Complimentary maintenance will be standard with any purchase of a 2011 model-year Lincoln, Ford Motor Co. announced.

Ford introduced the Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance Program last summer as a trial promotion on select vehicles. The feature will be permanent for all Lincolns going forward, reported The Detroit News.

It is part of the effort to create a luxury experience around the purchase of a Lincoln. The Dearborn-based automaker is phasing out the Mercury brand and is working to enhance Lincoln and further differentiate it from the Ford brand.

"We are redefining the Lincoln customer ownership experience," said C.J. O'Donnell, Lincoln group marketing manager. "Lincoln Complimentary Maintenance is just one example of Ford Motor Company's commitment to elevating the Lincoln brand and experience."

The program augments Lincoln's warranty and transfers to a second owner if the car is sold.

Regular maintenance such as oil and filter changes, tire rotations and multipoint inspections for up to eight service visits are complimentary.

Some Lincoln-Mercury dealers are closing with the loss of Mercury and others are choosing not to continue to sell the brand after learning of the investment Ford wants as it works to elevate the status of its dealer network. The amount each dealer must invest to meet new standards varies by dealership.

The automaker plans to introduce seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years.

Ford wants Lincolns to be distinguishable for their EcoBoost engines and technology.

The current lineup includes the MKS large sedan; MKT fullsize crossover; MKZ midsize sedan including a hybrid version and the MKX midsize crossover.