U.S. sales of new vehicles for September were flat compared with sales in September 2011, according to data released today by Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F). Car sales were up 1.6% year-over-year and utility vehicle sales were up 8.7%, but truck sales dived 7.6%, primarily as a result of the company’s discontinuation of its Ranger models.
The company’s small car sales jumped 73% year-over-year, the company’s best total for small car sales in 10 years. Other highlights include sales of Escape compact utility vehicles up 14% to a best-ever sales total for September of 23,148. The stalwart F-series pickups saw sales increase by just 1% to a total of 55,077, the most since September 2007. Sales of the company’s flagship small car, the Ford Focus, were up 91%.
A Ford executive said:
Fuel economy remains one of the most important features customers want most today, and Ford is answering the call with five vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better – with another three on the way by year-end.
Total sales were flat to last year, but retail sales rose 4%. Total car sales were up 2%, sales of utility vehicles were up 9% and trucks were down 9% due to the discontinuation of the Ranger model.
Ford shares are down 0.6% at $9.87 this morning in a 52-week range of $8.82 to $13.05.
Paul Ausick
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