FORD has postponed the UK launch of the new Lincoln LS saloon until the end of next year as a direct result of the acquisition of Volvo Cars. The manufacturer says it needs time to consider the strategy for the European sales of the Lincoln - which was due to go on sale later this year - following its purchase of Volvo.

A sales plan is being drawn up by Ford's newly-formed Premier Automotive Group, which includes Lincoln, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Volvo.

A Ford UK spokesman said: 'We do not want to rush the Lincoln into the UK in the light of the acquisition of Volvo, and have decided that the PAG will develop a global strategy for the brands. Realistically, this means that the Lincoln will not be launched in the UK until the end of next year.'