Automotive luxury brand Lincoln takes a major step forward this week, with the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle the Official Smart Car of GITEX 2014 and automotive centerpiece of the regions premier technology trade show that takes place in Dubai this week.

Keeping true to the Lincoln brand promise, the Lincoln MKC follows the MKZ sedan to become the second all-new Lincoln product in two years. The Middle East region can look forward to continued innovation in the Lincoln product line, with the refreshed Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV just around the corner, and the all-new Lincoln MKX luxury crossover expected by 2016.

The MKC is Lincolns compelling offer in the fast-growing small premium utility segment where we see a lot of demand, said Matt VanDyke, Global Lincoln director, while speaking at the Lincoln press conference on the shows opening day. This segment has grown globally by 25 percent since 2012 and by more than 200 percent since 2009, representing a phenomenal opportunity for Lincoln.

This growth is being driven by new luxury buyers who are trading up, as well as by current luxury owners who are moving from larger vehicles to smaller ones as their lifestyles and priorities change, he explained. We believe the all-new Lincoln MKC will appeal to all these customers, especially here in the Middle East.

Lincolns tie-up with GITEX is into its second consecutive year, with the Lincoln MKC building on the successful launch of the Lincoln MKZ sedan at GITEX 2013. The brand is also seeing growth opportunities across Middle Eastern markets with further momentum on the horizon thanks to more products on the way, according to Kalyana Sivagnanam, Sales, Marketing and Service director for Ford and Lincoln in Middle East & North Africa.

Total Lincoln sales more than tripled over the past 5 years in the Middle East, and we expect the introduction of new products such as the MKC, together with our dealers investments in the brand to further grow the Lincoln volume by at least 25 per cent thru 2019, Sivagnanam said.

We are working closely with our dealers to deliver a unique Lincoln luxury ownership experience as we dive deep into transforming Lincoln in the Middle East, he added.

Product and ownership experience will play a pivotal role in this new direction according to Sivagnanam, who added: The all-new MKC offers the perfect blend of luxury and bespoke experience together with unique technologies that our customers in the Middle East will appreciate. As a challenger luxury brand, the small premium utility segment is a natural next step for us. MKC will do more than just compete it will change the way people think about Lincoln.

Lincoln MKC Technology Differentiators
Lincolns first-ever small utility vehicle delivers a combination of craftsmanship and performance that will make it stand out in the fast-growing small premium utility segment. Featuring an
all-new available 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2015 Lincoln MKC offers an excellent combination of horsepower, torque and fuel economy in a luxurious package that further defines the Lincoln standard.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC also uses advanced intuitive technologies to provide a luxuriously sporty and personalised ride with enhanced comfort and convenience. These include:

Approach Detection Using technology to create a warmer, more personal experience, the 2015 Lincoln MKC comes to life as its owner approaches and offers a warm, inviting welcome. Approach Detection enables the MKC to sense when the owners key fob comes within a range of up to 8 feet, farther than any vehicle in the segment. The vehicle responds with soft lighting both inside and out, featuring unique touches such as illuminated Lincoln welcome mats on the ground beneath both front doors, illuminated door handle pockets tuned to the vehicles exterior color and many other touches that bring the Lincoln Experiences to life.
MKC offers a personalized drive experience enabled by Lincoln Drive Control with a precise, smooth, yet exhilarating ride through use of Continuously Controlled Damping, Electric Power Assisted Steering and Active Noise Control
Class exclusive parallel Park Out Assist (available as part of Active Park Assist feature): When the Active Park Assist button is pressed the system employs ultrasonic sensors to detect an appropriate parallel parking space and helps steer the vehicle into that space, with driver retaining control of throttle, brakes and shifting. Park Out Assist is an enhancement to this feature, working in exactly the same way, the system helps steer the vehicle out of the tight parking space when the APA switch is pressed
BLIS with cross-traffic alert uses radar sensors to constantly monitor side of vehicle and alert driver (amber light in corresponding side view mirror) when vehicle enters blind spot zone. Cross-traffic alert can detect traffic approaching from the sides when vehicle is slowly backing out of the parking spot (alert with amber light in corresponding side view mirror and chimes)
Lane Keeping Alert informs driver (steering wheel vibrates) when vehicle begins to wander out of its lane markings (due to driver distraction or fatigue). Lane keeping aid works in conjunction with this by providing a small steering input to help warn the driver to steer the vehicle back towards the lane center
Driver Alert uses the front camera (mounted behind the rear view mirror) to monitor the drivers alertness or vigilance and issues a chime and pop up message to warn when vigilance threshold has been crossed
Adaptive Cruise control (ACC) functions like normal cruise control with one exception when the ACC sensors (fitted behind the lower front fascia) detect traffic in front of the vehicle slowing, the vehicle slows down, and resumes the set speed when sensors detect the traffic has cleared
Collision warning with Brake Support Sensors can detect a change in traffic conditions within 250 milliseconds. The system, which is active at speeds above approximately 5 mph, is designed to alert the driver if sensors detect a potential collision with the car in front, by means of a heads up display, which simulates red brake lights, flashes on the windshield and an audible alert sounding. If driver fails to react and system detects the collision is imminent, the brakes will pre-charge and increase brake-assist sensitivity to provide full responsiveness under braking
Lincoln MKC Design
Bumper to bumper, inside and out, the 2015 Lincoln MKC defines automotive luxury while further defining the brands design direction. With low shoulders that set a muscular stance, the Lincoln MKC features design cues that underscore elegance and driver comfort.

The evolution of Lincoln design carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship, luxury materials and a high-tech environment offer a warm, inviting space. Attention was paid to ensuring the high quality of all customer interface points, from rich materials and exquisite detailing on the door panels and seats, to the clean, uncluttered one-piece center console that helps to create a calm and open environment. A sweeping, full-width instrument panel, complete with the Lincoln signature push-button gear shift, contributes to a sense of spaciousness and creates storage space in the center console where a traditional gear shift would be.

Lincoln MKC at GITEX 2014
GITEX visitors can experience the all-new Lincoln MKC at Lincolns stand in Hall 3 of the Dubai World Trade Centre during GITEX Technology Week 2014, 12-16 October, 2014. The stand features a unique giant glass touch panel bringing the vehicles technologies to life.

Show visitors also have the chance to win the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC as part of the GITEX Passport Trail, and signing-up for a Lincoln MKC test-drive from the Lincoln stand can bring 5,000 airmiles from Etihad Airways upon completion of the drive, in addition the chance to win an additional 105,000 airmiles through a special raffle draw.