Photo: Lincoln
Having already proven that it can create visual separation between the products in its Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford Motor Company is now looking to show customers that its luxury division can offer even higher levels of quality and refinement. Lincoln announced that it is adding 300 jobs as part of a $129 million plant investment with the sole purpose of ensuring higher quality.
The all-new Lincoln Luxury Validation Center will be introduced at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant, which is responsible for building the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC. These new workers will work in teams of two at five different points along the MKC’s production line, and they will take a “white-glove” approach to each crossover checking to make sure every MKC looks, feels and operates as intended.
Such a plan will help to reduce vehicle defects and improve overall quality, which is pretty important considering the price differential between the two closely related crossovers. The 2014 Ford Escape ranges in price from $22,610 for the base model up to $28,610 for the Titanium, while the 2015 Lincoln MKC is priced starting at $33,100 for the front-wheel-drive version up to $39,965 for the all-wheel-drive model with the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
“Lincoln MKC is an important part of Lincoln as it attracts a new luxury customer. To have the opportunity to build an all-new vehicle – the first small utility ever from Lincoln – is very exciting for the hardworking men and women at Louisville Assembly Plant,” said Daryl Sykes, plant manager, Louisville Assembly Plant.
With four new models (including the MKC) being launched before 2016 and Chinese sales commencing later this year, it is very likely that more Lincoln plants will add a Lincoln Luxury Validation Center.
Such a plan will help to reduce vehicle defects and improve overall quality, which is pretty important considering the price differential between the two closely related crossovers. The 2014 Ford Escape ranges in price from $22,610 for the base model up to $28,610 for the Titanium, while the 2015 Lincoln MKC is priced starting at $33,100 for the front-wheel-drive version up to $39,965 for the all-wheel-drive model with the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
“Lincoln MKC is an important part of Lincoln as it attracts a new luxury customer. To have the opportunity to build an all-new vehicle – the first small utility ever from Lincoln – is very exciting for the hardworking men and women at Louisville Assembly Plant,” said Daryl Sykes, plant manager, Louisville Assembly Plant.
With four new models (including the MKC) being launched before 2016 and Chinese sales commencing later this year, it is very likely that more Lincoln plants will add a Lincoln Luxury Validation Center.
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