Lincoln unveils latest class-defining Navigator SUV at Auto Guangzhou

Premium US carmaker Lincoln Motor Co debuted the all-new Navigator, a large SUV, on Friday at the ongoing Auto Guangzhou. The move further enriches Lincoln's portfolio, making it even more sought after by Chinese consumers.

Navigator was the first-ever large premium SUV when it was launched in 1997, making it a category creator. Lincoln claims it now redefines the segment's already lofty luxury standards yet again.

"With the all-new Lincoln Navigator, we are giving China's premium customers the ability to travel in cocooned comfort with humanized services that cater to their distinct needs," said Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific.

"Our unrelenting focus on crafting a personalized and first-class experience is what makes the all-new Navigator truly a 'Game Changer' among its peers."

The all-new Navigator's modern elegance is obvious before the doors even open. Its front face has a redesigned, signature one-piece grille with a central Lincoln Star and illumination.

The new adaptive LED headlamps, in the style of a crown, echo the profile design, lending a bolder charisma to the front face.

Lincoln has said the all-new Navigator is crafted for an effortless driving experience. Defined by its lighter, high-strength aluminum-alloy body and augmented by 22-inch wheels, it presents a more refined, robust, agile and quieter performance.

With the 3.5-liter V6 GTDI engine and all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, the model delivers abundant power and confidence-inspiring dynamics.

In its spacious interior, the all-new Navigator puts the emphasis on ultra-luxury touch points with a clean layout that creates a soothing ambience.

Passengers in the back row also enjoy a first-class experience with segment-leading space, replete with their own audio and climate control. Natural light is ample thanks to the segment's largest panoramic sunroof.

The all-new Navigator boasts advanced technologies that offer the ultimate entertainment and safety.

Standard 4G Wi-Fi and wireless charging keep everyone connected, and the 10-inch central console touch screen is made compatible thanks to SYNC 3 technology.

With a Lincoln exclusive Revel Ultima audio system comprised of 20 speakers, the audio effects are concert-class.

Front row Perfect Position seats with Active Motion offer 30-way power adjusting.

The Head-Up Display adapted with DLP technology allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

The all-new Navigator arrives after Lincoln has achieved a number of record-breaking quarters in China.

It sold 45,729 vehicles in the first 10 months of 2017, surging 85 percent year-on-year.

Lincoln said Guangdong province, where the auto show is being held, significantly contributes to the company's strong performance in China, and is a standout region in the brand's global success.

In October, two dealerships in the province - Shenzhen Biaote Lincoln Store and Guangzhou Hongyue Lincoln Store - ranked first and fourth respectively in terms of sales volume in the brand's global network.

Lincoln currently has 88 dealerships in China and is planning to open 100 by year-end to meet continued demand in China.

The brand said it will launch a pilot dealership program in the country, starting with Guangdong's neighboring Hunan province.

The move will enable more customers in smaller cities to experience the Lincoln Way, a unique customer-centric service philosophy, through three new dealership concepts: mini showrooms, mobile showrooms and virtual showrooms.

"Now with the Hunan Dealer Pilot Program and additions coming to the Virtual Lincoln Way, we can better serve the unique needs of every Lincoln customer in China," said Frank Fan, vice-president of Lincoln China. "At Lincoln, we have been constantly striving to raise the bar with innovations that make things even more effortless for our customers. That's why we launched the Virtual Lincoln Way. It is an industry-first initiative that allows customers to tour a virtual dealership, shop and pay online, video-chat with a Lincoln Host, and arrange at-home test drives.

"We are grateful for Chinese car owners' love of Lincoln and will continue to evolve the Lincoln Way by way of appreciation, ensuring the demand for personalized luxury is met."

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/18/2017 page12)