Northside Ford | Ford San Antonio | MySAFord

Ford Ends 2011 with Strong Sales

Ford brand 2011 U.S. sales increased 17 percent, totaling 2,062,915 vehicles, sealing the brand’s first three-point market share gain over three consecutive years since 1970. Total Ford Motor Company sales for the year increased to 2,148,806 vehicles, up 11 percent for the year.

“The year finished on a high note, with industry sales momentum strengthening as the year came to a close,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We saw Ford sales strengthen as well, posting our best December retail sales month since 2005 and closing the year as America’s best-selling brand.”

Small car, utilities and truck sales drove Ford’s marketplace performance in 2011. Small car sales were up 25 percent in 2011 with 244,291 cars sold.

Ford Fusion had a record year with 248,067 vehicles sold.

Ford brand utility sales totaled 579,626 vehicles in 2011, up 31 percent, making it the best-selling utility brand in America. Sales were paced by the Explorer, up 124 percent, with 135,704 sold, and record Escape sales of 254,293, up 33 percent for the year, including an all-time monthly sales record in December of 25,574 vehicles.

In December, Ford brand sales were 201,737, up 16 percent from a year earlier. Ford sold 68,278 F-Series pickups in December, representing its best December sales results since 2006. For the year, F-Series sales totaled 584,917 trucks, making it the only vehicle to break the 500,000 vehicle sales mark last year.

For 2012, Ford expects the global economy to expand in the 3 percent range, extending the global economic recovery to a third consecutive year. Global industry sales are projected to be in the range of 75 million to 85 million.

In the U.S., Ford expects the economy to expand 2 to 3 percent in 2012 and industry sales to be in the range of 13.5 million to 14.5 million.

Economies in Europe are tracking at different speeds. Ford expects industry sales in the European 19 markets to be in the range of 14.0 million to 15.0 million units in 2012.

Ford Brand Sales Top 2 Million for 1st Time Since 2007

U.S. sales of the Ford brand this week topped 2 million vehicles for the first time since 2007. The milestone makes Ford the best selling brand in America and the first automotive brand to hit the 2 million mark since 2007.

“Ford’s lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks continues to attract more and more new customers,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s sales analysis manager. “With gasoline prices tracking higher than last year, customers continue to move toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, whether they are passenger cars or utilities.”

Both the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus achieve 40 mpg highway, while the Ford Explorer brings a class leading 28 mpg highway with its new EcoBoost engine.

Ford’s smallest utility, the fuel-efficient Escape, has achieved record sales volumes this year and is America’s best selling utility vehicle. 

Overall, Ford brand small cars are on pace to post an increase of more than 20 percent this year. Ford brand utilities are tracking to post more than a 30 percent gain.

Most Ford products deliver best-in-class fuel economy and provide customers with the opportunity to choose what best works for them – from EcoBoost-powered gasoline vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrified vehicles. In fact, with the company’s new electrified vehicle introductions, nearly one-third of Ford’s vehicle lines in the U.S. will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012 – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Ford's MyFord Touch Gets an Upgrade

Faster, Simpler, Better: MyFord Touch Upgrade Provides New and Existing Customers Enhancements and New Features 

• Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFord Touch^® beginning with 2013 models – no-charge upgrade will be available to existing owners 
• Simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls are among the many enhancements to the voice-activated in-car connectivity system 
• Existing MyFord Touch owners can either install the software upgrade themselves via a USB received in the mail or visit, Northside Ford, where software can be updated at no charge.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Thursday, November 10, 2011 – Ford customers said MyFord Touch^® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus. 

Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback. 

Early next year, owners located in the U.S. will be mailed a USB flash drive with the software upgrade for installation that they can do at their own convenience. If they prefer, owners may also visit Northside Ford for the software installation. The upgrade mailing will include instructions informing owners how to simply plug the USB flash drive into the MyFord Touch Media Hub’s USB port in order for installation to automatically begin. 

The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners. 

New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction. 

