Photo: Ford
Ford has taken some flak with its new hybrid models, but it seems they are popular with buyers. Proving that not all hybrid sedans need to be boring, Ford's brand new 2013 Fusion Hybrid helped the carmaker cement its position in the green market, with record hybrid sales and market share, as Toyota lost nearly 8 points of share in the segment.
According to a company report, Ford's share of the hybrid market grew by 9% to 16% in December. In the same period Toyota’s share of the hybrid vehicle segment fell 8 points, from 68 percent to 60 percent.
It might seem like the Blue Oval has a lot of catching up to do, but in fact the last quarter of 2012 was their best ever in terms of hybrid model sales. The 19,554 units sold in the September through December represent a huge 193% increase on the last quarterly record result.
“We’re bringing new hybrid buyers into the market, many of whom wouldn’t be considered traditional hybrid buyers,” said Amy Marentic, marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “There’s a sense hybrid buyers represent a pragmatic or green ethic. Fusion Hybrid is scoring with these audiences, but the car also puts some excitement into the segment through design; it shows hybrids can have beautiful and sophisticated styling. This, in turn, means different buyers.”
It might seem like the Blue Oval has a lot of catching up to do, but in fact the last quarter of 2012 was their best ever in terms of hybrid model sales. The 19,554 units sold in the September through December represent a huge 193% increase on the last quarterly record result.
“We’re bringing new hybrid buyers into the market, many of whom wouldn’t be considered traditional hybrid buyers,” said Amy Marentic, marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “There’s a sense hybrid buyers represent a pragmatic or green ethic. Fusion Hybrid is scoring with these audiences, but the car also puts some excitement into the segment through design; it shows hybrids can have beautiful and sophisticated styling. This, in turn, means different buyers.”
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