New reports of Lincoln going global

We distinctly remember hearing last year that Ford had absolutely no desire to export its Lincoln brand to other markets besides North America. Unfortunately, we couldn't find the post in our archives to back up what our memory swears is true. That said, in these tough times when a turnaround puts every crazy idea on the table, it seems that Ford is genuinely considering making Lincoln a global brand to compete with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and even Cadillac in markets like Europe and Asia. This according to an interview given by Ford CEO Alan Mulally to the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport.
Mulally revealed to the German rag that his company already sells Lincolns in the Middle East, though we're not sure if those are just Town Cars and Navigators destined for limousine service. Actually building out the entire brand for export, however, is another story that would require a major investment and some smart marketing. Fortunately, Ford says that if Lincoln ever does travel abroad, it will be "sometime in the future" since the focus is on building the brand in North America. Even in that respect, Lincoln's got a long way to go just to catch up to its cross-town rival Cadillac, which at the moment is enjoying all the critical acclaim heaped upon its new CTS sedan.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]