Lincoln Navigator Rolls Out With Large Order Bank
15 May 1997
Lincoln Navigator Rolls Out With Large Order BankFord boosts truck capacity to meet demand WAYNE, Mich., May 14 -- With more than 9,000 orders already in hand, the first Lincoln Navigator luxury all-purpose vehicles rolled off the line today at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant. Customer demand for the new full-size SUV -- which officially goes on sale at Lincoln dealerships July 1 -- and the Ford Expedition, has been so strong that Ford has dedicated the Michigan Truck Plant to producing full-size four-door utility vehicles. At an employee celebration held to mark the Navigator production launch, Ford and UAW officials praised the quality and craftsmanship of the new offering, while staking a claim on the future of the full-size SUV market. "Our customers are voting with their hard-earned dollars, and this is what they are voting for -- a high quality, luxury all-purpose vehicle," said Ford Automotive Operations President Jac Nasser. "Navigator represents the best in its segment, and together with our partners and teammates in the UAW, we're proud to deliver it." Nasser said that demand for the new Lincoln Navigator, along with continued strong orders for Expedition and F-Series pickups, has led to a 50,000 unit system-wide increase in truck production capacity this year. Nasser and Ernie Lofton, UAW vice president and director of the national Ford department, drove one of the first Navigators off the line and joined employees in a ceremony marking the start up of production. The Lincoln Navigator is a new entry in the fastest growing segment of the sport utility market -- full-size utility vehicles. The Navigator is a luxury utility that combines the capability of a world-class SUV with the elegant styling, safety and luxurious comfort expected from Lincoln. The Michigan Truck Plant began producing the highly-successful Ford Expedition last July. It now adds Lincoln Navigator production and has increased its capacity to 282,000 Expeditions and Navigators a year. SOURCE Ford Motor Company