January 2009 Automobile Sales
02-02-09, 07:44 AM
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January 2009 Automobile Sales
New car sales in Japan tanked to just 174,281 units last month, a drop of nearly 28 percent over the same month in 2008, marking the worst figures for January since 1972 when approximately 168,000 new cars were sold. Overall auto sales in 2008 were the lowest they had been in 34 years - about a 6 percent decrease compared to 2007.
The Japanese market has stayed relatively flat for the last several years due to lack of interest in car ownership from the country’s youth population, but the latest drops signal even more consumer concern over major purchases during a period of financial turmoil.
Japanese have already announced that their profits will be way off of previous levels, with the situation particularly dire at formerly stalwart Toyota.
02-02-09, 01:03 PM
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Fleet Sales
Janurary Sales Likely Stymied by Fleet Declines
By Shawn Langlois, MarketWatch
Last update: 12:28 p.m. EST Feb. 2, 2009
Comments: 4
By Shawn Langlois, MarketWatch
Last update: 12:28 p.m. EST Feb. 2, 2009
Comments: 4
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. auto industry is in tatters, some of its top players are on taxpayer life support, it's frigid in Detroit and, yes, January is shaping up to be another in a long line of putrid monthly sales results in the world's biggest car market.
'We don't expect there to be much of any indication that things might be strengthening until the second half of the year.'
— George Pipas, Ford Motor Co. sales analyst
Major automakers will again show just how bad things have become when they report Tuesday another batch of double-digit declines.
"We took a big drop down from September to October as the credit crunch took a real toll on consumers, lenders, businesses and pretty much everybody, bringing us to a fourth-quarter sales rate in the low-10 million vehicle range," Ford Motor Co.'s top sales analyst George Pipas said. "And we won't even be that high in January, that's the bad news."
In fact, both Ford and General Motors Corp. will likely show drops of more than 40%, according to a research note from Deutsche Bank analyst Rod Lache. Chrysler sales are expected to be cut in half from a year ago, just as they were last month.
The same is true for the Japanese manufacturers, though not quite as bad.
Toyota Motor Corp. , on the brink of posting its first-ever annual operating loss, is seen handing in a 34% decline with Nissan Motors (likely down about 32% and Honda Motor Co. off 24%.
These results follow a bleak December, the worst month in decades. Chrysler's U.S. sales dropped 53% while Ford's and GM's fell more than 30% each. See full story.
The good news, Pipas said, is that retail demand has been steady in the past four months and that looks to be the case in January as well. He added that weakness in the daily rental business has been exacerbated this month by the lack of production in North America.
Car-buying research Web site Edmunds.com backed Pipas' view, blaming sales to rental car companies for the broad industry declines.
"Our research indicates that retail sales are pretty much flat compared with December," analyst Jesse Toprak said. "However, automakers' decision to cut fleet sales and make other production cuts will cause a large sales decline to be recorded on the books."
Despite what promises to be an ugly batch of numbers, at least on the surface, Ford's Pipas was hesitant to call a bottom for the industry.
"We don't expect there to be much of any indication that things might be strengthening until the second half of the year and the Chicken Littles out there will say the sky is falling," he said. "But while there is plenty to be concerned with, you'll have to read below the surface to really understand whether the problem is as serious as it looks."
Pipas added that he's hopeful the federal stimulus will at least provide some support for industry sales and may even be the catalyst automakers need to turn things around.
End of Story
Shawn Langlois is a reporter for MarketWatch in San Francisco.
02-02-09, 01:10 PM
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January auto sales expected to drop 30%
Source: Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/article/2009013...ESS01/90130071
January auto sales expected to drop 30%
By BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • January 30, 2009
There was hope — just a little over two weeks ago — that automotive sales in January would rebound slightly from the lowest levels the industry has seen since 1982.
But as the U.S. economy continues sputtering, that optimism has mostly dissipated. Automakers and consulting firms are predicting that January sales will be just as bad as they were in December due to record-low consumer confidence, the continued lack of available credit and bad winter storms.
When manufacturers report January sales on Tuesday, Edmunds.com predicts that new vehicle sales in the United States will decline 30.1% for the month.
Edmunds expects that Chrysler LLC’s sales will decline the most, or about 48%, followed by 38% for General Motors Corp. and 29.8% for Ford Motor Co.
Despite that, Jessica Caldwell, an analyst for Edmunds.com, said there might be some small victories in January’s numbers.