For a video demonstration of the improvements, please visit: http://youtu.be/c3k4iDZyhYE 

Upgrade your ride

All of the new improvements will be offered to existing owners of MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 and 2012 models of Ford Explorer and Edge and the 2012 Focus. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Lincoln MKX crossovers will also receive the upgrade for their MyLincoln Touch^™ systems. 

“We’re seizing the opportunity to continuously improve the Ford ownership experience, and revolutionize what it means to own a car,” said Reitz. “Introducing new technology is only one step in our journey to become known as a technology company. Consistently improving it based on what our customers are telling us marks another milestone in that journey.” 

New look

The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look. 

“Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, User Interface Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.” 

The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older. 

New features

Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market. 

Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system. 

Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:   

• Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance 

Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed   

Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”  

Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in parenthesis or brackets 

Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

• Tablet device compatibility

Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection   

• Audible.com audiobook support

Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

• Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ

Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks

Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images

Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

• Phone compatibility

Automatic Bluetooth^® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved

Noise and echo cancellation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

• Gracenote^® album cover art database

  Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience

Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames 

Ford Motor Company’s October Sales up 6 Percent; Ford Brand Utilities and Trucks Drive Gains

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2011 – Continued strong demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient utility vehicles and trucks lifted the company to a 6 percent increase in total sales in October. 

With total sales of 167,803 vehicles, gains came largely from Ford brand utilities, up 38 percent, and strong truck sales, up 8 percent versus last year.

“More and more consumers are being attracted to Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles – from cars and utility vehicles to our full-size pickups with EcoBoost engines,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “The Ford brand continues growing its market share, showing we have the vehicles and technologies people truly want and value.”   

Year-to-date, Ford is the best-selling brand of vehicles in America with sales totaling 1,700,618, up 17 percent. With this performance, the Ford brand is now on track to increase its market share this year by about 1 percentage point – which would mark market share gains for three consecutive years.

Ford Brand Utilities: Up 38 Percent
Ford is the country’s best-selling utility vehicle brand. Utility vehicles sales totaled 45,877 in October, up 38 percent. Year-to-date, Ford utility vehicles total 471,787, up 31 percent.

Explorer is leading the way, with sales up 225 percent versus a year ago and 11,987 vehicles sold. Year-to-date Explorer sales are up 134 percent, with 108,994 vehicles sold. Explorer retail sales have tripled in every market area of the U.S.

Escape sales in October totaled 19,046 vehicles, a 31 percent increase. Year-to-date Escape sales are up 31 percent at 206,896 vehicles – setting a record. This year marks the first time Escape has broke through the 200,000 sales milestone in its 11-year history.  

Edge sales totaled 9,161 vehicles in October, down 10 percent. Year-to-date, Edge sales increased 3 percent with 99,940 vehicles sold.

Ford Brand Cars: On the rise through October
Ford brand car sales totaled 576,994 through October – up 18 percent versus the same period a year ago – more than doubling the industry-wide passenger car sales increase.

In October, Fiesta, Focus and Fusion all posted higher retail sales than a year ago, offset by lower fleet deliveries.

In October, Fiesta sales were up 7 percent, with 4,124 vehicles sold. Focus total sales were equal to a year ago, with retail sales particularly strong on the U.S. coasts – almost double year ago levels in California and up almost 50 percent in New York.

Fusion sales were up 4 percent, totaling 18,094 vehicles, another monthly record for Ford’s midsize sedan. Fusion has now set monthly records in 12 of the last 13 months. Year-to-date Fusion sales have increased 15 percent, breaking through the 200,000 vehicle mark for the year and on pace for a record sales year.

Ford Brand Trucks: Up 8 Percent
Ford truck sales totaled 69,068 in October, an 8 percent increase versus year-ago levels. Year-to-date truck sales total 651,837, up 9 percent.

Ford’s F-Series sales totaled 52,511 vehicles, up 7 percent, in October. It is the second month in a row F-Series has topped 50,000 sales. Year-to-date F-Series sales total 468,899 pickups, an 8 percent increase.

“October was important for Ford trucks,” Czubay said. “In addition to helping grow sales 8 percent, the F-150 won the ‘Truck of Texas’ award and Ford won ‘Truck Line of Texas’ for the 12th straight year. We are honored for the Texas Auto Writers Association to validate what our customers have been saying about our fuel-efficient and highly capable trucks.”    

