Signs That Ford (F) Sales Are Dipping

Over the past week, the 24/7 Wall St.–The Channel Checkers poll surveyed Ford dealerships to gauge business trends at the ten retailers.  We asked the following questions:

1. What is the best selling vehicle currently?

2. Are there any special deals or promotions now?

3. Do you offer free satellite radio?

4. Has there been an increase in sales in the past few months?

• 48% of respondents reported that the Ford Fusion was the best selling model at their dealership right now. 32% reported that the Ford F-150 truck was the top seller.

• 48% reported special financing or promotional deals at their location. 52% said there were not. The most common offer was 0% financing and cash back.

• 40% of dealers reported offering free satellite radio packages as part of a car or truck sale. 60% were not offering satellite radio as a freebie.

• 64% of respondents said that there had not been an increase in sales the past few months, while 36% reported that there had been. This answer set is worse than our March survey where 57% saw sales down in the past few months.
Conclusion of Channel Check:  Ford sales appear to be a barbell with sales of fuel efficient cars and non-fuel efficient trucks leading the way. It appears that mid-range performance cars have vanished from the sales arena. Promotional activity looks light, which suggests that Ford may be protecting prices on its hot selling vehicles effectively.  The one negative from this survey is the deterioration of sales from our March survey.

For access to the underlying survey or for more information, please contact Jason Katz at 415.867.0959 or [email protected]