Ford and Lincoln are shifting away from a design approach that is focused solely on the U.S. market, a change that is evident in the 2025 Lincoln Navigator. This latest luxury SUV aligns more with the overall Lincoln brand, which draws significant design and production influence from international markets, particularly China.
The redesign of the Navigator reflects not only American preferences but also those of Chinese consumers. Ford has adopted a more integrated view of vehicle design, moving beyond region-specific models to a globally-inspired production strategy.
Currently, the Lincoln Nautilus is manufactured by Changan Ford, Ford’s joint venture in China. The Aviator is also produced in Hangzhou, and the popular Lincoln Corsair is built in Chongqing as part of the same partnership.
The design of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator reflects this evolution. Although production will still occur at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant, the SUV’s design now aligns with that of its smaller counterparts, many of which are manufactured in China.
According to Chief Engineer Scott Grandinett, the design of the Navigator has been significantly shaped by global markets, which influence even a vehicle so closely tied to American culture. Grandinett emphasizes that Lincoln aims to expand its reach beyond the U.S., highlighting how this broader approach has informed their design choices. For instance, the newly added split gate is a response to Chinese luxury consumers’ growing appreciation for outdoor experiences, making tailgating a desirable feature for enjoying nature.
When asked about the impact of international markets like China on the Navigator’s design, Grandinett acknowledged, “I believe so. I really do. Two decades ago, significant market differences were evident throughout the industry. Now, there’s a trend toward homogenization that I see as positive. One of the insights we’re striving for is to transcend American luxury and embrace global luxury.”
Grandinett, who has experience with international markets, previously served as a chief engineer for the 2013 Ford Fusion Mondeo. He shared insights gained while overseeing the interior of that vehicle during its global introduction, particularly regarding the convergence of different market influences.
Reflecting on his time, Grandinett remarked, “After 24 years at Ford, my experiences in both interior design and software have shown me that attention to detail is crucial. Capturing the essence of craftsmanship on paper is challenging, but my goal is to elevate both craftsmanship and execution in this project. You can often recognize quality when you see it.”
He described his experiences with the global sedan initiative as “a fantastic opportunity to learn,” noting, “When we were launching the Mondeo in multiple locations at once, we observed innovative solutions emerging from various regions. This diverse approach to problem-solving has been extremely beneficial. Insights gained from our facility in China often highlighted solutions we hadn’t considered at our site in Spain, emphasizing the value of global knowledge sharing.”
The global impact of Chinese automotive manufacturers is rising, causing some concern in the European sector. Although Chinese brands have yet to achieve a significant presence in the U.S. market—partly due to tariffs—it is interesting to see American manufacturers like Buick and Lincoln respond by creating “global luxury” vehicles like the new Navigator.
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