Motor Trend: Lincoln Town Car Ballistic Protection Series

Lincoln is entering the rapidly growing armored vehicle market with introduction of the Lincoln {{{Town Car}}} Ballistic Protection Series. Scheduled for production in mid-2003, the Lincoln Town Car BPS will provide a high level of armored protection at a competitive price.

A key goal of the Town Car BPS development process was to build a vehicle that sets a new industry benchmark in the areas of protection, affordability, driving dynamics, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The vehicle is designed, engineered and tested by Lincoln to provide protection from powerful handgun and high-power rifle rounds. Historically, the top original equipment manufacturer (OEM) competitors in the U.S. commercial armored vehicle industry have only offered handgun-level protection.

"About 300 OEM tests will be performed on Town Car BPS, including crash tests, which will make it one of the most thoroughly tested armored vehicles in the world," said Lauren Schafer, director, Lincoln Special Engineering Operations. "Additionally, we've conducted extensive ballistic testing at independent labs to validate the ballistic performance of our materials."

The global market for armored vehicles has grown rapidly in recent years. But nearly all protection vehicles in the marketplace today are up-fitted on an "aftermarket" basis often resulting in quality, vehicle dynamics, and customer satisfaction issues.

"Town Car BPS customers can be assured they are getting a high-quality product which is proudly backed by an OEM," said John Jraiche, operations manager, Lincoln Special Engineering Operations. "We've developed this product with the right blend of luxury, security and discretion."

Although the U.S. currently accounts for a relatively small percentage of the global market, demand is growing. Prospective customers include corporate executives, political dignitaries, government agencies, private citizens and leasing agencies.

"This vehicle has been under development for nearly two years and addresses the growing global demand for armored protection products," added Schafer. "With its body-on-frame construction and higher gross vehicle weight capabilities, the Town Car was a natural first choice for Ford Motor Company."