November 2007 Sales: Ford Motor Company

[mustang84]

Once again, Mercury is up...27%. The Milan is now outselling the MKZ. Taurus really isn't taking off at all...it's higher than the 500 was at this time last year but not by much. The Mustang is way down. Good performers: Edge, Focus, Fusion, and Escape. F-series, Explorer, Expedition down in the dumps.

FORD EDGE, LINCOLN MKX SET CROSSOVER GROWTH PACE; CUSTOMERS ALSO SNAP UP HYBRIDS, CARS, SYNC

* Ford Motor Company sales totaled 182,951 in November, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago.

* All-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX paced Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossovers to a sales increase of 119 percent; year-to-date crossover sales were up 63 percent.

* Ford Focus posts 18 percent sales gain and Ford Fusion sales were up 39 percent.

* SYNC-equipped units are turning fast and elevating opinions and consideration for Ford.

* Lincoln retail sales were higher for the 14th month in a row.

* Ford announces first quarter 2008 North American production.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec 3 – Continued growth in crossover sales and increased demand for hybrids, fuel-efficient cars and Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-car connectivity technology drove Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE:F) sales in November. Company sales totaled 182,951, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago. November marked the first sales increase following 12 months of declines.

“It is encouraging to see our newest cars, crossovers, hybrids and industry-first SNYC technology resonating with customers,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas. “Continuing to deliver more quality products that people really want and carefully gauging customer demand in the months ahead will help ensure we stay on track with our plan.”

Consumer demand continues to grow for the all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles. Edge sales were 12,594 and Lincoln MKX sales were 3,360. Total sales of crossover utilities, including the redesigned Ford Escape, Ford Taurus X, and Mercury Mariner were 33,271, up 119 percent compared with a year ago. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid models set November sales records.

Sales of the new 2008 Ford Focus were up 18 percent compared with a year ago. Focus is one of 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models equipped with SYNC, an affordable, industry-exclusive in-car connectivity technology that fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and MP3 players into a customer’s driving experience.

“All of our SYNC-equipped models are turning quickly,” said Fields. “Affordable technology that integrates mobile communication and entertainment devices appears to be resonating with consumers. Beyond that, SYNC appears to be changing opinions about Ford and elevating consideration for our products and brands.”

Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan also contributed to the company’s November sales increase. Fusion sales were up 39 percent and Milan sales increased 43 percent.

Lincoln continued its winning streak in November as retail sales climbed 4 percent. November marked the 14th straight month of higher retail sales for the premium brand. Total Lincoln sales in November were down 7 percent, reflecting lower fleet sales.

In November, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales to individual retail customers were 3 percent lower than a year ago. Sales to daily rental companies were down 6 percent, but sales to commercial fleet and government customers were up 25 percent.

North American Production

In the first quarter of 2008, the company plans to produce 685,000 vehicles in North America. This is the initial forecast of first quarter production. In the first quarter of 2007, the company produced 740,000 vehicles. Fourth-quarter 2007 production is 645,000 units, unchanged from the previously announced plan.

Sales Chart: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27313

Edited December 3, 2007 by mustang84

[regfootball]

wow, and some people without foresight thought sync wouldn't make a difference.

..............WRONGO

those that think that the technology and gadget aspect factoring into a car purchase wasn't a big deal are mistaken. It's not all about hardware (like engines and handling) anymore. The convenience of the electronic lifestyle and gadget integration is coming to the forefront of important things for more and more people.

So much, that they may settle for a Ford instead of something else. Or, it gains the exposure for the Ford they have been missing and people get to genuinely like the vehicle too.

lesson. Horsepower, handling, style, safety, etc....all still important and must not have weak effort. But electronics is quickly becoming a leading factor in closing the deal and can get buyers to put the other attributes down the list.

Edited December 3, 2007 by regfootball

[mustang84]

wow, and some people without foresight thought sync wouldn't make a difference.

..............WRONGO

those that think that the technology and gadget aspect factoring into a car purchase wasn't a big deal are mistaken. It's not all about hardware (like engines and handling) anymore. The convenience of the electronic lifestyle and gadget integration is coming to the forefront of important things for more and more people.