Among retail customers, more than 40 percent of F-150 buyers opted for Ford’s highly fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines in October. Coupled with EcoBoost sales on Explorer and Edge and Ford cars, total EcoBoost engine sales topped 15,000 in October.

Ford Explorer: Fastest Selling Mid-Size Utility in the Country

Ford Explorer Hits the 100,000 Sales Mark; Fastest Growing Mid-Size Utility in the Country  

• The Ford Explorer crossed the 100,000 vehicle sales mark for 2011, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation 
• U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent, compared to the same period in 2010 
• Since its introduction in the 2012 model year, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are running at 15 percent

DEARBORN, Mich., October 20, 2011 – America’s love affair with the Ford Explorer is stronger than ever with more than 100,000 Explorers sold this year, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation.

“The Explorer continues to be one of the strongest vehicles in the Ford portfolio, and we are excited to see it surpass the 100,000 sales plateau for the first time since 2007,” said Matt Starnes. “The success of this vehicle is further evidence that we are delivering products that people want.  On our lot alone, we have 17 Explorers ready to be driven away.

This year the all-new Explorer has had stronger retail sales growth than any mid-size utility, either having tripled or quadrupled sales in all regions of the country. In total U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent compared to that same time in 2010.

“With best-in-class fuel economy and technology like MyFord Touch, terrain management and the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts Ford has shown that our dedication to customers’ needs is paying off,” said Matt Starnes.

Explorer’s retail share performance has also increased dramatically. Through August of this year, Explorer accounts for 6.3% retail share of the mid-size utility segment, a 4.5 point share increase over last year, making Explorer one of the best-selling mid-size utilities in America.

Explorer sales in the U.S. have exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2007.

2011                 100,000 note: January through early October
2010                 60,687
2009                 52,190

Customers are choosing Utilities

The utility segment has changed over the last decade. In 2000, utility sales accounted for approximately 20% of the market. Today, utilities account for just over 30% of all vehicles sold in the U.S, an approximate 50% share increase in the last 10 years.

“We know that many consumers have a strong need for utility vehicles, even as rising gas prices made fuel-efficiency one of their top concerns,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst. “Ford answered our customers’ needs in the utility segment by offering its all-new 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the 2012 Ford Explorer and Edge.”

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer powered by EcoBoost® delivers a class-leading EPA rating of 28 mpg on the highway, besting Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander by 3 mpg. Since its introduction in the 2012 model year in September, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are meeting expectations, garnering their strongest take-rates in Orlando, Phoenix, LA, Houston and Dallas.

Ford continues to show its commitment to bringing EcoBoost technology to more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup by offering 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines on the all-new Ford Escape. Ford’s newest small SUV, the all-new Ford Escape will be introduced at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Ford Auto Theft Safety Tips

Fewer Americans were victims of car thefts last year. The FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report shows a 7.2 percentage decrease in auto thefts compared to 2010. Improved anti-theft devices and safety tips can help continue this downward trend. Unfortunately, potential thieves will not give up on their efforts to steal your car. But with the same persistence, Ford is constantly improving technologies and methods to keep vehicles secure for its customers.

Ford provides several technologies to better protect your investment:

• Remote Keyless Entry allows locking/unlocking at the push of a button
• Passive Entry-Passive Start allows for unlocking and engine starting remotely
• Intrusion sensing system deters against smash-and-grab thefts
• Immobilizer helps prevent drive-away thefts
• Panic alarm draws attention quickly in case of danger
• Perimeter Alarm System deters against unauthorized entry via doors, hood and trunk/liftgate

Despite significant and ongoing improvements in security features, no system is foolproof. The goal of each preventative measure is to deter theft by making it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle.

