Report: Upcoming Lincoln vehicles to be significantly different from Ford products

Ford Motor Co. said that under its future Lincoln product plan, Lincoln vehicles will be significantly different from Ford division products when it comes to interior and exterior design as well as with technology offerings such as with powertrains. Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, spoke with auto analysts at the Detroit auto show. Kuzak said that the strategy isn�t just focused on releasing new products but rather, there are full differences in terms of design and technology.

What this means in particular is that Lincoln vehicles will not share sheet metal with any Ford products. Lincoln vehicles will also receive unique powertrains. Lincoln seeks to scrap at least 200 franchises in the top 130 U.S. markets.

Those who opt to stay have to agree to expensive facility upgrades and other changes. Of course, Lincoln dealers are seeking more details about Lincoln's future lineup before deciding. Kuzak said Ford is able to modify existing Ford platforms to make them unique to Lincoln. As an example, he said to consider Ford's power steering or chassis electronic control. He asked the analysts to think about the outcome if suspension control is added and what would happen to the platform if this is done on Lincoln only. [via autonews]