She said Edmunds.com’s data shows that overall vehicles sales will look worse in January largely because manufacturers cut back dramatically on fleet sales.
“Retail sales are flat, but total sales will be down due to fleet cuts,” Caldwell said. “January wasn’t as bad as what some dealers and manufactures were bracing for.”
Because automotive sales were getting progressively worse during the last three months of 2008, she said a flat retail sales result is a positive development.
“I think if we can see some stabilization in January, it’s definitely a good sign,” Caldwell said.
Earlier this month both Ford and Toyota said sales the first two weeks of January started off better than December, but that trend ended by mid-January.
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said in an interview Thursday that Ford’s January sales are “about the same” as December.
January automotive sales are typically worse than December’s sales. In December, automotive sales are typically boosted by big year-end sales and people have more time to shop because of the Christmas holidays.
Ford also said Thursday that it expects Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will collectively gain market share in January for the fourth consecutive month.
“Any good news in this economy is something to be proud of,” Caldwell said.
Asian automakers also continued to suffer in January. Edmunds projects sales declines of 28.1% for Nissan, 24.5% for Toyota and 22.9% for Honda.
For the year, the big question for automotive sales is how quickly a new stimulus package that the Obama administration is pushing —combined with last year’s economic stimulus package — might provide a boost to the nation’s struggling economy.
“This is probably the second deepest downturn we’ve had in real (gross domestic product) … in the post WWII era,” said George Magliano, director of research IHS Global Insight. “The worst is yet to come in 2009.”
For the year, IHS Global Insight expects U.S. auto sales to sink to about 10.4 million cars and trucks, a 21% decline from 2008, when 13.2 million cars and trucks were sold in the United States.
“The big tool right now is going to be Obama and his fiscal stimulus and his fiscal policy,” Magliano said.
PricewaterhouseCoopers is projecting industry sales of 11.6 million in the United States for 2009, said Anthony Pratt, an automotive analyst for Autofacts, the firm’s automotive research division. But Autofacts continues to watch the economy closely.
Pratt said a huge round of corporate layoffs in January from respected companies ranging from Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo! Inc. to Caterpillar Inc. and Starbucks Corp. is viewed as another potential problem for industry sales, Pratt said.
Those layoffs created a buzz among auto dealers who gathered in New Orleans in January for the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual convention, he said.
“That is fueling their concern,” Pratt said. “The fact that those cuts are happening to companies that weathered other downturns — it shows that all sectors are being impacted by the recession.”
Contact BRENT SNAVELY at 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com.
http://www.freep.com/article/2009013...ESS01/90130071
January auto sales expected to drop 30%
By BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • January 30, 2009
There was hope — just a little over two weeks ago — that automotive sales in January would rebound slightly from the lowest levels the industry has seen since 1982.
But as the U.S. economy continues sputtering, that optimism has mostly dissipated. Automakers and consulting firms are predicting that January sales will be just as bad as they were in December due to record-low consumer confidence, the continued lack of available credit and bad winter storms.
When manufacturers report January sales on Tuesday, Edmunds.com predicts that new vehicle sales in the United States will decline 30.1% for the month.
Edmunds expects that Chrysler LLC’s sales will decline the most, or about 48%, followed by 38% for General Motors Corp. and 29.8% for Ford Motor Co.
Despite that, Jessica Caldwell, an analyst for Edmunds.com, said there might be some small victories in January’s numbers.
She said Edmunds.com’s data shows that overall vehicles sales will look worse in January largely because manufacturers cut back dramatically on fleet sales.
“Retail sales are flat, but total sales will be down due to fleet cuts,” Caldwell said. “January wasn’t as bad as what some dealers and manufactures were bracing for.”
Because automotive sales were getting progressively worse during the last three months of 2008, she said a flat retail sales result is a positive development.
“I think if we can see some stabilization in January, it’s definitely a good sign,” Caldwell said.
Earlier this month both Ford and Toyota said sales the first two weeks of January started off better than December, but that trend ended by mid-January.
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said in an interview Thursday that Ford’s January sales are “about the same” as December.
January automotive sales are typically worse than December’s sales. In December, automotive sales are typically boosted by big year-end sales and people have more time to shop because of the Christmas holidays.
Ford also said Thursday that it expects Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will collectively gain market share in January for the fourth consecutive month.
“Any good news in this economy is something to be proud of,” Caldwell said.
Asian automakers also continued to suffer in January. Edmunds projects sales declines of 28.1% for Nissan, 24.5% for Toyota and 22.9% for Honda.
