Ford's US Sales Decline in September

[Infiniti Z350]

DEARBORN, Mich., October 3 – Ford Motor Company reported lower vehicle sales in September. Continued strong sales of Ford's new cars and crossover utilities could not offset the undertow created by this summer's sales surge. Most of Ford's other models experienced sharp declines in September following sales increases in July (up 29 percent) and August (up 6 percent).

Overall, U.S. consumers purchased 228,157 new vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo dealers in September, down 19 percent compared with a year ago. Despite September's decline, the company's third quarter sales were 5 percent higher than a year ago.

"As expected, we experienced 'pay back' in September following a strong performance to start the quarter," said Steve Lyons, Ford group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "We're optimistic we can close the year on a positive note with the introduction of our new mid-size cars."

In September, car sales were up 3 percent as strong sales of the new Ford Mustang, Ford Five Hundred, and Mercury Montego offset declines in other car models. The first shipments of Ford's new mid-size cars (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr) have started to arrive at dealer showrooms and are available for delivery even though the official introduction month is November.

Sales of crossover utilities (Ford Escape, Ford Freestyle, Mercury Mariner, and Volvo XC70 and XC90) climbed 39 percent in September. The Ford Escape Hybrid set a new monthly sales record (1,808) in September. Almost 15,000 Escapes equipped with hybrid engine technology have been sold so far.

Traditional sport utilities experienced the largest declines. Sales in this category were off 51 percent compared with last September. A strong showing last year, when the company offered 0 percent financing for 72 months, exacerbated the magnitude of the decline. Still, sales of these models have experienced declines in 2005 as gas prices have risen.

"Traditional SUVs will continue to face headwinds in the coming months," said Lyons. "Fortunately, our lineup of cars and crossover utility vehicles is strong and getting stronger. These categories likely will continue to attract buyers in an environment where gasoline prices are rising. We're optimistic we can achieve further gains with the introduction of three all-new mid-size cars – the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr – and the Mercury Mariner hybrid utility vehicle."

Land Rover was a notable exception to the trend of lower SUV sales as the all-new LR3 and Range Rover Sport models helped the brand post a 45 percent sales increase in September.

The company's top selling model, the Ford F-Series truck, achieved the highest sales for any quarter (286,936) in its 57-year history despite a sharp decline in the last month of the quarter. September sales were 69,643, down 30 percent from last year's record sales (99,720).

Sales Charts: http://media.ford.com/article_displa...&make_id=trust

[Ming]

Sales of crossover utilities (Ford Escape, Ford Freestyle, Mercury Mariner, and Volvo XC70 and XC90) climbed 39 percent in September.

Makes sense. The Freestyle offers much of the utility the average Explorer buyer uses, with much better fuel economy.


2006 Ford Explorer 15/21 mpg
2006 Ford Freestyle 20/27 mpg

[surferdude00711]

How did Chevy do? +/-?

[kool_zx3]

Originally Posted by Ming

Makes sense. The Freestyle offers much of the utility the average Explorer buyer uses, with much better fuel economy.


2006 Ford Explorer 15/21 mpg
2006 Ford Freestyle 20/27 mpg

I am starting to see more and more on the road

[ChevyRacing48]

Jaguar took a kickin'. Maybe Ford will dump it afterall.

[kool_zx3]

Originally Posted by ChevyRacing48

Jaguar took a kickin'. Maybe Ford will dump it afterall.

Won't happen

[AJR]

Originally Posted by kool_zx3

Won't happen

It should. Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin, in my opinion, are lead weights around Ford's neck. Ford didn't need these three to be a profitable automaker. Toyota has shown that it can sell just as many units and be profitable with half the brands.

There would be less arguments between brands, more money for the starving brands, and less confusion and chaos. That's my belief anyway.

Ford has to do something before it collapses under too much weight.

[kool_zx3]

Originally Posted by AJR

It should. Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin, in my opinion, are lead weights around Ford's neck. Ford didn't need these three to be a profitable automaker. Toyota has shown that it can sell just as many units and be profitable with half the brands.

There would be less arguments between brands, more money for the starving brands, and less confusion and chaos. That's my belief anyway.

Ford has to do something before it collapses under too much weight.

Well for one land rover is going to start making money again, thier selling well because of one key thing, product. Everyone has new product and they sell well except jaguar where most of it's products are becoming old and dated. Ford is starting to fix and address that, But dump aston matin and land rover, stupid move. We could all say the same here for some of gm's lackluster brands that are on life support but we won't get into that will we
Pag is slated to make profit by year's end so.....

[Extreme4x4]

Originally Posted by surferdude00711

How did Chevy do? +/-?

GM sales were down 24%, with even car sales down 14%.

Ford brand car sales were up 15.5%.

I would also like to see the breakdown of Chevrolet.

[GM_SALES_REP]

I have sat here at a GM Dealership, (GMC, Pontiac & Cadillac) for 4 days now. I have talked to 3 Potential buyers. 1 was upside down in trade, 1 Was just looking and will wait till Spring to Buy, the other had Bad Credit. We are not even getting the normal tire Kickers. What is going on here?

[asim]

Originally Posted by Ming

Makes sense. The Freestyle offers much of the utility the average Explorer buyer uses, with much better fuel economy.


2006 Ford Explorer 15/21 mpg
2006 Ford Freestyle 20/27 mpg

The freestyle is great, although it's a little bland. And also it needs more power. But other than that it really is a great car.

[Motownr]

Originally Posted by GM_SALES_REP

I have sat here at a GM Dealership, (GMC, Pontiac & Cadillac) for 4 days now. I have talked to 3 Potential buyers. 1 was upside down in trade, 1 Was just looking and will wait till Spring to Buy, the other had Bad Credit. We are not even getting the normal tire Kickers. What is going on here?

Wow, and you have Caddy.

We probably have had about the same traffic with PB, and it's in one of the top GM markets in the country.

The bleeding is about to get profuse.....especially at the weaker brands. Even GMC seems to be a liability right now, and that's a the foundation of most BPG stores.

I wondew if the UAW still thinks that Rick and Bob are making it all up....