Lincoln MKS Axed

The Lincoln MKS is being killed off.

Ford has confirmed that production of the Lincoln MKS will be phased out next year and it has been reported that the American automaker plans to replace the model with the production version of the Continental concept that debuted at this year’s New York Auto Show.

The current Lincoln MKS shares its platform with the Ford Taurus, which will live on. “Chicago Assembly Plant is vital to our global manufacturing footprint and will continue to manufacture the Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor vehicles even after we phase out production of the MKS in 2016,” the American automaker said in a statement. “We will continue to match production to demand.”

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Aviator Rumored to Return as Upscale Ford Explorer Twin

Expect the outgoing Lincoln MKS to benefit from significant discounts in the coming year, especially since sales have been slow for the luxury sedan. Through May 2015, Lincoln has only sold 3,304 MKS units, which is 19.1 percent less than the same period a year ago.

When the Continental heads to production, replacing the MKS, it won’t be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant. Instead, the factory will satisfy increased demand for the Explorer with more production. Rumor has it that the Continental will be built along with the Fusion and Mustang in Flat Rock, Michigan.

[Source: USA Today]

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