Oct. 2006 Sales: Ford Motor Company

[Northstar]

FORD’S U.S. SALES RISE FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT MONTH; DOUBLE-DIGIT GAINS FOR NEW EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?...9&make_id=trust

* Ford’s October U.S. sales totaled 215,985, up 8 percent compared with a year ago.

* Car sales totaled 82,949, up 22 percent; truck sales totaled 133,036, up 1 percent.

* Ford Fusion (up 143 percent), Mercury Milan (up 67 percent), Lincoln MKZ (up 90 percent), Ford Focus (up 27 percent) and the outgoing Ford Taurus (up 73 percent) pace the car sales increase.

* New Ford Expedition (up 41 percent) and Lincoln Navigator (up 44 percent) post double-digit gains in October.

* Ford Escape surpasses 1 million sales milestone in October – and cements its position as the best-selling small utility since its introduction in late 2000.

* Ford October inventories are 107,000 units lower than a year ago.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1 – Ford Motor Company’s dealers delivered 215,985 vehicles to U.S. customers in October, up 8 percent compared with a year ago. It is the second monthly sales increase for the company, which posted a 5-percent increase in September.

October car sales were up 22 percent as sales for the company’s new mid-size cars (Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ) were more than double a year ago. The Ford Focus and the outgoing Ford Taurus also posted sharply higher sales.

Truck sales were up 1 percent, led by gains for the new 2007-model Expedition and Navigator, which now are on sale in dealerships.

Expedition sales were 8,553 (up 41 percent), and Navigator sales were 2,066 (up 44 percent).

Ford’s F-Series pickup also was up 3 percent, and the Ford Econoline full-size van was up 31 percent.

October sales for the Ford Escape (9,603) lifted the vehicle’s lifetime sales to more than 1 million. The Escape has been the best-selling small utility vehicle in the United States since it was introduced in late 2000. Cumulative sales now total 1,001,186.

U.S. Inventories Lower

At the end of October, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury inventories were estimated at 622,000 units. This level is 107,000 units lower than a year ago and 30,000 units lower than at the end of September. The company estimates three-quarters of the present inventory is new 2007 models.

“We are very serious about aligning inventories with demand,” said Al Giombetti, president, Ford and Lincoln Mercury sales and marketing. “Our dealers did an outstanding job with the 2006 model sell-down program, and we took a painful but necessary action to reduce fourth-quarter production.

[Satty]

The Fusion et al. have been out for about a year, can they still call them new? Good to see the sales increasing.

[Intrepidation]

Wow 143% for the Fusion, very impressive. Looks like Ford did a good job with their large SUVs too. What amazes me is the Turaus being up 73%...kinda makes you wonder why they don't keep making it?

Good for Ford, I look forward to seeing the Edge help them out.

[regfootball]

"DOUBLE-DIGIT GAINS FOR NEW EXPEDITION, NAVIGATOR"

Ford priced these aggressively, so lower car payments can offset the pricey gas. But, when gas goes up, it would suck.

Also, winter is approaching, a time when many look at SUV's for winter driving.

Good news. Ford just needs to continue some positive things.

shame they are dumping the taurus with fleet volume like that but you can't build em forever.

Explorer is stabilzing.

Wow, they sell buttloads of Econoline vans.

Edited November 1, 2006 by regfootball

[evok]

"Ford’s October U.S. sales totaled 215,985, up 8 percent compared with a year ago."

FORD MOTOR CO. ....................... 237,369 Sept - 06

Total Ford Motor Company ............... 255,112 Aug - 06

FORD MOTOR CO.......................... 240,011 July - 06

FORD MOTOR CO. ...................... 267,862 June - 06

And now for competeness:

FORD MOTOR CO.......................... 198,700 Nov 05 and 267,457 Nov 04

And BTW Fusion sales are down in Oct 06 compared to the same period above.

Any questions?

Edited November 1, 2006 by evok

[hdmax]

It didn't take consumers long to forget about high fuel prices GM, and Ford seen huge gains in full size SUV's in October 06. (It's hard to believe that $2.25 a gallon is considered cheap now )

[ehaase]

Take out the Taurus and sales are down. The situation at Ford is pathetic, and there is little good news here.

[Chicagoland]

Take out the money losing Taurus, and profits go up.

Fleet managers are stockpiling the cheapo cars, but they should pay retail like us people on the street.

[Mr.Krinkle]

"Ford’s October U.S. sales totaled 215,985, up 8 percent compared with a year ago."

FORD MOTOR CO. ....................... 237,369 Sept - 06

Total Ford Motor Company ............... 255,112 Aug - 06

FORD MOTOR CO.......................... 240,011 July - 06

FORD MOTOR CO. ...................... 267,862 June - 06

And now for competeness:

FORD MOTOR CO.......................... 198,700 Nov 05 and 267,457 Nov 04

And BTW Fusion sales are down in Oct 06 compared to the same period above.

