2024 Nautilus country of origin

[angore]

There have been some posts elsewhere about country of origin misinformation and bashing so wanted to post this to offer some real data , I believe my dealer had removed it from the window since I did not see it during initial walk around but was inside the car when I picked it up. The primary purpose of this post is for historical record.

While I wish it was built in US, I have minimal regrets since the vehicle is also sold in China.

 

[hinckley]

Lincoln not only sells the Nautilus in China, but (like Cadillac and Buick) China is Lincoln's largest market.

 

[LHB]

I would guess that if each discreet component (there would be at least hundreds within the engine and transmission and the infotainment systems) was traced the supply chain would have tentacles into many more countries.

 

[Steve_C]

Lincoln is not promoting that the Nautilus is built in China. I met a person taking delivery of a new leftover 2023 Nautilus a few months back. He road tested and discussed the price on a 2024 Naut., but decided on the 2023 leftover. He was never made aware by anyone in the dealership that the 2024 Nautilus he was negotiating on was built in China! He only learned of it when I told him, and he was not pleased!
The most popular commercial (the only one?) I see aired for the 2024 does have a very distinctive Asian origin and flair to the product. Maybe they use the same commercial for the Chinese home market by just changing the dialogue? I have seen 2024's in a dealer showroom, I did not notice the country of origin label as posted by angore on any of those vehicles. Maybe I missed them. I know it should be posted for consumer to see.
When I first learned confirmed reports the 2024 was coming from China, I ran to a few Lincoln dealers looking for a 2023 to purchase. Inventory was good, way before the 2024's hit American soil. Road tested the 2023 Corsair & Nautilus, loved them both but settled on a Nautilus.
I have noticed a few folks that have purchased or have an interest in a 2024 Chinese Nautilus feel the need to justify the rationale for buying a Chinese Lincoln. A few have bashed UAW in posts made during the strike. My favorite has been "the superior quality of the 2024 Nautilus blows away the North American Nautilus build". Really?
In all fairness, I will concede that China's Zhejiang Assembly plant may be newer and more efficient than the Oakville Plant, but does it equate to a better quality vehicle coming out the factory door? To date, I do not think so...but I respect everyone has an opinion otherwise!

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[hinckley]

Many of us are old enough to remember that in the 60s, "made in Japan" = junk. Well, that's certainly no longer the case. Old-think, "made in China" is the same now. Good quality stuff coming out of China these days. How do you like your iPhone??

Now, not wanting to buy Chinese for geopolitical reasons is a very different, very personal and very reasonable thing, imo.

 

[angore]

As someone who worked as a project manager engineering side for a multinational company and did a lot of business in Asia (spent much time there), it can take time to bring up a manufacturing operation and the supply chain that supports the processes and get it right. It does not help if there is a lot of executive pressure to get product shipping. I also spent a lot of time on the test side as well. Engineers usually are not often the best testers of their own designs

Of course, the metrics for a "better" operation can be misleading because build quality (the assembly and basic test of product) is NOT the same as design quality. Design quality can impact mfg quality. That is, if they were not torquing the shocks correctly, was it because the instructions were wrong or did the line have an improperly calibrated tool? The instructions are based on engineering data. Poor design and testability can make the manufacturing a challenge. A good idea of stability of mfg process is how many vehicles got flagged during the build process to get reworked. The reason why will point to trouble areas.

 

[RedHoncho]

Lincoln is not promoting that the Nautilus is built in China. I met a person taking delivery of a new leftover 2023 Nautilus a few months back. He road tested and discussed the price on a 2024 Naut., but decided on the 2023 leftover. He was never made aware by anyone in the dealership that the 2024 Nautilus he was negotiating on was built in China! He only learned of it when I told him, and he was not pleased!
The most popular commercial (the only one?) I see aired for the 2024 does have a very distinctive Asian origin and flair to the product. Maybe they use the same commercial for the Chinese home market by just changing the dialogue? I have seen 2024's in a dealer showroom, I did not notice the country of origin label as posted by angore on any of those vehicles. Maybe I missed them. I know it should be posted for consumer to see.
When I first learned confirmed reports the 2024 was coming from China, I ran to a few Lincoln dealers looking for a 2023 to purchase. Inventory was good, way before the 2024's hit American soil. Road tested the 2023 Corsair & Nautilus, loved them both but settled on a Nautilus.
I have noticed a few folks that have purchased or have an interest in a 2024 Chinese Nautilus feel the need to justify the rationale for buying a Chinese Lincoln. A few have bashed UAW in posts made during the strike. My favorite has been "the superior quality of the 2024 Nautilus blows away the North American Nautilus build". Really?
In all fairness, I will concede that China's Zhejiang Assembly plant may be newer and more efficient than the Oakville Plant, but does it equate to a better quality vehicle coming out the factory door? To date, I do not think so...but I respect everyone has an opinion otherwise!

