Ford said it has seen consumer demand grow for its portfolio of fuel efficient vehicles, as total February sales rose 14% to 156,626 and retail sales grew 23% from a year ago.
"With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers' consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing," said Ken Czubay, Ford's vice president for U.S. marketing, sales and service.
"Ford's investment in new products, engines and transmissions is delivering real value to our customers, and people are rewarding us for it."
Retail sales of Ford's small cars -- Fiesta and Focus -- were more than double year-ago levels while the Fiesta had its best sales month ever with 6,270 vehicles sold.
However, demand remained strong for Ford's gasoline-guzzling trucks and sport utility vehicles with sales of the all-new Explorer up 139% at 9,657 vehicles.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011
