The Economy

Brisk Focus Sales Fuel Strong Start for Ford in 2012

Feb. 1, 2012

Ford's U.S. sales rose 7% in January, marked by growth in sales of the Focus sedan and Escape SUV.

Ford Motor Co. said its January U.S. sales increased 7% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for its Ford Focus compact sedan.

The automaker reported U.S. sales of 136,710 vehicles in January, with sales of the Focus contributing nearly one-third of the sales growth.

Ford sold 14,400 Focus sedans in January, a 60% year-over-year increase and the best January for Focus sales since 2003.

"January started off with solid sales versus year-ago levels," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service. "Ford saw the same solid month, with smaller vehicles in higher demand. Escape continued its record-setting run, and Focus set the pace for car sales in California, Texas and the Southeast."

Ford's core strength continues to be trucks, with more than 75% of the V-6 full-size pickup market in the United States. Ford sold 38,493 F-Series trucks in January, an 8% year-over-year increase.

EcoBoost-equipped F-150s represented 42% of retail sales in January, the automaker reported.

The automaker noted that it sold 131,589 Ford-brand vehicles in January, marking the best January for the brand since 2008.

The Ford Escape compact SUV also posted a strong month, with 17,259 units sold, marking the Escape's best January ever.

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About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.