Ford also doesn't promote the Maverick and Bronco Sport are built in Mexico. They also didn't promote the Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus were being built in Canada.

The correct plant in China is Hangzhou, not Zhejiang. Also, the Nautilus was built by union labor in Canada which would be the CAW, not the UAW.

The reason Ford/Lincoln stopped assembly at Oakville in Canada was because that plant is eventually going to become an EV plant. The planned launch of the EVs has been delayed. By the time this decision was made, it was impossible to extend the production of the Edge/Nautilus in Oakville as most of the suppliers had stopped parts production and moved on to different customers and models. Lincoln made a decision to fill the gap in North America by importing the Nautilus from China as it was already being produced there.

The Hangzhou plant has a reputation for high build quality. The supplier issues on hybrid fuel injectors and a glitch in the proper torque of the rear shocks were unfortunate timing but have little to do with the overall build process quality at the plant. The Google Built In is a new operating system and was bound to have a few glitches. These were quickly resolved. Several automakers are using the Google Built In software now and as these vehicles come on board there are bound to be improvements and enhancements.

As an industry veteran of over 35 years, I have seen many vehicle launches at assembly plants. I was at the plant where the very first Explorers were built. The launch of that vehicle was exceptionally good and Ford carved out a niche that no other automaker had at the time. A few generations later, the Firestone tire debacle hit. This was a supplier issue that had dramatic impact on sales for Ford. Stuff happens that is outside the control of the manufacturer sometimes.

Your choice to purchase a 2023 vs. a 2024 is a personal one. I hope you're happy with your vehicle.

 

[Steve_C]

Ford also doesn't promote the Maverick and Bronco Sport are built in Mexico. They also didn't promote the Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus were being built in Canada.....The correct plant in China is Hangzhou, not Zhejiang. Also, the Nautilus was built by union labor in Canada which would be the CAW, not the UAW....The Hangzhou plant has a reputation for high build quality...

Your choice to purchase a 2023 vs. a 2024 is a personal one. I hope you're happy with your vehicle.

Honcho!
Did not mean to get your britches all bunched up in a knot...sorry about that!
NAFTA covers vehicles sold in USA for all of North America! That covers Canada and Mexico...old news, nothing new to see here. It been like that for years. Nothing new to promote! "These are not the droids you are looking for"

Sorry for your confusion! Yes, the plant is Hangzhou...location is Zhejiang! I did say China's Zhejiang Assembly Plant...I could have been more precise! Maybe you were just looking for some ammo to shoot me with...

The union in Canada Oakville Plant is not CAW! It is Unifor! It has been Unifor for over a decade now since the merger! I could be wrong, but I do not think CAW exist any longer!
I never said criticisms I saw posted were aimed at Unifor, nor at the defunct union you posted. The ones I saw critiqued UAW during the strike! Not sure how you made that bridge in your critique.

Yes I agree....(please read my post thoroughly). Hangzhou Plant at Zhejiang (hope that clears up all ambiguities) is a world class top notch modern facility. I did not mention anything about glitches or defects of any sort, interesting you are defensive about that and brought up all the issues soup to nuts! I did not knock anything about the quality coming out of that plant! Speaking of my not jumping on any issues currently plaguing some 2024 owners, I saw a disturbing video of a 24' Nautilus violently going through its engine death throes, hood open, air intake duct off for all to see. I am not reposting it or giving location of said video. It does no one any good, especially the owner, not happy to see that at all!

Thanks for sharing your storied and extinguished career! I always find it interesting when someone extols their career in a post...it gives credence to what they are saying....like, hey dude, I know what I am talking about see my credentials! It is helpful to know who not to mess with! Keeps the no-nothings like me on their toes!.
Kidding aside, I value your postings and inputs. All Good stuff, you are a knowledgeable guy!

And thanks for the warm wishes with my 2023 purchase! As I said, I am extremely happy with my 2023! And I will repeat, I wish all are as happy with their 2024's as I am with my '23! I do not own a 2024, but have a stake in seeing FoMoCo makes good with those folks having issues! I am eyeing a 2025 Aviator (Good Ole' Michigan USA/UAW build). If FoMoCo cannot make good on those having issues with their 2024's, I will move on to another marque in my near future purchase! Maybe a nice Korean vehicle instead!

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[peterk9]

In 2014 the CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) and CEP (Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada) merged to form Unifor.

Peter

 

[hinckley]

There're probably more things that we agree on, than disagree on . . .

• The '24 Nautilus is built in China, home to Lincoln's largest market. That's obviously a market- and profit-driven decision. American capitalism, right?
• In today's political climate, no one extols "MADE IN CHINA." The last I looked, iPhone boxes say, "Designed in California." They don't say, "Designed in California. Manufactured in China." Lincoln is doing the same thing. It's not hidden. It's not broadcast. Smart marketing, imo.
• Every consumer gets to make their own decisions. We have some right here who would never buy a Chinese-made car. I have Jewish friends who won't buy a German-made car. American free market, right?

