Ford has reported a 27 percent surge in retail sales last month, with sales of cars, utilities, and trucks all rising. Including fleet sales, Ford sold 127,317 vehicles in January.
“We begin 2011 in a strong position – ready to meet the needs of a wide range of customers with a full portfolio of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re off to a great start in 2011 with the largest January retail sales increase in more than a decade.”
Ford Dealer Minneapolis said that among Ford’s family of cars, the Fiesta and Focus were standouts, thanks to increased demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient models. The Focus and Fiesta combined to boost the company’s small car retail sales to a level almost double what it was a year ago. That momentum is expected to continue with the launch of the all-new Focus this spring.
“Higher gasoline prices are factoring into vehicle purchase decisions,” said Czubay. “Ford Motor Company is leading the way for consumers with the best or among the best fuel economy with every new vehicle we introduce. We also have four vehicles with 40 mpg or higher fuel economy – Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – more than any other automaker.”
Utilities were also strong sellers, fueled by demand for the all-new 2011 Explorer. The new Explorer, which was recently named the North American Truck of the Year, saw sales triple compared to a year ago. The updated 2011 Edge crossover also saw a 36 percent increase in sales.
Lastly, Ford’s ‘Built Tough’ lineup of pickups continued to give the competition a run for their month. F-Series trucks registered a 30 percent sales increase in January, while the Transit Connect earned a 78 percent increase. Together, the Econoline and Transit Connect vans continue to dominate the commercial van market.
“In addition to industry-leading quality and fuel efficiency, our broad range of products offer fleet customers strong resale values,” said Czubay. “Resale value is a key factor in reducing vehicle operating costs, which puts Ford in a strong position as businesses continue to replace or add to their vehicle fleets.”
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Ah, with Focus sales down and the Fiesta not selling anywhere near as much as the Focus, looks like the increased demand is for TRUCKS and SUVs! On top of that, Nissan only sold 87 Leafs in January and Chevy only found 321 buyers for the Volt. Where ARE all these economy car buyers? Congratulations on the Fusion, the F-series and the new Taurus by the way.
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