Any questions?

211233[/snapback]

ive got one. would one or possibly two breakout hits turn those numbers around?

[Member55]

Their Fusion strategy is interesting, while selling 10K units is nothing impressive we have to keep in mind that those are about 95% retail sales. At this point they couldn't sell 20K units a month even if there were that many customers, the plant is already maxed out. It's no wonder that the rebate is only $500 at this time IIRC. I wonder if they will stick with one plant for a few years, until the Fusion is established player and sales can go up without of having to practically give them away.

[97regalGS]

ive got one.  would one or possibly two breakout hits turn those numbers around?

211404[/snapback]

you mean to get back to the 267,000 from 2004?

i don't think Edge will address that gap.

difference between GM and Ford. GM seems to have some pretty good product coming down the pipe. Ford has...................?

[hdmax]

ive got one.  would one or possibly two breakout hits turn those numbers around?

211404[/snapback]

How do you know Nov won't sale 267K this year? Do you know something no one else does?

[evok]

ive got one.  would one or possibly two breakout hits turn those numbers around?

211404[/snapback]

NO

There are NO breakout products in the near term pipeline.

And their best selling vehicle just went out of production.

Sales should be flat for the next couple years at best.

Edited November 2, 2006 by evok

[Flybrian]

Those hits would have to be serious, '86 Taurus-style hits, and I think we saw the biggest 'hit' we'll see on the car side with the Fusion/Milan/Zephyr.

[evok]

At this point they couldn't sell 20K units a month even if there were that many customers, the plant is already maxed out. It's no wonder that the rebate is only $500 at this time IIRC.

211435[/snapback]

They are not at capacity or close to it.

They are holding production to address the "real world" demand and maintain close to optimal pricing.

[Mr.Krinkle]

NO

There are NO breakout products in the near term pipeline.

And their best selling vehicle just went out of production.

Sales should be flat for the next couple years at best.

211581[/snapback]

i understand the product drought, ...and to be honest ive never cared for ford products to begin with... but ive always felt that the country as a whole has a soft spot for ford. ive always respected their trucks and such and for the most part as a company are viewed in a completely different regard than gm.

they always seem to have good sellers when the product is right. the escorts, taurus, explorers, mustangs, f150's from recent times and im probably leaving some out. all perenial best sellers. it always baffled me how they couldnt

"keep it up"-- much more so than gm. in this instance im inclined to look at management but thats not here nor there.

i agree it might be stagnant for a little but it just seems like people "care" about ford....the friggin windstar, too. what jackasses. the right minivan would even set them off. its a lot of opinion, i know, but i just cant fathom how they could have f'ed it up so royally....

and this has nothing to do with production or capacity problems... thats not holding them back in anyway?? unreal.

Edited November 2, 2006 by Mr.Krinkle

[Mr.Krinkle]

you mean to get back to the 267,000 from 2004?

i don't think Edge will address that gap.

difference between GM and Ford.  GM seems to have some pretty good product coming down the pipe. Ford has...................?

211453[/snapback]

theyve got a wing and a prayer. (the pun really wasnt intended.)

[Mr.Krinkle]

you mean to get back to the 267,000 from 2004?

i don't think Edge will address that gap.

difference between GM and Ford.  GM seems to have some pretty good product coming down the pipe. Ford has...................?

211453[/snapback]

theyve got a wing and a prayer. (the pun really wasnt intended)

[ehaase]

i understand  the product drought, ...and to be honest ive never cared for ford products to begin with... but ive always felt that the country as a whole has a soft spot for ford. 

211599[/snapback]

If Ford went out of business, only Mustang fans and contractors who buy the Super Dutys or Econolines would care. The folks buying Toyotas, Hondas, and BMW's could care less.

[evok]

they always seem to have good sellers when the product is right.  the escorts, taurus, explorers, mustangs, f150's from recent times and im probably leaving some out.  all perenial best sellers.   it always baffled me how they couldnt

"keep it up"--  much more so than gm.  in this instance im inclined to look at management but thats not here nor there.

I agree - Ford for unexplainable reasons imploded these past 6 years and Ford mgt appeared to not even try to right themselves. Ford will be a case study in Harvard's business school for years to come as an unsolved mystery.

As for the product, it will take for 6 new non direct replacement programs to make up for all the lost volume. The market today is too competitive for silver bullet programs like the Taurus, Explorer 20 years ago.

Edited November 2, 2006 by evok

[Newbiewar]

If Ford went out of business, only Mustang fans and contractors who buy the Super Dutys or Econolines would care.  The folks buying Toyotas, Hondas, and BMW's could care less.

211631[/snapback]

i hate to be one of those doom and glooms of wall street but... i dont think ford has a chance... Chrysler at least can be reworked... but ford is 5-8 years away from any kind of glory days... and i dont think lossing 5.8 billion a quarter is going to be productive enough to make 5 years...