The plain fact is that global American companies manufacture and sell products globally. If Lincoln loses enough sales (and profit) because of Chinese manufacturing, they'll make a different decision. Guarantee it.

 

[RedHoncho]

Honcho!
Did not mean to get your britches all bunched up in a knot...sorry about that!
NAFTA covers vehicles sold in USA for all of North America! That covers Canada and Mexico...old news, nothing new to see here. It been like that for years. Nothing new to promote! "These are not the droids you are looking for"

Sorry for your confusion! Yes, the plant is Hangzhou...location is Zhejiang! I did say China's Zhejiang Assembly Plant...I could have been more precise! Maybe you were just looking for some ammo to shoot me with...

The union in Canada Oakville Plant is not CAW! It is Unifor! It has been Unifor for over a decade now since the merger! I could be wrong, but I do not think CAW exist any longer!
I never said criticisms I saw posted were aimed at Unifor, nor at the defunct union you posted. The ones I saw critiqued UAW during the strike! Not sure how you made that bridge in your critique.

Yes I agree....(please read my post thoroughly). Hangzhou Plant at Zhejiang (hope that clears up all ambiguities) is a world class top notch modern facility. I did not mention anything about glitches or defects of any sort, interesting you are defensive about that and brought up all the issues soup to nuts! I did not knock anything about the quality coming out of that plant! Speaking of my not jumping on any issues currently plaguing some 2024 owners, I saw a disturbing video of a 24' Nautilus violently going through its engine death throes, hood open, air intake duct off for all to see. I am not reposting it or giving location of said video. It does no one any good, especially the owner, not happy to see that at all!

Thanks for sharing your storied and extinguished career! I always find it interesting when someone extols their career in a post...it gives credence to what they are saying....like, hey dude, I know what I am talking about see my credentials! It is helpful to know who not to mess with! Keeps the no-nothings like me on their toes!.
Kidding aside, I value your postings and inputs. All Good stuff, you are a knowledgeable guy!

And thanks for the warm wishes with my 2023 purchase! As I said, I am extremely happy with my 2023! And I will repeat, I wish all are as happy with their 2024's as I am with my '23! I do not own a 2024, but have a stake in seeing FoMoCo makes good with those folks having issues! I am eyeing a 2025 Aviator (Good Ole' Michigan USA/UAW build). If FoMoCo cannot make good on those having issues with their 2024's, I will move on to another marque in my near future purchase! Maybe a nice Korean vehicle instead!

So happy you like your vehicle. I had a 2019 Nautilus that I really liked but it liked the gas pumps WAY too much. I currently have a 2021 Corsair GT that has been a total nightmare. I'm looking forward to receiving my 2024 Nautilus. I'm with you on the Lincoln quality. If this Nautilus isn't what I'm expecting I too will be switching brands but I don't think it will be anything Korean. I worked in one of those plants for a few years. YIKES!

I did miss on the CAW. I knew better too. Thanks for pointing that out. UNIFOR it is!

The 2025 Aviator will be built in Chicago as have previous generations of the current platform.

Good luck and I toast you for keeping it real!

 

[gman62]

Most things made in China are due to much lower cost structure. So why are these vehicles made in China still the same price as if made in the USA? You would think there would be some cost savings for the consumer but there is no evidence of this in the pricing of American made vehicles built in China.

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[Hugo Drivenow]

The way I understand it, the new 2024 Nautilus as we know it has been sold in China almost a full year before they got to the US? So while the vehicle is real new to us, it has been on the roads in China over a year now so they had plenty of time to sort out (some) bugs…though yes, some still remain.

I’ve given up on being upset that… in general, the US companies have sold us out and send production anywhere else if they can even save 10 cents. Corporate greed and appeasing shareholders is the true downfall of “Made in USA”

If I refused to buy anything in China, I’d be sitting here buck naked with no TV, radio, ipad and just reading a book by a candle….which at this point…sounds kinda nice.

 

[Jacyte]

Most things made in China are due to much lower cost structure. So why are these vehicles made in China still the same price as if made in the USA? You would think there would be some cost savings for the consumer but there is no evidence of this in the pricing of American made vehicles built in China.

if it was a Chinese brand yes. A lot of the cost cutting is brand markup, engineering/design cost, general overhead. Ford is still ford and the design and engineering costs are unchanged. They are also using similar materials as a vehicle built in North America and in a very modern assembly plant. Assembly labor is a very small drop in the bucket when it comes to vehicle cost.

 

[hinckley]

Assembly labor is a very small drop in the bucket when it comes to vehicle cost.

On top of that, the cost of Chinese labor isn't what it used to be. Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippians are the new low labor cost centers.

I think Lincoln's moving some manufacturing to China is similar to BMW's move to manufacture X vehicles in the US in the 90s. One of their prime motivations was to get manufacturing closer to what was then their largest market.