Ford Leaps 43 Percent in March

Proving the "One Ford" strategy so advertised last year still works, American carmaker Ford posted yesterday its sales figures for the US market, with numbers showing a 43 percent increase compared to the same month in 2009, bringing the total number of new Ford's on the roads in March to 178,546. This means that, for the 17th time in 18 months, Ford gained market share.

“Our dealers welcome more new customers every day with the strongest lineup of products in our history,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “We are working to build further on this sales momentum by delivering even more new products with industry-leading quality, smart technologies and fuel-efficient powertrains this year.”

For the first quarter of the year, Ford reports it sold 428,596 vehicles, meaning a 37 oercent increase from the same period last year. The achievement was possible thanks to both the March and February performances, the highest monthly increases since 1984.

Taken separately, the cars in Ford's portfolio registered a 53 percent increase compared to 2009, utilities increased by 46 percent while trucks were up 30 percent. The launch of the new Fiesta, the F-Series or the Transit Connect Electric is hoped to further increase Ford's appeal.

“Ford’s plan is working,” Czubay added. “People increasingly are discovering that the Ford difference is the strength of our fresh, new product lineup, especially our leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technologies and value.”