SOUNDBITES: 2010 LINCOLN MKT

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The 2010 Lincoln MKT was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan earlier today. According to Ron Heiser (Hizer), Chief Engineer, the 2010 Lincoln MKT is an all-new entry for Lincoln and a strategic investment in growing the brand.

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Cut #1: "We're confident that we've taken the Lincoln Brand to the next level. Lot of attention to detail, on fit and finish, touch points. Hand wrapped instrument panel, hand wrapped door trims cloth wrapped A-pillar and B-pillar and then the level of leather used in the vehicle, very luxurious." :20 sec.
  This three-row crossover offers room for up to seven people, new technologies including new SYNC applications, Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert and Active Park Assist.
   
Cut #2: "We have a standard touch screen and then we've added new features such as adaptive cruise control, with collision mitigation our blind spot bliss system and a new active park assist system that's being launched on the MKT." :16 sec.
  The MKT's all V-6 lineup and standard SelectShift automatic transmission with racing-style paddle shifters offer best-in-class fuel economy and the right blend performance with customers' choice of two V-6 engines, including one with EcoBoost technology.
   
Cut #3: "The active park assist system are for people who are looking to parallel park. City traffic situations like that, very intuitive system, a lot different from systems that some of our competitors have out today." :15 sec.
  Heiser (Hizer) says the MKT will draw younger customers into the Lincoln showroom, as did the Navigator. He also believes this all-new full-size crossover will attract many female buyers. Hizer says their target is Boomers and early GenX buyers who will especially be fascinated with and attracted to the active park assist system.
   
Cut #4: "All the steering is handled by the actual active park-assist system, what the driver does is control brake and throttle, once the vehicle is in the parking spot it'll send an indication that your procedure is done and your set and you put the vehicle in park and you can walk away." :16 sec.
  The 2010 Lincoln MKT is positioned at the heart of the premium crossover segment and scheduled to start rolling into showrooms in late summer of 2009.