For increased protection, Ford dealers also provide additional anti-theft safety services:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching on windows and other surfaces: VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the vehicle can be tagged with a fake VIN and resold
• Installation of wheel locks, which help protect against wheel theft by requiring a special key to unlock the lug nuts
• Installation of LoJack – a vehicle tacking system that helps police locate and recover vehicles

Everyday things you can do to protect against theft:   
You might think most stolen vehicles are expensive sports cars or multipurpose passenger vehicles, but that’s not always the case.

It also doesn’t matter whether you live in a big city, the suburbs or in the country; anyone is susceptible to vehicle theft.

In fact, 40 to 50 percent of vehicle theft is due to driver error, which includes leaving vehicle doors unlocked and leaving keys in the ignition or on the seats.

But there are measures you can take to make sure your vehicle is not an easy target for thieves:

• First, always take your keys; never leave them in or on your vehicle
• Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park
• Park in well-lit areas
• Keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen
• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running

Finally, if you have information on an auto theft crime, first report it to police and then see if there is a theft prevention program like Michigan’s Help Eliminate Auto Thefts program (1-800-242-HEAT) that offers potential cash rewards for information on auto theft crimes.

FBI Uniform Crime Report-Motor Vehicle Theft by Region
Region	Motor vehicle theft
Total	-7.2
Northeast	-4.8
Midwest	-2.6
South	-9.5
West	-7.9

To read the report, click here.

Ford 2011 June Sales Results

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2011 – Ford’s June sales totaled 194,114, up 14 percent versus a year ago. Cars and utilities posted the largest gains, while trucks also posted increases, rebounding from May.

“Strong demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient cars and crossovers continues, and we now are seeing truck buyers return to the market with significant appetite for our fuel-efficient V6 engines,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Cars
Ford’s two all-new small cars combined for 26,920 sales in June, up 66 percent versus a year ago. Fiesta sales were 5,535, and Focus sales were 21,385, up 41 percent versus a year ago. The Fiesta and Focus are the fastest-turning models in Ford dealer showrooms.

“The Fiesta and Focus are driving Ford’s retail share gains in markets beyond our traditional geographic areas of strength,” said Czubay. “In California, Ford’s retail share is the highest since 2006. We also have seen gains in the East and Southeast.”

In June, Ford brand retail sales were up 36 percent in California.

The Fiesta and Focus recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000.

The Ford Fusion midsize car now has posted six straight monthly sales records. In June, Fusion sales totaled 20,808, up 13 percent versus a year ago. In the first six months of 2011, Fusion sales were 131,686, up 18 percent from the first-half record set last year.

Lincoln sales were up 17 percent compared with a year ago, paced by higher sales for the Lincoln MKZ (up 31 percent) and Lincoln MKS (up 18 percent) sedans, as well as the Lincoln MKX crossover (up 36 percent).

Utilities
Explorer sales totaled 10,422, up 56 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales for the new Explorer were up 259 percent. In the first six months of 2011, Explorer sales totaled 65,823, surpassing last year’s full-year sales total of 60,687. Explorer has class-leading highway fuel economy of 25 mpg.

Escape sales totaled 22,274, up 43 percent. Year-to-date, Escape sales totaled 122,607, up 24 percent from the first-half record set last year. Edge sales totaled 9,663, up 18 percent. Ford is the top-selling brand of utilities in the U.S., with first-half sales totaling 280,875, up 25 percent versus a year ago.

Trucks
Ford truck sales increased across the lineup in June, with F-Series (up 7 percent), Ranger (up 18 percent), Transit Connect (up 40 percent) and Econoline (up 4 percent). Transit Connect sales were 2,992 – the second highest sales month ever.

Ford’s F-Series truck remained the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. with June sales of 49,618. In the first six months of 2011, F-Series sales totaled 264,079 (up 10 percent). Sales of the F-150 with new V6 engines continued to outsell V8s in June – and V6 engines accounted for 56 percent of F-150 retail sales. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine accounted for 41 percent of F-150 sales, and the 3.7-liter V6 accounted for 15 percent.

Sales Summary
In June, total sales were 194,114, up 14 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were up 13 percent and fleet sales were up 14 percent.

Year-to-date, total sales are 1.07 million, up 12 percent. Retail sales were up 14 percent and fleet sales were up 9 percent.

