Lincoln's first shipment of cars arrives in China

Mon, 15 Sep 2014

It has been two years since Lincoln first announced its plans to expand into China, and the first models destined for sale in the giant automotive market just came off the boat in Shanghai on September 10. It's going to be a few weeks before Chinese buyers actually have the chance to get behind the wheel, though.

The first two models being offered to China are the MKZ and MKC, as seen arriving in these photos, and they are going to be sold at dealers that look more like hotels than traditional showrooms. The first four are opening in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou in October, with a grand unveiling of the new brand to Chinese consumers later that month. By the end of the year, Lincoln wants to have eight dealers operating in seven cities. By 2016, the automaker wants to have a lineup of five models available in the People's Republic.

"This is the culmination of months of teamwork and collaboration both in North America and here in China," said Robert Parker, President of Lincoln China, in the company's release.

Obviously, a single shipment of vehicles isn't going to be anywhere near enough to quell Chinese demand, or at least Lincoln hopes. Two more freighters packed with the brand's models are due to arrive in October. Scroll down for the full announcement.

First Shipment of Lincoln Vehicles Arrive in China

Sep-11-2014 9:30 PM ET

SHANGHAI, China- September 10 was an exciting day for Lincoln China as they welcomed the arrival of the first shipment of Lincoln vehicles in Shanghai.

"This is a significant milestone for Lincoln globally," said Robert Parker, President, Lincoln China. "The journey from design, to the assembly line, and now to Shanghai-represents Ford Motor Company at its best."

Just two short years ago, a small cross functional team conceived a unique luxury experience designed to revolutionize the way premium cars are sold in China. With Lincoln dealerships opening in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou in October, customers in China will begin experiencing the "Lincoln Way", a personally crafted sales process specifically tailored to meet their unique needs. By the end of 2014, there will be a total of eight dealers throughout China, bringing the brand's personalized service and class-leading technologies to Chinese consumers in seven major cities.

"We could not be more excited to show customers the unique environments and experience we've created in our Lincoln dealerships," said Parker. "This is the culmination of months of teamwork and collaboration both in North America and here in China. On behalf of the entire team in China, I want to thank and congratulate the team on both sides of the Pacific."

The next two shipments of Lincoln vehicles will arrive by early October to support the upcoming grand opening events scheduled for late October.

By Chris Bruce