Ford to offer free maintenance for new Lincoln buyers

Ford Motor Co. said it will provide free maintenance for customers who purchase or lease new Lincoln vehicles this summer, an offer that comes on the heels of the auto maker's announcement that it will expand the brand's line-up.

The offer, which covers 2010 and 2011 Lincolns purchased in the U.S., comes as the company continues to enhance the appeal of its luxury brand, which has struggled despite its fairly new line-up. Ford's plans for Lincoln are key to the company's growth as it recently announced it intends to phase out its Mercury brand by the end of the year.

Ford said the program, which begins Friday and 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 normally aren't covered by a vehicle warranty.

Earlier this month, the company said it will expand its Lincoln line-up with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years. At the time, President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally touted the importance of profitably growing Lincoln in North America.

Through May of this year, Ford has sold 37,444 Lincoln vehicles, 12% more than the first five months of 2009. Ford said Lincoln has notched market share gains over the past five years, growing from a 4.5% share of the U.S. luxury vehicle market in 2005 to 6.3% through the first quarter of this year.