“From Fiesta to F-Series, our new vehicles are resonating with customers.  All of us at Ford remain absolutely committed to a full lineup of cars, utilities and trucks with the highest quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” said Czubay.

# # #

Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford May 2011 Sales Report: Small Cars in Big Demand

Strong demand for Ford’s new fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains continued in May 2011.  The all-new 2011 Fiesta and all-new 2012 Focus combinded for 29,423 sales, Ford's biggest small car month since May 2008.  Fiesta sales were 7,120, and Focus sales were 22,303, up 32 percent versus a year ago. 

The Ford Fusion midsize car also has started 2011 strong – with five straight monthly sales records. In May, Fusion sales totaled 24,666, its second highest month ever, and up 10 percent versus a year ago. Eighty percent of customers equipped their new Fusion with a 4-cylinder engine, up from 50 percent when the car debuted five years ago.

Explorer sales totaled 13,318, up 135 percent versus a year ago. This is the highest sales for Explorer in 47 months. In the first five months of 2011, the new Explorer is setting a torrid pace, with year-to-date sales totaling 55,401, up 120 percent. In June, Explorer will surpass last year’s full-year sales total of 60,687. Explorer has class-leading highway fuel economy of 25 mpg.

Escape sales totaled 23,140, up 21 percent. Fifty percent of customers now equip their Escape with a 4-cylinder engine, up from 40 percent a few years ago.

Ford’s F-Series truck remained the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. with May sales of 42,399 (down 15 percent versus a year ago) and year-to-date sales of 214,461 (up 11 percent). The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine accounted for 41 percent of F-150 retail sales in May, up 4 percentage points from April. The total V6 mix, including the new 3.7-liter engine, was 55 percent – surpassing sales of F-150s equipped with V8s.

In May, total sales were 192,102, equal to a year ago. Retail sales were up 5 percent, and fleet sales were down 8 percent. (Commercial was down 1 percent, government was down 9 percent, and daily rental was down 13 percent.)

Year-to-date, total sales were 878,600, up 12 percent. Retail sales were up 14 percent, and fleet sales were up 8 percent. (Commercial was up 24 percent, government grew 6 percent, and daily rental was down 2 percent.)

 

Source: Ford Motor Company On Wednesday June 1, 2011, 12:00 pm

Ford Earnings Report: $2.6 Billion Net Profit in the First Quarter of 2011

Alan Mulally continues to lead the turnaround at Ford Motor Company in the right direction and the company just reported its best first quarter since 1998 with a net operation profit of $2.6 billion or $.62 per share beating Wall Street estimates of $.50 per share.

Ford's quarterly revenues rose 18 percent to $33.1 billion, far higher than the $30.5 billion analysts were projecting.  The company also saw especially strong growth in Asia, where revenues jumped 31 percent to $2.1 billion.

"Our team delivered a great quarter, with solid growth and improvements in all regions," Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said."

New arrivals such as the Ford Explorer and Fiesta small car are selling well. Company profits are growing around the world. And Ford is charging more for its cars, helping offset higher commodity costs.  The redesigned Explorer SUV, which gets more miles per gallon than the previous version, saw U.S. sales more than double. Sales of the Fusion midsize sedan rose 27 percent.

Ford Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth said the company is trying to be very disciplined and won't produce more than it can sell, a cycle that leads to big discounts.  Booth said Ford also continued to make progress paying off its debt. The company, which took out a $23 billion loan in 2006 to revamp its operations, ended the quarter with $16.6 billion in debt. That debt level was down $2.5 billion from the beginning of the year.  Ford now has $4.7 billion more cash than debt, an improvement of $3.3 billion from the start of this year.

It's clear that with Mulally leading the way, Ford Motor Company is back and better than ever.  Remember that old slogan "Have you driven a Ford lately"?  That slogan has never been more fitting than today.  So, have you?

 

You can read Ford's full press release here.

Ford Motor Company March 2011 Sales Results

Ford Motor Company reported sales for the month of March in 2011 today and reported 212,777 vehicles sold, up 19 percent versus a year ago, beating rival GM for only the second time since 1998.