So much, that they may settle for a Ford instead of something else. Or, it gains the exposure for the Ford they have been missing and people get to genuinely like the vehicle too.

lesson. Horsepower, handling, style, safety, etc....all still important and must not have weak effort. But electronics is quickly becoming a leading factor in closing the deal and can get buyers to put the other attributes down the list.

Definitely. One of the cool things about the Dodge Avenger (Caliber too?) was that it comes with a USB drive that you can play MP3's directly from. I have a CD player in my car that reads MP3 discs, but it's getting to the point where I get tired of making a new one every time I get new music, and I don't like toting a bunch of CDs around in my car. The advertising was effective too...it simply showed a USB cable plugging into the rear of the Avenger, and instantly understood what it was all about. For youth market cars like the Focus and Avenger, this stuff can make or break a sale for those that are just looking for something that drives and is compatible with their iPods, Zunes, etc.

I don't understand why the Taurus isn't selling...although I have yet to see any type of advertising besides the lame-o ad from a few months ago showing the dad letting his kid drive for the first time or whatever the hell it was. Talk about forgettable.

[regfootball]

taurus = no ads, but i've heard that in some places the taurus x has increased sales a lot and is outselling the taurus.

yes, chrysler has myGig now and their electronics are good also. and Chrysler has had bluetooth on many models for awhile.

I think Ford is the first one to kind of market it as an all in one deal, which is why the success. To me, voice commanding an Ipod and phone is the biggest deal.

GM is way behind (except for CTS) in bluetooth and USB and hard drives. Although I think you can add Ipod control to GM stuff.

I don't know why Ford isn't advertising the Taurus. Maybe they will never promote it. They are running about 4 grand off list right now. Or more. You can stumble into a leather equipped AWD Taurus for well under 30k. I guess the styling is really killing it. IF they can get people into it for a drive, i think they could sell more. Oh well.

Edge is eating into Taurus and Explorer sales too.

Edited December 3, 2007 by regfootball

[Intrepidation]

If Ford wants to sell more Tauruses they need to promote them. At least they aren't down for once though.

[Chicagoland]

Focus sales show that the C1 platform is not what would increase sales, but just re making the interior and adding modern features.

I am sure Euro Ford purists are clicking thier tounges and just cant beleive that this is happening,

[regfootball]

Focus sales show that the C1 platform is not what would increase sales, but just re making the interior and adding modern features.

I am sure Euro Ford purists are clicking thier tounges and just cant beleive that this is happening,

you mean those people who have never touched the hood of the Euro Focus, much less driven one or wrote the check for one? Or looked at how bland / asian looking the mass market version of one is? Or had to build the business case for it or identify the resources to set it up and design it for manufacture here amidst huge product development and resource cuts.

and union contracts.

Jaguar, barely breathing.

Lincoln and Mercury? Not dead yet.

Edited December 3, 2007 by regfootball

[Chicagoland]

Yes, over and BON, I didn't rub thier faces in the #'s, there were others who already did. No reply from the 'C1 would have cured cancer if Ford brought it here'. The reality is the c1's look dated and would have been flops, called "mini 500's", and they would have incentives on them. THe Mazda 3 is soo much better looking, better for that to carry the C1. And have this Focus be in a 'new' state until "C2" comes. [its not called c2, but cant rember actaul code #']

[regfootball]

well that's just it. the visual appeal of the euro focus is simply not there compared to the stars in the segment....the Mazda 3, and VW products. I wouldn't call the civic any kind of star but it does sell. Same with the corolla, but nonetheless, the tangible benefits of the euro focus vs. this revised one are things that are easily identifiable by 'enthusiasts' who spend lots of time surfing the net about cars, but I don't think that in the areas where many normal customers look when car shopping, that the euro focus has any great advantage.

you could say, 'sales would be up 33 percent if they brought over the euro focus'. well, i don't agree, but even if you did agree with that, it would be at the cost of a lot more dollars involved arranging for the sale of that car here.......designing the car for US application, building it here, setting up parts distribution, training, new plant, retraining staff, etc.

plop a plain euro focus on a new car lot next to the current class leaders and even the euro focus is still not gonna get a look, it just looks to asian / bland. and its monroney will be higher and that's pretty much it. no sale. there is not enough to the euro focus design, especially considering its similar evolution to the 00-07 focus, to make it be adequately differentiated in the US market. Ford decided to take a breather from being the limelight for 3 years, and instead is focusing (sorry) on continuing to establish focus' quality record, and positioning it as a practical sensible moderately fun car that you can afford and will integrate into your digital lifestyle.