For the year, the big question for automotive sales is how quickly a new stimulus package that the Obama administration is pushing —combined with last year’s economic stimulus package — might provide a boost to the nation’s struggling economy.
“This is probably the second deepest downturn we’ve had in real (gross domestic product) … in the post WWII era,” said George Magliano, director of research IHS Global Insight. “The worst is yet to come in 2009.”
For the year, IHS Global Insight expects U.S. auto sales to sink to about 10.4 million cars and trucks, a 21% decline from 2008, when 13.2 million cars and trucks were sold in the United States.
“The big tool right now is going to be Obama and his fiscal stimulus and his fiscal policy,” Magliano said.
PricewaterhouseCoopers is projecting industry sales of 11.6 million in the United States for 2009, said Anthony Pratt, an automotive analyst for Autofacts, the firm’s automotive research division. But Autofacts continues to watch the economy closely.
Pratt said a huge round of corporate layoffs in January from respected companies ranging from Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo! Inc. to Caterpillar Inc. and Starbucks Corp. is viewed as another potential problem for industry sales, Pratt said.
Those layoffs created a buzz among auto dealers who gathered in New Orleans in January for the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual convention, he said.
“That is fueling their concern,” Pratt said. “The fact that those cuts are happening to companies that weathered other downturns — it shows that all sectors are being impacted by the recession.”
Contact BRENT SNAVELY at 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com.
02-02-09, 02:05 PM
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02-02-09, 07:04 PM
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02-02-09, 08:53 PM
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I'd like to do the same, but it looks as if I will be entering a doctoral program (fingers crossed). In that case I will need my Legacy to last 6 years. Half priced CTS's here now.
CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that it is anticipating an increase in sales for January 2009 over last year's results.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/...4/PHSUBARULOGO )
Subaru was the only volume automotive brand with positive sales in 2008.
Actual results are subject to final accounting and will be announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/...4/PHSUBARULOGO )
Subaru was the only volume automotive brand with positive sales in 2008.
Actual results are subject to final accounting and will be announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2009.
02-03-09, 08:40 AM
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Volkswagen reports january 2009 sales
VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS JANUARY 2009 SALES
HERNDON, Va.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced January 2009 sales of 12,744 units, a 11.6 percent decrease over January 2008 sale of 14,412 units.
Volkswagen’s stylish new CC, which was designed to blend sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort, posted its best sales month since its market introduction last September with more than 1,000 units sold.
“We know 2009 has the potential to be another extremely tough year for the Automotive Industry due to continued challenges with the economy, yet we are optimistic for a successful future here in the U.S.” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “2009 will be the first full year of sales with all five of our new products that launched last year, combine that with our commitment of manufacturing safe, efficient, high quality, and affordable fun-to-drive German Engineered vehicles, and we see a strong opportunity to grow our business here.” added Barnes.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt.
HERNDON, Va.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced January 2009 sales of 12,744 units, a 11.6 percent decrease over January 2008 sale of 14,412 units.
Volkswagen’s stylish new CC, which was designed to blend sports car dynamics and dimensions with sedan comfort, posted its best sales month since its market introduction last September with more than 1,000 units sold.
“We know 2009 has the potential to be another extremely tough year for the Automotive Industry due to continued challenges with the economy, yet we are optimistic for a successful future here in the U.S.” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “2009 will be the first full year of sales with all five of our new products that launched last year, combine that with our commitment of manufacturing safe, efficient, high quality, and affordable fun-to-drive German Engineered vehicles, and we see a strong opportunity to grow our business here.” added Barnes.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt.
02-03-09, 09:11 AM
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TORONTO, Feb. 3 /CNW/ - Honda Canada Inc. reported combined January sales of 7,559 units by its Honda and Acura divisions, a 37% decrease year-over-year. The Honda Automobile Division reported January sales of 6,460 units, down 39% from last year. The Acura Division reported November sales of 1,099 units, down 26% over last year.
"The results for January reflect our expectations," said Jerry Chenkin,
executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "Our January results last year, which were twice the monthly average, were unusual and reflected initiatives that we had introduced specially to counter the strong Canadian dollar. When we look at the previous 4 years of sales results - 2004 to 2007 - January sales this year were the best result for combined Honda and Acura sales."
Honda reported its best-ever monthly sales for the Honda Element with 240 units, up 24% over its previous best month in 2004. Acura reported record January sales of the Canadian-built MDX, which had January sales of 587 that were up 27% over record January 2008 sales.
Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine plant adjacent to its manufacturing facilities.
"The results for January reflect our expectations," said Jerry Chenkin,
executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "Our January results last year, which were twice the monthly average, were unusual and reflected initiatives that we had introduced specially to counter the strong Canadian dollar. When we look at the previous 4 years of sales results - 2004 to 2007 - January sales this year were the best result for combined Honda and Acura sales."
Honda reported its best-ever monthly sales for the Honda Element with 240 units, up 24% over its previous best month in 2004. Acura reported record January sales of the Canadian-built MDX, which had January sales of 587 that were up 27% over record January 2008 sales.
Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine plant adjacent to its manufacturing facilities.
02-03-09, 09:21 AM
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http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayRe...04965585&EDATE
Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold a Total of 12,209 Units in the U.S.
- Mercedes-Benz USA Records January Sales of 10,433
- smart USA Records 1,776 Sales in January
NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 12,209 units in the U.S. for January 2009. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080409/NYW017LOGO )
Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 10,433 vehicles, a 42.9 percent decrease compared to January 2008.
smart USA recorded sales of 1,776 units in January 2009. This figure represents a 177.1% increase over January 2008. smart sales in the U.S. started in the second half of January 2008. The smart fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. There are currently 75 smart centers open in 35 states.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold a Total of 12,209 Units in the U.S.
- Mercedes-Benz USA Records January Sales of 10,433
- smart USA Records 1,776 Sales in January
NEW YORK, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviation DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 12,209 units in the U.S. for January 2009. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080409/NYW017LOGO )
Mercedes-Benz USA reported sales of 10,433 vehicles, a 42.9 percent decrease compared to January 2008.
smart USA recorded sales of 1,776 units in January 2009. This figure represents a 177.1% increase over January 2008. smart sales in the U.S. started in the second half of January 2008. The smart fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. There are currently 75 smart centers open in 35 states.
Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.
02-03-09, 09:31 AM
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Mercedes-Benz Reports January Sales of 10,433
MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported January sales of 10,433 vehicles, a 42.9 percent decrease compared to January 2008. The company attributed the decline to the significant drop in the luxury automotive sector as a result of the current economic climate.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,753 vehicles in January, an 86.3 percent increase compared to its January 2008 sales of 3,624 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported January sales of 10,433 vehicles, a 42.9 percent decrease compared to January 2008. The company attributed the decline to the significant drop in the luxury automotive sector as a result of the current economic climate.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,753 vehicles in January, an 86.3 percent increase compared to its January 2008 sales of 3,624 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than forty years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
Code:
Model Jan '09 Jan '08 Monthly % YTD 2009 YTD 2008 Yearly %
----- ------- ------- --------- -------- -------- --------
C-CLASS 3,032 4,647 -34.8% 3,032 4,647 -34.8%
E-CLASS 1,768 2,980 -40.7% 1,768 2,980 -40.7%
S-CLASS 516 1,641 -68.6% 516 1,641 -68.6%
CL-CLASS 100 253 -60.5% 100 253 -60.5%
SL-CLASS 133 389 -65.8% 133 389 -65.8%
CLK-CLASS 601 1,223 -50.9% 601 1,223 -50.9%
SLK-CLASS 172 480 -64.2% 172 480 -64.2%
CLS-CLASS 206 495 -58.4% 206 495 -58.4%
R-CLASS 242 1,005 -75.9% 242 1,005 -75.9%
M-CLASS 1,355 3,237 -58.1% 1,355 3,237 -58.1%
G-CLASS 58 110 -47.3% 58 110 -47.3%
GL-CLASS 950 1,815 -47.7% 950 1,815 -47.7%
GLK-CLASS 1,300 - 1,300
----------- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ -----
GRAND TOTAL 10,433 18,275 -42.9% 10,433 18,275 -42.9%
02-03-09, 09:33 AM
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Strong F-Series, Fusion Sales Drive Ford To Higher Retail Share For Fourth Consecutive Month
- Ford's F-Series truck and Fusion mid-size sedan helped Ford achieve a fourth consecutive month of retail market share increases
- Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales were 39 percent lower in January than a year ago; Fleet sales were 65 percent lower and retail sales to individuals were 27 percent lower
- Ford and overall industry sales in January were in line with company expectations; Retail demand appears to be stabilizing
- Ford continues to align production and inventories with demand; January inventories totaled 420,000 vehicles, down 156,000 from prior year
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford's F-Series truck and Fusion mid-size sedan paced Ford to a fourth consecutive month of retail market share increases. Ford estimates its share of the January retail market was 12.7 percent, up 0.3 point versus a year ago. This marks the first time since 1995 Ford has achieved a retail market share increase four months in a row.
