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Accessible Auto Luxury Teases The Gen Y
It is not the doling of discounts or offering red tag sales that draws the young generation of drivers to make a purchase; it is the delivery of accessible auto luxury that creates the magic. The traditionally conservative auto industry, which is eventually becoming more daring in its attempts to lure the generation Y, is offering more luxuries to boost comfort and ergonomics as well as improve the driving experience of aficionados.
Lincoln, for one has enhanced its hallmarks by offering elegant design and comfort to a new generation of youthful customers. Earlier, it has unveiled its teaser version of the future midsize, five-passenger 2007 Lincoln MKZ, which was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006 with Ford's new upgraded 263 hp (196 kW) Duratec 35 3.5 L V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The vehicle is an upgraded version of Zephyr. Some of the prominent modifications made to the new car include a new grille. Said feature is likened to the Volvo grille that flaunts 7 "teeth" on either side of the central emblem. The car is also given a chrome trim on the beltline, 17-inch alloy wheels and prominent outside mirrors.
The new midsize luxury sedan from Lincoln received a power upgrade, AWD and a fresh façade. These new features have significantly contributed to the increase of customer demand especially in connection with the young market.
"Customer demand for Lincoln’s mid-size luxury sedan has exceeded our expectations," said Al Giombetti, president of Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales. "We have taken a brand-new, well-received car and significantly improved it to draw a new generation of customers to the Lincoln brand." It can be recalled that Lincoln Zephyr has become an instant success. "Judging by reaction in the showroom, customers are clearly ready for an American entry-level luxury sedan," added Giombetti.
The all-new Lincoln MKZ comes with a powerful new V6 engine mated to a premium 6-speed transmission to produce 250 horsepower and 240 pounds-foot of torque. The result is a smooth, confident, powerful and comfortable ride. "Our new 3.5-liter V-6 coupled with an advanced 6-speed automatic provides an innovative solution for better fuel efficiency, more refinement, more power and clean emissions, without any sacrifices," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain Operations.
The Lincoln MKZ also radiates classic, understated elegance that incorporates flowing lines and curves. In addition, it flaunts the refined version of Ford’s waterfall grille. When it comes to luxury, the new version of the car is equipped with a mixture of modern and classic offerings. It uses genuine materials like real wood, satin nickel, high-quality leather, and chromed trim. To complement the classy interior, white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used.
"The figured maple gives the interior a fresh and exciting look," added Peter Horbury who holds the position as the executive director of North American Design. "The dark ebony is classic elegance for a traditional sense of luxury. The satin nickel, with its lightly raised ribbing, is technical and modern. We were able to establish three completely different ambient settings through use of these materials."
Lincoln engineers also boosted comfort by providing more than three feet of rear-passenger legroom. The spacious feel is expected to make every occupant enjoy the ride.
"Lincoln is renowned for being a design leader, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our interiors," said Marek Reichman, director of Interior Design Strategy. "The design philosophies explored in our teaser or concept vehicles are already making their way into Lincoln production vehicles. With the new Lincoln Zephyr, they will find their fullest expression in an automobile."
Aside from offering comfort and luxury, automakers are also concentrating on promoting clean environment. “Thirty percent of Volvo’s car buyers associate Volvo with the expression pollution prevention”. It is this foundation on which we will continue to build. Our aim is to be ranked as one of the absolute leaders in the premium segment when it comes to environmentally sound mobility”, said Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO of the Volvo Car Corporation.
“In order to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, Volvo Cars believes that in the short term, biogas, a renewable fuel produced from organic material, provides many environmental benefits”, said Anders Kärrberg, Environmental Director at Volvo Car Corporation. “Volvo Cars sees a future where several solutions are possible. We are researching bio-fuels and hybrids as alternatives.”
Lincoln, Ford, Volvo as well as other automakers are all absorbed in making remarkable, elegant, functional and safe vehicles to make it good in the growing competition and for them to be more appealing to diverse auto market.
About the Author: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
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