Ford has just announced that February sales were up an incredible 43 percent compared to last year. Not only does February mark the fifth straight month that Ford has achieved a sales increase in the U.S., but the surge also topped GM’s sales – a feat that hasn’t been done since 1998.
Ford’s climb has been a steady one, and the automaker’s momentum appears to be unstoppable. In December the automaker reported a 33 percent increase, followed by a 25 percent increase in January.
Auto industry analysts have predicted that sales should be increasing steadily compared with last year. Only Toyota and Chrysler were expected to report sales declines for the month of February. Although sales growth for most automakers has been impressive, some analysts warn that the growth may soon encounter a speed bump.
“The pace of the recovery has hit a speed bump,” Jeff Schuster, forecasting director at J.D.Power and Associates, said prior to the released of today’s results. “This hiccup appears to be the result of consumers waiting out the Toyota recalls and winter storms impacting showroom traffic.” One Washington DC Nissan dealer believes that sales will continue to accelerate as the economy is showing signs of recovery. Bethlehem Ford dealers have also welcomed more car buyers that are trading in their GM vehicles to get into the latest Ford models, signaling big swings in consumer preferences. Meanwhile consumers visiting Ford Rochester have remarked that the newest of Ford’s products are embodying the styles, value, and quality more often associated with import brands.
Although the full impact of Toyota’s sweeping recalls as well as adverse winter weather conditions continue to play large roles in auto sales as a new month begins, one thing is certain – Ford will be working hard to stay number one.
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