Ford Motor Company sales increased 3% versus a year ago and were 21% higher than the September clunkers payback, as it continued to pick up market share. It was the third time in the last four months Ford sales have increased.
“Consumer demand for our new high-quality, fuel-efficient products is driving Ford’s market share gains,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service.
Ford incentive spending dropped by 30% and consumers continued to order a richer mix, Ford officials said. For example, consumers were ordering EcoBoost engines. “It’s a really high take rate,” said Ford sales analyst George Pipas.
Ford estimated its total market share in October was more than 15% – higher than a year ago and higher than its share in the first nine months of 2009. Ford’s October retail share was up for the 12th time in 13 months, Pipas said.
Pipas said sales of the new 2010 Taurus totaled 6,076, up 141% versus a year ago. Other new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars posting increases included the Ford Fusion, which increased 24%, while sales of the Ford Mustang grew 2% and Lincoln MKZ grew 27%.
Despite signs of weakness in the “crossover” segment, Ford’s sales of CUV’s also increased. Ford Escape was up 26%; Ford Edge up 38%; Ford Flex up 8%; Mercury Mariner up 36%; Lincoln MKX up 15%.
Ford also sold 39,496 F-Series trucks during October as Ford continued to increase share in the declining full-size truck segment. Ford’s F-Series has been the No. 1-selling truck in America for 32 years straight.