Ford Touts Brisk Small-Car Sales, but Overall US September Numbers Flat

Ford Motor Co. (IW 500/6) said its overall September sales in the United States were flat year-over-year, with a drop in truck sales dragging on the automaker's numbers.

Ford reported September sales of 174,976 units, compared with 175,199 units in September 2011.

The discontinuation of the Ranger dinged Ford's overall truck sales, which fell nearly 8% year-over-year. Still, sales of Ford's popular F-Series jumped 1% to 55,077 units, marking the pickup truck's best September since 2007.

And the automaker also saw a silver lining in sales of its small cars.

Sales of the Focus, C-MAX and Fiesta hit 24,628 vehicles, marking the best September for Ford small-car sales since 2002 and a 73% year-over-year increase.

The Escape compact SUV had its best September ever, with sales of 23,148 units.

"Fuel economy remains one of the most important features customers want most today, and Ford is answering the call with five vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better -- with another three on the way by year-end," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice
president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.