In January, Ford's all-new F-150 truck picked up more accolades and market share. In January, the F-150 was named North American Truck of the Year and earned a quadruple 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Best-in-class capability and safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy appear to be driving F-Series appeal among buyers.
In January, the Fusion posted its highest retail share since August 2006. In March, the 2010 Fusion arrives in dealer showrooms as America's most fuel- efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models.
The new Fusion Hybrid delivers 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on highway, topping the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S achieves 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city, beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles and the Lincoln MKS luxury sedan also contributed to Ford's January market share increase.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 90,596 in January, down 39 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers were down 27 percent. Fleet sales were down 65 percent including a 90 percent decline in sales to daily rental customers.
Ford and industry sales in January were consistent with Ford planning assumptions.
"During the last four months, retail demand appears to have stabilized, and the strength of our new products is a key reason we're growing our share in these challenging market conditions," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. "We expect new, recent and future fiscal and monetary actions to help improve conditions in the second half of the year."
Ford inventories were 420,000 vehicles at the end of January, which is 156,000 vehicles lower than a year ago. During the past 12 months, Ford's inventories were reduced by 27 percent - consistent with the company's sales decline (22 percent) during this same period.
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 (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com
- Ford's F-Series truck and Fusion mid-size sedan helped Ford achieve a fourth consecutive month of retail market share increases
- Total Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales were 39 percent lower in January than a year ago; Fleet sales were 65 percent lower and retail sales to individuals were 27 percent lower
- Ford and overall industry sales in January were in line with company expectations; Retail demand appears to be stabilizing
- Ford continues to align production and inventories with demand; January inventories totaled 420,000 vehicles, down 156,000 from prior year
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford's F-Series truck and Fusion mid-size sedan paced Ford to a fourth consecutive month of retail market share increases. Ford estimates its share of the January retail market was 12.7 percent, up 0.3 point versus a year ago. This marks the first time since 1995 Ford has achieved a retail market share increase four months in a row.
In January, Ford's all-new F-150 truck picked up more accolades and market share. In January, the F-150 was named North American Truck of the Year and earned a quadruple 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Best-in-class capability and safety ratings and unsurpassed fuel economy appear to be driving F-Series appeal among buyers.
In January, the Fusion posted its highest retail share since August 2006. In March, the 2010 Fusion arrives in dealer showrooms as America's most fuel- efficient mid-size sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models.
The new Fusion Hybrid delivers 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on highway, topping the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The new four-cylinder Ford Fusion S achieves 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city, beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles and the Lincoln MKS luxury sedan also contributed to Ford's January market share increase.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 90,596 in January, down 39 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers were down 27 percent. Fleet sales were down 65 percent including a 90 percent decline in sales to daily rental customers.
Ford and industry sales in January were consistent with Ford planning assumptions.
"During the last four months, retail demand appears to have stabilized, and the strength of our new products is a key reason we're growing our share in these challenging market conditions," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. "We expect new, recent and future fiscal and monetary actions to help improve conditions in the second half of the year."
Ford inventories were 420,000 vehicles at the end of January, which is 156,000 vehicles lower than a year ago. During the past 12 months, Ford's inventories were reduced by 27 percent - consistent with the company's sales decline (22 percent) during this same period.
