Posted on 01/05/2010 10:07:38 AM PST by GOP_Lady
Ford Motor Co. posted a 33% rise in December U.S. light-vehicle sales, ending a stellar year for the auto maker compared with its rivals. Ford recorded its first full-year market-share gain since 1995.
Meanwhile, Chrysler Group LLC posted a 3.7% decline and said its full-year sales were the worst the auto maker had seen in 47 years.
Shares in Ford were up 7.1% to $11.01 at midday on the New York Stock Exchange, reaching the highest level since August 2005.
Ford put its U.S. market share at about 15% for the year—about one percentage point higher than 2008. December's sales growth marks the fifth time in six months Ford has seen increases. The company's latest results were aided by two extra selling days, making for easier comparisons.
The recent results at Ford have been the strongest of the Detroit auto makers. The company has posted back-to-back quarterly profits and said it would be "solidly profitable" in 2011.
On Tuesday, Ford reported its U.S. companywide light-vehicle sales were 183,701 in December compared with 138,325 a year earlier. There were 28 selling days last month, two more than last year.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car sales rose 33% to 179,017. Sales of crossover vehicles rose 51%, while sales of sport-utility vehicles increased 33%. Truck and van sales rose 18%. For the year, Ford's sales fell 15% to 1.62 million.
Chrysler reported sales fell to 86,523 vehicles in December, with a 31% gain in car sales and a 14% decline in truck sales. Still, the company said 11 vehicles experienced year-over-year increases. For all of 2009, Chrysler's sales declined 36% to 931,402 vehicles. Chrysler, which left bankruptcy protection in June under the management control of Fiat SpA, has performed the worst of any of the major auto makers.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Yep. Hubby and I rewarded Ford for running their business the best that they could.
I have never owned a Ford. I’ve owned Chevy’s, Chryslers, Toyotas, and Hondas.
My family has decided our next vehicle will be a Ford.
I am government motors worst nightmare.
It only takes a small percentage of people like me to eat into their bottom line.
Yep. It’s an extremely competitive market.
Hubby and I did consider Toyota, but we felt the Explorer seemed to be a better vehicle for the money.
We own a 95 Taurus (142K miles), 98 Explorer XLT (208K miles) and a 2008 Fusion (18.7K miles). The two older always did and still run great. We love the Fusion...great car with lot’s of extras for the money. Couldn’t be more pleased with it; wouldn’t mind owning two!
I rented an Explorer to drive from Reno, NV to Stockton, CA some years ago. It was snowing and the California Highway Patrol was allowing only 4WD and vehicles with chains down the Donner Pass. The Explorer I rented was the last 4WD vehicle on the rental lot.
I got behind a big snow plow truck and the drive was a breeze.
I’m certain the lefties will think this just is not right and will find some way to screw Ford. Such as heavily subsidize GM and Chrysler purchases with tax payers money.
I have a Taurus now. A very good car for the money.
Hubby and I rented a Fusion in Vegas, as well, and we liked it.
Check out the Ford Fusion. We have the upgraded V6 model with lots of extras...2008 ... a whole lot of car for the money...rides very sporty-like. Couldn’t be more pleased with it.
Any one out there wanting a Friends and Neighbor discount from Ford, just let me know. All I need is name, address and the last four digits of your social security number. I will get you a pin number you take to the dealer. No haggling on price. My dear husband is a Ford salaried retiree and son-in-law is a Ford engineer.
I know you will think this is crazy, but I had an Escort. it was actually a blast to drive — fun. And you know what? I live in the heart of the snowbelt, and it did great in the snow. I think it was because of how well balanced it was.
FORD is behaving very anti-socialistic and will be subject to Obama’s Thugs.
I looked at and drove the Fusion Sport and was impressed.
I loved my Toyota. It lasted when nothing else did. However, I will tell you it seems to have a problem with small details. The inside, handles, etcetera just don’t seem to hold up.
I have had two Toyota Camrys and between the two of them have probably bought ten door handles. The Accord had a stronger, more quality interior and exterior - but it needed a transmission, which is a common problem.
The new Ford Fiesta will be out Summer 2010.
After driving foreign cars for most of 30 years, I bought a 2008 Ford Edge a little over a year ago. It’s a very solid vehicle, is well built, and handles and drives well (and I’m saying this as someone who traded in a very reliable 2003 BMW 325i).
I’ve been very impressed by Ford products. If anyone is considering a new car I’d say stop by your local Ford dealership and test drive a few of their cars.
Thanks for the good words. My huband launched the Explorer at the Louisville Assembly Plant many years ago. They were really proud of that vehicle.
“We’re on our third Explorer. Good solid vehicles every one.”
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Best, most reliable and useful vehicle I have ever owned.
Just retired my beloved 1996 Eddie Bauer model in the idiotic Cash for Clunkers program. (Thanks to all you taxpayers for the $3500.00 premium on my near junkyard level Explorer).
I will continue to buy FULL SIZE SUVs (or a pickup now that my kids are grown), even if gas goes to $10.00/gallon.
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