Ford Motor Co. (F) will provide free maintenance for customers who purchase or lease new Lincoln vehicles this summer, an offer that comes on the heels of the automaker’s announcement that it will expand the brand’s lineup.
The offer covers 2010 and 2011 Lincolns purchased in the U.S.
Ford’s plans for Lincoln are key to the automaker’s growth at is intends to phase out its Mercury brand by the end of the year.
Ford said the program, which runs through Sept. 7, covers oil changes, tire rotations, vehicle inspections, engine belts and hoses, for three years or 45,000 miles, as well as wear items including brake pads and wiper blades, which usually aren’t covered by a vehicle warranty.
This month, Ford said it will expand its Lincoln lineup with seven new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years. At the time, President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally touted the importance of growing Lincoln in North America.
Through May, Lincoln has sold 37,444 vehicles, up 12 percent from a year earlier. Its market share has grown to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of this year from 4.5 percent in 2005.
