Ford U.S. Sales up 14%; Focus Continues to Surge

Ford Motor Co. reported a 14% year-over-year increase in February U.S. sales, with the Ford Focus continuing its monster year. Ford sold 23,350 Focus compact sedans in February, a 115% year-over-year increase. Through February, sales of the Focus are up nearly 90% over the same period in 2011. Overall, Ford sold 179,119 vehicles in the United States. "Sales momentum built as February unfolded, with higher fuel prices driving consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles in the second half of the month," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. The Focus contributed 40% to Ford's total U.S. sales growth in February, more than any other vehicle in the automaker's lineup. Other highlights included the Escape SUV, which had its best February in history with sales of 18,666 units. Sales of Ford's bread-and-butter F-Series pickup trucks rose 26% to 47,273 units.