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 (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com
Code:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY JANUARY 2009 U.S. SALES
------------------------------------------
January % Year-To-Date %
------------ ------------
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Sales By Brand
Ford 79,322 131,074 -39.5 79,322 131,074 -39.5
Lincoln 6,091 7,985 -23.7 6,091 7,985 -23.7
Mercury 5,183 9,296 -44.2 5,183 9,296 -44.2
------ ------- ------ -------
Total Ford, Lincoln
and Mercury 90,596 148,355 -38.9 90,596 148,355 -38.9
Volvo 0 8,036 -100.0 0 8,036 -100.0
------ ------- ------ -------
Total Ford Motor
Company 90,596 156,391 -42.1 90,596 156,391 -42.1
Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury Sales By Type
Cars 28,707 44,259 -35.1 28,707 44,259 -35.1
Crossover Utility
Vehicles 20,147 29,680 -32.1 20,147 29,680 -32.1
Sport Utility Vehicles 7,283 15,398 -52.7 7,283 15,398 -52.7
Trucks and Vans 34,459 59,018 -41.6 34,459 59,018 -41.6
------ ------- ------ -------
Total Trucks 61,889 104,096 -40.5 61,889 104,096 -40.5
------ ------- ------ -------
Total Vehicles 90,596 148,355 -38.9 90,596 148,355 -38.9
FORD BRAND JANUARY 2009 U.S. SALES
----------------------------------
January % Year-To-Date %
------------ ------------
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Crown Victoria 1,646 4,431 -62.9 1,646 4,431 -62.9
Taurus 1,705 4,180 -59.2 1,705 4,180 -59.2
Fusion 8,152 9,183 -11.2 8,152 9,183 -11.2
Focus 7,769 11,600 -33.0 7,769 11,600 -33.0
Mustang 2,944 6,545 -55.0 2,944 6,545 -55.0
------ ------ ------ ------
Ford Cars 22,216 35,939 -38.2 22,216 35,939 -38.2
Flex 2,459 0 NA 2,459 0 NA
Edge 4,973 10,888 -54.3 4,973 10,888 -54.3
Escape 8,360 11,191 -25.3 8,360 11,191 -25.3
Taurus X 879 2,234 -60.7 879 2,234 -60.7
------ ------ ------ ------
Ford Crossover Utility
Vehicles 16,671 24,313 -31.4 16,671 24,313 -31.4
Expedition 2,377 4,963 -52.1 2,377 4,963 -52.1
Explorer 3,687 7,217 -48.9 3,687 7,217 -48.9
------ ------ ------ ------
Ford Sport Utility
Vehicles 6,064 12,180 -50.2 6,064 12,180 -50.2
F-Series 25,237 41,125 -38.6 25,237 41,125 -38.6
Ranger 2,813 5,546 -49.3 2,813 5,546 -49.3
Econoline/Club Wagon 5,856 11,333 -48.3 5,856 11,333 -48.3
Low Cab Forward 19 79 -75.9 19 79 -75.9
Heavy Trucks 446 559 -20.2 446 559 -20.2
------ ------ ------ ------
Ford Trucks and Vans 34,371 58,642 -41.4 34,371 58,642 -41.4
------ ------ ------ ------
Ford Brand 79,322 131,074 -39.5 79,322 131,074 -39.5
LINCOLN BRAND JANUARY 2009 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------------
January % Year-To-Date %
------------ ------------
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
MKS 1,535 0 NA 1,535 0 NA
MKZ 1,561 2,712 -42.4 1,561 2,712 -42.4
Town Car 510 206 147.6 510 206 147.6
MKX 1,735 3,026 -42.7 1,735 3,026 -42.7
Navigator 662 1,665 -60.2 662 1,665 -60.2
Mark LT 88 376 -76.6 88 376 -76.6
------ ------ ------ ------
Lincoln Brand 6,091 7,985 -23.7 6,091 7,985 -23.7
MERCURY BRAND JANUARY 2009 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------------
January % Year-To-Date %
------------ ------------
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
Grand Marquis 725 1,963 -63.1 725 1,963 -63.1
Sable 482 986 -51.1 482 986 -51.1
Milan 1,678 2,453 -31.6 1,678 2,453 -31.6
Mariner 1,741 2,341 -25.6 1,741 2,341 -25.6
Mountaineer 557 1,553 -64.1 557 1,553 -64.1
------ ------ ------ ------
Mercury Brand 5,183 9,296 -44.2 5,183 9,296 -44.2
VOLVO BRAND JANUARY 2009 U.S. SALES
--------------------------------------
January % Year-To-Date %
------------ ------------
2009 2008 Change 2009 2008 Change
---- ---- ------ ---- ---- ------
S40 400 1,519 -73.7 400 1,519 -73.7
V50 136 163 -16.6 136 163 -16.6
S60 275 1,713 -83.9 275 1,713 -83.9
S80 473 865 -45.3 473 865 -45.3
V70 91 167 -45.5 91 167 -45.5
XC70 470 965 -51.3 470 965 -51.3
XC90 573 1,918 -70.1 573 1,918 -70.1
C70 272 375 -27.5 272 375 -27.5
C30 220 351 -37.3 220 351 -37.3
------ ------- ----- ------ ------- -----
Volvo Brand 2,910 8,036 -63.8 2,910 8,036 -63.8
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
Last edited by Mr. Jones; 02-03-09 at 10:01 AM.