Who Owns Lincoln Cars? |Don Franklin Lincoln Elizabethtown

Founded by Henry Leland in 1917 and named after the 16th President of the United States, the Lincoln Motor Company was acquired by the Ford Motor Company in 1922, and has remained with the American automotive giant ever since. That said, the Lincoln Motor Company has a long history that stretches over a century. From its involvement in producing airplane engines during the First World War to its current focus on luxury SUVs and crossovers, the brand has seen much change over its long existence. Read on to learn more about this piece of American automotive history.

After you read this piece, consider visiting our finance page to see if you prequalify for any of our current offers. You can also call us at 270-900-8201 to speak with a representative.

New Lincoln Inventory Contact Us

Who Owns Lincoln Motors? A Brief History of the Brand

After the United States entered the First World War in 1917, Henry Leland left GM and the Cadillac Division to found the Lincoln Motor Company. Driven by patriotic fervor to build airplane engines for the war effort, Leland named his company after the first president he claimed to have voted for, and began producing Liberty V12 engines thanks to a $10 million governmental bond. Once the war ended, however, the Lincoln Motor Company had difficulties transitioning to automobile production, resulting in great financial hardship. Ultimately, Henry Ford made an offer for the company, which was sold to Ford for $8 million. Edsel Ford, Henry’s son, then became the President of the newly acquired company, and the lifelong association between the Lincoln Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company began in earnest.

Where are Lincoln Cars Manufactured?

Today, the Lincoln lineup features exceptional SUVs and crossovers like the Corsair®, Nautilus®, Aviator®, and the flagship Navigator®. While a long cry from the early Model K or even the iconic Continental in all its variety, Elizabeth drivers can still note the elegance and sophistication that Edsel Ford imparted to the Lincoln brand all those years ago. As for where they are currently manufactured, many Lincoln models are still built in the United States, but recently some production has shifted overseas to China. Check out where each currently available model is built, and contact us if you have any questions:

Lincoln Aviator®: Chicago Assembly Plant Chicago, Illinois, USA
Lincoln Corsair®: Louisville Assembly Plant, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Lincoln Nautilus®: Changan Ford Hangzhou Plant, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Greater China
Lincoln Navigator®: Kentucky Truck Assembly, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Explore the Lincoln Lineup With Don Franklin Lincoln Elizabethtown

You can learn more about where Lincoln vehicles are manufactured and the history of the brand when you visit our dealership in Louisville. You can tour our beautifully curated showroom and speak with our experts about the various new vehicle specials we offer as well as our flexible leasing and financing agreements. We may have answered your question regarding who owns the Lincoln car company, but there is so much more to the 100+ years of history this automotive company has seen. Learn more andtest-drive the latest lineup with us in Louisville, knowing that the legacy of Leland and Ford is still alive and well.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.