Lincoln confirmed the refreshed 2022 Navigator in August of last year, but the luxury SUV only entered output on January 18 of this 12 months. Just after just a few months of rolling down the line at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, Lincoln has shut the doorways on pumping out inventory units. Ford Authority seen the Navigator site at Lincoln’s client website site now reads, “The 2022 Lincoln Navigator is only obtainable for personalized buy. Some types, trims, and options may possibly not be out there. Be sure to call your area Lincoln Retailer for updates and assistance.” It can be a little bit of sub-optimal news for purchasers who want to strike the dealer lot and shop for an SUV like picking a pet at a shelter.
It hasn’t been such a terrible matter for Lincoln, however. Ford has designed it intentions apparent about the long term of dealer stock and custom made orders, emphasizing that it needs considerably less of the previous and more of the latter. With the Navigator, that part of the prepare seems to be doing the job out, FA reporting that retail orders in February were being up 291% around February 2021. Threads on the Blue Oval Message boards demonstrate purchasers prepared to hold out for their orders as nicely, 1 consumer who placed an purchase on January 20 however keeping out for a VIN and tentative manufacturing date at the time of producing.
It doesn’t show up the move to customized orders is the result of overpowering need, nevertheless. Rather, it seems that Ford just are not able to make more than enough Navigators to satisfy what need there is. Output difficulties at the Kentucky Truck Plant that also builds the Ford Expedition and Super Obligation pickup have crimped output for all three styles. Expedition and Navigator income in the U.S. are equally down far more than 56% via the initial a few months of this yr.
Navigators that do make it out the plant doors are leaving without the need of Energetic Park Assist 2., a conventional characteristic on the Lincoln that is constrained on a variety of Ford cars as nicely many thanks to you know what. Ford is at least equipped to do the following most effective detail, which is setting up an Energetic Park Assist 2. Prep Package that screws in the sensors and components. When chips are out there, which the automaker believes could be 12 to 18 months, an operator can cease by a dealer to have that chip put in totally free of cost. It’s a nicer answer than a Semiconductor Scarcity Deal for absolutely everyone included.
Order publications for the 2023 Lincoln Navigator are expected to open in two months, with manufacturing slated to get started in September. Probably points will be far better then. Or not.
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