about Lincoln." Lincoln's first-ever small utility vehicle delivers a combination of craftsmanship and performance that will make it stand out in the fast-growing small premium utility segment. Featuring an all-new available 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2015 Lincoln MKC offers an excellent combination of horsepower, torque and fuel economy in a luxurious package that further defines the Lincoln standard.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC also uses advanced intuitive technologies to provide a luxuriously sporty and personalized ride with enhanced comfort and convenience. These include: - Approach Detection - Using technology to create a warmer, more personal experience, the 2015 Lincoln MKC comes to life as its owner approaches and offers a warm, inviting welcome. Approach Detection enables the MKC to sense when the owner's key fob comes within a range of up to 8 feet, farther than any vehicle in the segment. The vehicle responds with soft lighting both inside and out, featuring unique touches such as illuminated Lincoln 'welcome mats' on the ground beneath both front doors, illuminated door handle pockets tuned to the vehicle's exterior color and many other touches that bring the Lincoln Experiences to life.

- MKC offers a personalized drive experience enabled by Lincoln Drive Control with a precise, smooth, yet exhilarating ride through use of Continuously Controlled Damping, Electric Power Assisted Steering and Active Noise Control - Class exclusive parallel Park Out Assist (available as part of Active Park Assist feature): When the Active Park Assist button is pressed the system employs ultrasonic sensors to detect an appropriate parallel parking space and helps steer the vehicle into that space, with driver retaining control of throttle, brakes and shifting.  Park Out Assist is an enhancement to this feature, working in exactly the same way, the system helps steer the vehicle out of the tight parking space when the APA switch is pressed - BLIS with cross-traffic alert - uses radar sensors to constantly monitor side of vehicle and alert driver (amber light in corresponding side view mirror) when vehicle enters blind spot zone.  Cross-traffic alert can detect traffic approaching from the sides when vehicle is slowly backing out of the parking spot (alert with amber light in corresponding side view mirror and chimes) - Lane Keeping Alert informs driver (steering wheel vibrates) when vehicle begins to wander out of its lane markings (due to driver distraction or fatigue).  Lane keeping aid works in conjunction with this by providing a small steering input to help warn the driver to steer the vehicle back towards the lane center - Driver Alert uses the front camera (mounted behind the rear view mirror) to monitor the drivers alertness or vigilance and issues a chime and pop up message to warn when vigilance threshold has been crossed. - SG (c) 2014 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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