Is Ford moving Lincoln to China?
Ford is not relocating Lincoln’s headquarters or moving the brand’s core production entirely to China as of 2025. Lincoln remains a global premium brand with operations in China through a local joint venture, while major product development and corporate decisions continue within Ford’s worldwide structure.
Background: Lincoln’s presence in China
Lincoln began its foray into the Chinese market through a local joint venture with a Chinese partner to sell and assemble vehicles for China. This arrangement allows the brand to tailor models to Chinese customers, navigate local regulations, and compete more effectively in a market that is crucial for luxury brands.
- Lincoln is operated in China via a local joint venture with Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd., handling sales, service, and, in many cases, local assembly for the Chinese market.
- The Chinese lineup for Lincoln has historically been smaller and periodically adjusted, with local production used to support China-bound models and pricing strategies.
- China remains a key growth market for Lincoln’s broader strategy, even as the brand continues to pursue expansion in the United States and other regions.
- Any China-specific product development is coordinated with Ford’s global product teams and the local JV, rather than being driven from a U.S.-only center.
In short, Lincoln’s China activity exists within Ford’s global framework, but there is no indication that Lincoln’s entire brand base or leadership is being relocated to China.
Ford’s declared strategy for Lincoln
Ford has described Lincoln as a global premium brand, distinct from Ford’s mass-market lineup. The company has pursued a strategy of electrification, enhanced customer experience, and a more selective model lineup, while keeping Lincoln’s leadership and development processes integrated across regions. There has been no official announcement of moving Lincoln’s headquarters or the majority of production to China.
- Lincoln is presented as a global premium brand within Ford, with regional teams supporting markets including the U.S., China, and others.
- Ford’s broader plan emphasizes strengthening Lincoln’s product quality, technology, and dealer experience rather than relocating the brand’s base to another country.
- Any China-focused products or platforms would be developed with local partners but guided by Ford’s global product strategy, not as a China-only Lincoln HQ.
- There is no public plan to centralize Lincoln’s operations in China; decisions on Lincoln’s lineup and investments continue to be made with a global perspective.
Overall, Ford’s stated direction for Lincoln focuses on global growth and electrification while maintaining Lincoln’s distinct brand identity, without a move of the brand’s core operations to China.
Production and markets: where Lincoln cars are built
Production for Lincoln vehicles takes place across multiple regions, including the United States and China, depending on the model and market. Local assembly in China is part of the strategy to improve supply, pricing, and compliance for Chinese customers, while some models continue to be produced in U.S. facilities for other markets. The brand’s global leadership remains responsible for coordinating these efforts across regions.
- Some Lincoln models are locally assembled in China to serve the Chinese market, leveraging the local joint venture network.
- Other Lincoln models are produced in U.S. facilities and allocated to international markets based on demand and regulatory considerations.
- Lincoln’s brand management and design direction are supported by Ford’s global product teams, with regional adaptations for different markets.
- The Lincoln brand’s headquarters and major product development activities are not publicly stated to be relocating to China; leadership continues to operate within Ford’s global structure.
For customers, this means Lincoln offerings in China are tailored for local tastes and regulations, while Lincoln vehicles for other regions follow Ford’s global manufacturing and distribution planning. There is no evidence of a wholesale shift of Lincoln’s base to China.
What this means for customers and the market
The current approach seeks to balance Lincoln’s premium positioning with practical manufacturing and distribution strategies in key markets. Consumers should expect a China-focused but not China-centered approach, with local service and support, while Lincoln’s broader roadmap remains tied to Ford’s global plans.
- Chinese customers will continue to access Lincoln through local dealers and the JV network, with some models produced in China for quicker delivery and compliance with local standards.
- U.S. customers retain access to Lincoln through Ford’s North American operations, with ongoing product updates and electrified offerings.
- Global customers should watch for Lincoln’s electrification push and premium-by-design strategy, which Ford has indicated will span multiple regions, not be confined to one country.
In essence, Lincoln’s presence in China is important and ongoing, but it does not imply a relocation of the brand’s core identity, leadership, or production entirely to China.
Summary
Ford has not announced moving Lincoln’s headquarters or the majority of its production to China. Lincoln remains a global premium brand with China operations via a local joint venture, while major product development and corporate decisions continue within Ford’s worldwide structure. China is a key market for Lincoln’s growth, particularly in the push toward electrified vehicles, but the brand’s leadership and manufacturing footprint are not being relocated there.