[Flybrian]

Here's a whacky-ass thought for the week...

Ford spins off Jaguar and Aston Martin, merges with Chrysler Group, spun off from DCX. Ford benefits from immediate RWD platform availability and minivans, Chrysler gets superior truck technology, both share larger portion of US market.

[Member55]

They are not at capacity or close to it.

They are holding production to address the "real world" demand and maintain close to optimal pricing.

211586[/snapback]

What's the plant max capacity?

[evok]

What's the plant max capacity?

211737[/snapback]

Estimates I have are 250k.

Edited November 3, 2006 by evok

[Member55]

Estimates I have are 250k. 

211807[/snapback]

If we consider Mexico, Canada and South America sales the Fusion trio is selling at ~21K units a month. Unless the plant can do more than 250K it's maxed out.

[evok]

If we consider Mexico, Canada and South America sales the Fusion trio is selling at ~21K units a month. Unless the plant can do more than 250K it's maxed out.

 

211825[/snapback]

Well your sales numbers are a tad inflated but there is always a third shift when Ford wants to get back into the fleet business.

[Member55]

Well your sales numbers are a tad inflated but there is always a third shift when Ford wants to get back into the fleet business.

211845[/snapback]

I don't think they are inflated, during the first 10 months the US sales are 177881, Canada ~15K, I estimated Mexico and SA at 10-15K. Too many countries down there, don't feel like doing the research. According to this random article the plant is already running 24 hours a day. http://www.autonet.ca/News/story.cfm?story...2059993-ap.html

Edited November 3, 2006 by Member55

[evok]

I don't think they are inflated, during the first 10 months the US sales are 177881, Canada ~15K, I estimated Mexico and SA at 10-15K. Too many countries down there, don't feel like doing the research. According to this random article the plant is already running 24 hours a day. http://www.autonet.ca/News/story.cfm?story...2059993-ap.html

211875[/snapback]

QUOTE(Member55 @ Nov 1 2006, 10:12 PM)

At this point they couldn't sell 20K units a month even if there were that many customers, the plant is already maxed out.

Since my earlier post was lost and getting back to my original point, you are still wrong.

Your sales numbers are wrong or a more correct statement is incomplete and your overall assessment of the situation is wrong.

Ford is not contrained by production.

[Member55]

Since my earlier post was lost and getting back to my original point, you are still wrong.

Your sales numbers are wrong or a more correct statement is incomplete and your overall assessment of the situation is wrong.

Ford is not contrained by production.

211976[/snapback]

I was wrong about the plant being maxed out but how are my sales numbers wrong? Do you have better numbers?

[evok]

I was wrong about the plant being maxed out but how are my sales numbers wrong? Do you have better numbers?

211983[/snapback]

Check the data yourself. Over simplified.

[Member55]

Check the data yourself.  Over simplified.

211992[/snapback]

It's not that hard to add up monthly sales numbers. What's so over simplified about it?

[evok]

It's not that hard to add up monthly sales numbers. What's so over simplified about it?

211994[/snapback]

No - It seems you do not know how to add.

I checked the data and you are off base.

You also seem to miss why Ford is running the extra shift and why the incentives are low.

Edited November 4, 2006 by evok

[Member55]

No - It seems you do not know how to add.

I checked the data and you are off base.

You also seem to miss why Ford is running the extra shift and why the incentives are low.

211997[/snapback]

Post your numbers.

[evok]

Post your numbers.

212000[/snapback]

Oh come on - You seem to miss the original point of this discussion.

You were wrong on capacity constraints for the Fusion products.

Global sales - are less than what you stated.

If you want to continue to play your games - get your facts straight. I have been in this business way to long.

I did the sales analysis.

Edited November 4, 2006 by evok

[evok]

BTW - I see you posting. Don't waste my time with your spin. Good night.

[Member55]

Oh come on - You seem to miss the original point of this discussion.

You were wrong on capacity constraints for the Fusion products.

Global sales - are less than what you stated.

If you want to continue to play your games - get your facts straight.  I have been in this business way to long.

212002[/snapback]

Why is it so hard to post the numbers? You called my numbers wrong but will not post the "correct" info. BTW, I did say that I estimated the Mexican and SA sales, no need to insult.

[toyoguy]

Honda can get away with building ugly cars, and so can BMW.

But Ford isn't goin to fair so well.

[Intrepidation]

Honda can get away with building ugly cars, and so can BMW. 

But Ford isn't goin to fair so well.

212206[/snapback]

Ford doesn't have ugly cars, just bland with the exception of some of it's newer products.

Of course it's all a matter of opinion, but Ford's got nothing to compare with the ugliness of the Ridgeline or the Yaris or the Avalon.

Edited November 5, 2006 by Dodgefan