Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT To Not See Second Generation
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Rumor has it that Ford Motor Company will discontinue the Ford Flex after the current, first-gen model ends production in the vicinity of the 2016-2017 calendar years. The decision will also result in the discontinuation of the Flex’s platform mate — the Lincoln MKT.
The Motrolix Take
Ford hasn’t confirmed the rumor, but the move wouldn’t surprise us since the two full-size people movers haven’t exactly been sales volume hits. In fact, the Flex was recently named as one of the 10 Best Cars That Nobody Buys. Instead, customers are choosing the Ford Explorer — the Flex’s more rugged platform mate.
| VEHICLE | UNITS SOLD |
|---|---|
| FORD FLEX | 9,004 |
| LINCOLN MKT | 1,727 |
| FORD EXPLORER | 89,127 |
To note, Lincoln will likely get a variant of the next-generation Explorer as the new Lincoln Aviator, thereby completing Lincoln’s three-fold crossover lineup to include the MKC, MKX, and Aviator/AV8R.
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The Flex blows the Explorer out of the water in my opinion. The ride is killer, I’ve been in the Explorers and just don’t get it. We were on our way to test drive Edges and Caravans. I happened to ask to take the Flex out and my wife was mad because she hated the look. 15 mins later she was in love, now were Flex owners. If dealers stocked them and actually had people drive them, I think sales would be up.
Just do it, take it out for a rip. It may surprise you.
I really think there is room for the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT in their lineup … if the flex is selling so well in california … they should really take a step back and make the right changes. First the flex should have optional sliding doors so it can compete with minivans, then they should offer the flex with four wheel electric drive … just make the vehicle simply electric … tailor it to those that like something different … or make it the only diesel hybrid available on the market … there needs to be a different business case developed because its an awesome care.
And as for the Lincoln MKT … it should be rebranded as the Lincoln Town Car (a luxury all terrain vehicle) that has two rows of very luxurious seats … rides higher than the new 2017 lincoln continental and is all about luxury. There are plenty of people who would prefer a slightly higher riding vehicle that has a beautiful buttress design that affords all passengers to have lots of space. This vehicle should be marketed to the limo service still and provide the diesel hybrid (same as the flex) … livery customers would love that. This option would also make it very different from a lincoln continental, aviator, mkx, or navigator … it would have a clear mission of providing great town car rear seat space
i would love to have a vehicle like this as well as my navigator … OMG it would be wonderful. A nice smooth riding slightly higher sedan that is excellent for road trips … i.e. grand touring …