Only 379 Blackwoods Ever Sold-So It Will Bite The Dust Early

Automotive News reported that Lincoln has pulled the plug on its luxury pickup.

The 2002 Blackwood will die this year, one model year earlier than planned. Lincoln has sold only 379 Blackwoods since the model went on sale last November. The launch was hampered by engineering delays, and only 1,019 units have been produced in eight months.

The Blackwood also has marketing problems. It is available only in rear-wheel drive, making it unattractive in the Snow Belt. Only one color is available: black. And the carpeted, enclosed cargo box holds little more than golf clubs or suitcases.

"We're going to build the '02s, and we're done," said Brian Kelley, Lincoln Mercury president. "Will we at some point bring out another Blackwood, Rosewood or something? Possibly, but that's not in the plans right now." Kelley said the automaker's plan was to produce the Blackwood for about 18 months, to be "in and out" with the product. But he declined to spell out why it would not be offered in the 2003 model year.