Higher sales for every brand and in every product category propelled Ford Motor Company to a 43 percent sales increase in February vs. a year ago. Compared with January, Ford’s February sales are up 22 percent.
“The strength of our new products and Ford’s leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value are resonating with customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “The good news is we have even more new products and fuel-efficient powertrains coming this year, and we expect our progress to continue.”
February sales were higher throughout Ford’s line-up. Cars were up 54 percent vs. a year ago, utilities were up 39 percent, and trucks were up 36 percent. Among brands, Ford sales were up 46 percent, Lincoln sales were up 19 percent, and Mercury sales were up 24 percent.
Year to date through February, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 250,050, up 34 percent vs. a year ago.
Ford said it remains committed to delivering the freshest line-up of new products in the U.S. industry. New or significantly upgraded vehicles this year include the Ford Fiesta, Focus, Edge and Edge Sport, Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Transit Connect Electric, Lincoln MKX and an all-new small car for Mercury.
In addition, the company is introducing nine new or upgraded fuel-efficient engines and six new transmissions this year. They include the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, new Mustang V-6 and V-8, new Super Duty 6.7-liter diesel and 6.2-liter gasoline engines.
“This is the most ambitious powertrain upgrade ever undertaken by Ford,” said Czubay. “Our goal is to provide our customers with industry-leading fuel economy and performance – and more reasons to shop Ford and buy Ford.”
Ford estimates its February U.S. total market share was approximately 17 percent, up 3 percentage points vs. a year ago.
In February, Ford sales to retail customers were 28 percent higher vs. a year ago, and sales to fleet customers were up 74 percent.
North American Production
In the second quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 595,000 vehicles, up 144,000 vehicles (32 percent) vs. the same period a year ago. Ford’s first quarter production plan is 570,000 vehicles, unchanged from the prior forecast.