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Lincoln China 2026 Dealer Conference: Forging New Paths and "Winning Together" in the Year of the Horse

Feb 04, 2026

[LIUZHOU, China] – Amidst the auspicious arrival of the Year of the Horse, Lincoln China convened its 2026 Dealer Conference in Liuzhou, Guangxi. 

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Under the theme "Building Paths, Starting New," Lincoln Global President Joaquin Nuno-Whelan joined Ford and Lincoln China leadership and dealer partners from across the country to chart a course for sustainable growth amidst a transforming luxury automotive landscape.

A Commitment to Long-Term Value

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Sam Wu, President and CEO of Ford China & IMG, set the strategic tone: adherence to fundamentals and sustainable development. Wu emphasized that Lincoln will maintain strategic discipline by refusing to engage in "race-to-the-bottom" price wars. Instead, the brand will persist in value marketing and long-termism, aiming to win through quality. He also highlighted Lincoln’s unique "Comfort Philosophy"—a differentiation strategy focused on refining who the brand serves and how.

Sam Wu noted that recent network optimization initiatives (the "Spark Plan") have successfully reduced dealer burdens while expanding touchpoints. Consequently, Lincoln’s network profitability remains among the best in the luxury segment.

Regarding electrification, Wu clarified the market approach: "We are not hunting for EV users to buy Lincolns; we are providing Lincoln’s target users with electrified choices."

2026 Tactical Roadmap

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Dr. Jeff Jia President of Lincoln China, reviewed a 2025 performance.

Despite pressure on the internal combustion engine market, Lincoln defended its market share, with the Nautilus and Lincoln Zephyr driving sales. 

Jeff outlined two decisive campaigns for Lincoln China in 2026:

  1. Differentiated Precision Marketing: A strategy designed to clarify three core pillars: "Who we serve" (through precise brand identity and audience targeting), "What we offer" (via distinct product attributes and vehicle strategy), and "How we deliver" (defined by experience hallmarks and channel layout).
  2. Customer Service Excellence: A focused drive to boost dealer traffic and revenue by prioritizing customer retention, full-funnel management, and overall operational health.

Global Vision: "Elegant Force"

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Global President Joaquin Nuno-Whelan described the global business as being at its healthiest level in years.

He introduced the new "Elegant Force" strategy, an evolution of the "Quiet Flight" Philosophy intended to inject vitality into the brand. Reaffirming China as a global innovation hub, he promised new products that blend American heritage with the technological demands of Chinese consumers.

Honoring Partnership

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing top performers with the "Lincoln Star." Under the leadership of Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer, the event also introduced the inaugural "Ford China President's Award" to honor exceptional performance and loyalty.

Attendees capped off the event at the Liuzhou Off-road Park, experiencing Lincoln’s signature balance of supreme comfort and rugged all-terrain capability.