Lincoln sales boost Ford Motors' half-year performance

Ford Motors' luxury unit Lincoln delivered a total of 24,314 vehicles in the first half of this year in China, up 4 percent year on year, according to a statement provided by the company on Friday.

Amy Marentic, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific, said that the company's performance in the first half reflects the continued inroads made by its service and car models in the China market.

Lincoln now has five models on the China market. Detailed figures show that three models including MKX, Continental and Navigator have seen steady growth in the first half of this year. 

Sales of Lincoln's Navigator reached 992 units in the first half, jumping 76 percent year on year. Continental grew 34 percent from a year earlier to 5,456 units, and MKX deliveries rose 11 percent to 5,036. 

Sales of Lincoln's MKZ and MKC fell by 3 percent and 14 percent to 5,448 vehicles and 7,382 vehicles in the fist half of this year when compared to a year earlier.

“For the second half, Lincoln will continue to introduce exciting, technology-packed vehicles including the new MKC and Nautilus," Amy added, "offering an effortless ownership experience to discerning Chinese customers.”

In June, Lincoln China sold 4,350 vehicles, an increase of 12 percent compared with the same period last year. All of the Lincoln models experienced growth last month compared with a year ago, with the sedan segment growing by 13 percent and the SUV segment increasing by 11 percent.

Lincoln also said it will continue to expand its dealer network in China, with 109 stores currently and plans to reach 125 stores by the end of this year. This will include a brand-new flagship store in Shanghai, designed to showcase the latest technologies while allowing consumers to experience their favorite Lincoln models.