Ford says its sales rose 16 percent over last March. Among the strongest sellers was the new Explorer, which saw sales double over last March.  The Fiesta set a U.S. monthly record selling 9,787 units, up 56% versus February 2011.  Fusion and Escape also set monthly sales records, up 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively, versus a year ago.  The best selling truck line in America for 34 years straight posted a sales increase of 25 percent versus a year ago; the new V6 engines account for 37 percent of the 2011 F-150 retail sales.

Consumer demand for Ford’s fuel-efficient vehicles continues to grow as March sales increased 19 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Ford sales totaled 496,720, up 16 percent.

“With gasoline prices eclipsing $3.50 a gallon, consumers are placing a high priority on fuel efficiency in every size and kind of vehicle,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers are rewarding Ford for our investment in new products as well as more efficient engines and transmissions, which save them money at the pump whether they drive Fiestas or F-Series trucks.”

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

 
In the first quarter, total sales were 496,720, up 16 percent. Retail sales were up 20 percent and fleet sales were up 8 percent (commercial was up 34 percent, government was up 11 percent, and daily rental was down 8 percent).

Two independent market research studies cited the growing strength of the Ford brand in March. Ford was named the most considered auto brand among new-car shoppers in Kelley Blue Books’ Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, and Ford was named top full-line automotive brand in the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend study.

“Our newest products are helping Ford to connect with customers beyond our traditional geographic areas of strength,” said Czubay. “In the first quarter, our largest retail sales increases were on the west coast and in the northeast with major contributions from the Fiesta and Edge. We believe the new Focus and Explorer will help us to achieve further growth in these and other key markets as even more customers look for fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles with technology they truly value.”

Read the full press release here. 

2011 Ford Explorer In-Stock at Northside Ford

The time is finally here and the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer with MyFord Touch is here in San Antonio.  We have already delivered the first few 2011 Explorer's in San Antonio and have more Explorer's arriving daily.  Haven't had a chance to see the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer in person, then just stop by and take look and if you'd like you can even take it for a test drive.

 

2010 San Antonio International Auto & Truck Show

It's time again for the annual San Antonio International Auto & Truck Show.  This years show starts on Thursday, November 18, 2010 and runs through Sunday, November 21, 2010.

So, what will Ford have on display at this years show?  Ford, like last year has the largest display of new vehicles out of every auto manufacturer and they will have every current model on the floor for you to get in and check out.  However, most of the attention will likely be towards three vehicles up on displays.  What might those three vehicles be you say?  The all-new 2012 Ford Focus sedan is on spinning display on one side and on the other spinning display you will find the all new Ford Explorer.  The last of the three "attention getters" is none other than the "The Boss"...enough said. 

 

If you have some free time Thursday through Sunday head down to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and check out what the San Antonio International Auto Show has to offer.

 

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Debuts

Today Ford Motor Company's first ever utility police intereptor made its introduction to the world in the form of the all-new Ford Explorer.  The new vehicle is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.

You can read the entire press release with complete vehicle details here.
 

Ford Vehicle Owner's Personal Site

Did you know that Ford offers every owner of a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle their own personal site to manage everything about their vehicle?  If you didn't know already, go to www.flmowner.comand register your vehicle(s).  The FLM owner site allows you to get service coupons from your local Ford dealer, view your vehicle owner's manual, pay your Ford Credit bill, and quite a bit more.

Take a few minutes and go to www.flmowner.com and register your Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle and take a look around at the new way to manage all of your vehicle needs.

Ford's CEO Alan Mulally Talks with Jim Craimer

2011 Ford Explorer Will Debut on Facebook

Wondering what upcoming auto show Ford will unveil the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer?  Well...there isn't one.  For the first time Ford will unveil the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer on facebook before anywhere else.  So, how do you get to see it?  Just visit the official Ford Explorer facebook page and "Like" it and you will start seeing teaser photos of the new Explorer and eventually Ford will pull the curtain back for the world to see, but those on facebook will be the first in the general public to see the next generation Ford Explorer.