On February 4, 1922 Henry Ford purchased The Lincoln Motor Company from distinguished inventor and automotive engineer Henry Leland for $8 million. The transaction led to the creation of the iconic American luxury brand.
“We are at a defining moment in our history. We look back at Lincoln’s past and find inspiration for the future and, to reflect on what we have accomplished – maintaining a balance between the brand’s core values and redefining our vehicle and experiences for the next generation of luxury clients,” says Joy Falotico, president, Lincoln. “The timing of our 100th anniversary couldn’t be more ideal as we shift to an electrified future, and I look forward to shepherding the brand into the next 100 years.”
As the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary and storied past, it is equally focused on an exciting future. Lincoln is committed to delivering a unique lineup of electrified vehicles and connected services that create effortless experiences for its clients.
“With classic style, form and function that became the hallmark of the brand, there’s something very special about Lincoln,” said Jim Farley, president and CEO, Ford. “And as we move toward an electric future with connected technologies and always-on experiences, I am so excited to see where the brand will go in China and North America as it begins its second century.”
A Century of Innovation
Through the years, Lincoln has pioneered multiple new features and innovations, and continues to introduce advancements today. A few notable moments in its history include:
- 1955: Lincoln introduces the Mark II to showrooms
- 1961: Lincoln debuts coach doors on its Continental
- 1977: Integrated visor-mounted garage door opener debuts on Lincoln Versailles
- 1980: Speedometer, fuel gauge, message centers go electric, keyless entry is introduced
- 1987: Front-wheel drive debuts
- 1994: Memory recall for seat and mirror positioning introduced via a remote transmitter
- 2010: Lincoln launches its first hybrid electric vehicle – the MKZ Hybrid
- 2017: Lincoln reveals the Navigator concept, transforming the future of the flagship SUV with an all-new design and innovative features including 30-Way Perfect Position Seats
- 2018: Lincoln celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Continental and debuts the special edition Continental Coach Door
- 2018-19: Symphonic chimes recorded by Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Lincoln launches all-new Lincoln Aviator and Corsair SUVs
- 2021: Lincoln introduces the first locally produced sedan for the China market at Auto Guangzhou, the all-new Lincoln Zephyr, advancing the brand’s design language
Redefining the Lincoln Brand
For a century, Lincoln has focused on forward-looking innovations, while maintaining its core values that keep the brand’s products fresh and desirable.
The momentum continues with the introduction of new products and services. This year will see the launch of a new Navigator, elevating the brand’s sanctuary again with signature new features, including ActiveGlide hands-free driver-assist technology.
Marking a Century of Design and Innovation
The core tenets that made Lincoln an American luxury brand are evident in today’s vehicles, services and client experiences, driving the spirit of Lincoln for more than 10 decades now and counting. As the brand looks ahead, Lincoln is laser-focused on advancing its Quiet Flight DNA into an electrified and connected future. By 2030 it will have a full portfolio of connected and electrified vehicles globally.
To mark the occasion, Lincoln is kicking off a yearlong series of global events connecting the past and the present to an exciting future in the years to come. Lincoln retailers are working to honor this milestone as well, with 100 stores hosting events with their clients and local communities throughout the year.
Follow Lincoln’s social channels and its dedicated 100th anniversary page for a full year of celebratory content, including feature stories and galleries showcasing a century of design and innovation while offering a peek into the next chapter in the brand’s history.
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