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Old 03-03-2004, 06:29 PM   #9 (permalink)
stewacide
3.0 Liter SIDI V6
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 579
Almost the entire decline is in Taurus sales as Ford is cutting fleet sales to increase resale and increase Focus volume. They also have a refreshed Focus coming out in a few months so that's hurting sales. This decline in mass-market car sales is entirely consistent with their strategy and not worrying since they have a whole new lineup coming out in the next two years (redesigned Focus, new Futura, new 500 and Freestyle, etc.).

Most of the analyists in fact are saying that of the automakers to report Ford is doing the best despite the numbers seeming to indicate otherwise. They've increased in all the areas they want to: at the high end with PAG and Lincoln, and in trucks and SUVs (the most profitable segments of the market BTW). Of those only Jag' didn't see an increase (they were down 2% IIRC), and that's very good news considering they have an all-new S-type and XK coming out very soon.

Also IIRC Mazda sales aren't included with Ford and they've increased their US marketshare drastically in the past ~2 years, and that will only continue with the new Mazda3.

Basically, Ford's overall strategy it to trade volume of sales for quality of sales. It seems to be working, but the big test will be the US mainstream sedan market with the Futura and 500. Both those cars will clearly be best in their classes in all respects (especially the Futura which is in the much more competative segment) - the question is whether they Ford brand can take on Honda and Toyota for the high quality, high profit sales they're after
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