Cars and Fashion, Closer than Ever:The All-New Lincoln MKC Makes Its RegionalDebut at Fashion Week Middle East

DUBAI, UAE, 30September2014 Automotive luxury brand, Lincoln is showcasing its first introduction into the premium compact utility segment this week, with the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC, which makes its regional debut at Fashion Week Middle East (FWME). The all-newLincoln MKC, combining sleek elegance with power and poise, will support the regionsinaugural fashiontrade show,boasting innovative designand unique technologies at the show taking place at the Dubai International Financial City Gate.

Lincoln is proud to be the Platinum sponsor of the first edition of Fashion Week Middle East, said Paul Anderson, Middle East Marketing director for Ford and Lincoln. This partnership naturally resonates with Lincoln, especially as the brand enters its next chapter of luxury with the first Lincoln MKC premium utility, a product that was inspired inside out by the essence of bespoke and the importance of craftsmanship, both important pillars in the fashion industry.

Cars and fashion tasteare two of the most revealing elementsabout a person," said Chelsea Lau, Chief Designer, Strategic Concepts Group at Ford Motor Company, who visited Dubai to help launch the all-new Lincoln MKC."This is especially true in the Middle East, where customers understand the essence of bespoke and the importance of craftsmanship quality. Design trends and colour themes cross industry boundariesand are reflected in both theautomobiles and wardrobes of yesterday, today and the future.

As the first vehicle designed from the ground up in a dedicated Lincoln Design Studio, the Lincoln MKC strikes a sporty yet elegant pose. Its sleek, sculpted body, high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, enhanced by a low center of gravity for responsive handling and cornering stability.

The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC has been designed to capture everyones attention with its inspired automotive design, continued Anderson. Spirited, stylish and smart, it truly is one of the most exciting new products from Lincoln in years, and we are excited about presenting this first-ever model to the regions luxury vehicle customers.

The evolution of Lincoln design carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship, luxury materials and a high-tech environment offer a warm, inviting space.

Great attention was paid to ensuring the high quality of all customer interface points, from rich materials and exquisite detailing on the door panels and seats, to the clean, uncluttered one-piece center console that helps to create a calm and open environment. A sweeping, full-width instrument panel, complete with the Lincoln signature push-button gear shift, contributes to a sense of spaciousness and creates storage space in the center console where a traditional gear shift would be.

The all-new Lincoln MKC is packed with technology, safety and entertainment features in an aesthetic package thats unmistakably Lincoln - featuring clean, sleek and dynamic design lines that are unique to the segment. SYNC with MyLincoln Touch provides a touch-screen interface on the centre console, with quick control over entertainment, climate, and phone. The automatic transmission also offers the driver two control options through exclusive push-button shift or steering-mounted paddle shifters for a sportier experience. Safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-keeping System, and the Lincoln Drive Control with Continuously Controlled Damping differentiate the MKC from its peers.

Convenience features such as the active park assist, park-out assist, the hands-free tailgate, and active noise control inside the cabin makes this an automotive experience that competes in a class above its category. Approach Detection is a unique feature designed to enhance the owner experience as the Lincoln MKC greets its owner as he approaches the car with the headlamps, door handle lights, and puddle lamps lighting up.

Lincoln MKC is a perfect blend of inspired automotive design and dynamic driving performance in a segment that has grown in popularity in recent years, added Anderson. As a challenger luxury brand, entering this segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete it will change the way people think about Lincoln.