Ford says July vehicle sales increased 5% vs. July 2009

RP news wires
Tags: business management, manufacturing

Ford’s newest vehicles helped the company continue to grow as Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 166,092 new vehicles in July – a 5 percent increase vs. a year ago, when “Cash for Clunker” sales started to surge.

Year-to-date sales totaled 1.12 million, up 24 percent, with growth across Ford’s full family of cars (up 21 percent), utilities (up 19 percent) and trucks (up 32 percent).

“Customers are rewarding Ford for providing the performance they want and the fuel economy they need,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “New class-leading powertrains are the ‘secret weapon’ in every new product we are bringing to market.

The Ford Fiesta, which offers 40 miles per gallon EPA highway fuel economy, eclipsed 3,000 sales in its second month in America and has been well-received by California customers. Highly acclaimed in Europe, Asia, and North America, the Fiesta is the first car developed under the ONE Ford global product development system.

Sales for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty were 63 percent higher than a year ago, capturing more than 50 percent of the heavy duty pickup segment. Ford announced today it will begin production of the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup (best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower). In addition, the Super Duty’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel will provide improved fuel economy – a full 20 percent better fuel efficiency than the 2010 model.

“In an industry-first customer loyalty program, Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup,” said Czubay.

Retail sales for the Mustang were 43 percent higher than a year ago. Since the arrival of the 2011 model featuring new V-6 and V-8 engines with more horsepower and improved fuel economy, Mustang’s share has climbed to levels not seen since January 2009.

“With our broad range of products – from Fiesta to Super Duty – Ford is connecting with consumers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president for U.S. marketing, sales and service. “Ford and its dealers continue to offer customers the strongest value proposition in the industry – class-leading fuel economy, quality and growing resale values.”

In July, Ford retail sales were up 5 percent vs. a year ago, and Ford appears to have gained retail market share for the 21st time in the last 22 months. Fleet sales were up 2 percent, reflecting higher sales of Ford’s hard-working trucks to commercial customers.

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