• Detroit Free Press, Friday, June 25, 2010 10:45 AM

Brent Snavely reports that Lincoln's future depends on new small, stylish cars and SUVs that broaden the brand's lineup and give Ford's only remaining luxury brand a clear identity, according to dealers and analysts.

The decision to end production of Mercury gives Ford an opportunity it didn't have before, said Erich Merkle, president of the consulting company Autoconomy.com in Grand Rapids, Mich. "It will allow them to come down in terms of size."

Ford plans to introduce seven all-new or significantly refreshed Lincoln vehicles over the next four years -- including its first-ever Lincoln in the compact segment. Ford has not said whether that compact vehicle will be a car, SUV or crossover.

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