20 something chicks don't care about sport sedans but if you show them something that enhances their cell phone lifestyle, now you are really tapping into something.

in 12-18 months other competition will have caught up to ford on the sync bit, but about then we will start to see what the next focus will be like and the new mazda 3 will be out too, funneling more $$$$ to ford for more work on the next focus. by that point the reputation of the focus nameplate should be improved, and then ford can springboard off that in a positive way when the next model does come out.

Another reason it doesn't make sense to overly inflate the focus asking prices is that the focus already nips at the heels of real world transaction prices of cars like the Fusion, Malibu, G6, Mazda6, Galant. Cars that start near the 20k mark or less in some cases......that are tempting for the people who are deciding between loaded compact and mildly equipped larger car. In fact, a SV edition G6 is one of the cheapest new cars you can get (well under 20k) and a G6 in any form is a nice upgrade over a compact.

Edited December 4, 2007 by regfootball

[LastMercury]

I believe the Grand Marquis sales are helped by the lack of Town Car production right now.

[ocnblu]

Nice to see the new Focus selling well. Looking at the total package, it's a nice vehicle.

[A Horse With No Name]

Fusion doing well is a plus...

Chris

[Croc]

Glad Mercury Milan is doing coparatively well. That division has so much unrealized potential.

[Drew Dowdell]

you mean those people who have never touched the hood of the Euro Focus, much less driven one or wrote the check for one? Or looked at how bland / asian looking the mass market version of one is? Or had to build the business case for it or identify the resources to set it up and design it for manufacture here amidst huge product development and resource cuts.

and union contracts.

Jaguar, barely breathing.

Lincoln and Mercury? Not dead yet.

<-- seen one in person

<-- ridden in one

<-- driven one

<-- would prefer it over the US focus.

[regfootball]

and you would take it over the mazda3 VW's and all the other compacts? at a higher price..... that is the question.

[Drew Dowdell]

and you would take it over the mazda3 VW's and all the other compacts? at a higher price..... that is the question.

Over the 3? yes

VW? Maybe, I haven't driven the Golf, but with the reliability problems we had with my Ex's Passat, it would be an uphill battle for it.

Remember, I'm coming from a CTS, I'd buy the loaded out model anyway.

This is the Focus I drove.

2 Liter <I think> turbo diesel that was as refined as any Honda 4-cylinder and easily quieter. No it didn't pull to 8,000 rpm, it didn't need to, it felt like a V6.

It starts at 23k Euro which is about 33k dollars but remember that exchange rates are fluid. If they produced it here <or in Mexico> it would be substantially less expensive for us.

If the price was say, 27k dollars, would you pay that for a hard top cabrio with NAV, leather, great handling, and a 4 cylinder diesel that pulls like a V6 and gets 40mpg or better?

Want to keep the $10,000 Focuses? Fine. Brand the Euro-Focus as a Mercury and BAM, Mercury is relevant again.

Edit: I like the *look* of the Astra, but the engine and weird option combinations give me pause. I'd have to drive it first. If we had gotten the Astra Twintop, then yeah, I'd go Saturn.

Edited December 4, 2007 by Oldsmoboi

[Member55]

Over the 3? yes

VW? Maybe, I haven't driven the Golf, but with the reliability problems we had with my Ex's Passat, it would be an uphill battle for it.

Remember, I'm coming from a CTS, I'd buy the loaded out model anyway.

This is the Focus I drove.

2 Liter <I think> turbo diesel that was as refined as any Honda 4-cylinder and easily quieter. No it didn't pull to 8,000 rpm, it didn't need to, it felt like a V6.

It starts at 23k Euro which is about 33k dollars but remember that exchange rates are fluid. If they produced it here <or in Mexico> it would be substantially less expensive for us.

If the price was say, 27k dollars, would you pay that for a hard top cabrio with NAV, leather, great handling, and a 4 cylinder diesel that pulls like a V6 and gets 40mpg or better?

Want to keep the $10,000 Focuses? Fine. Brand the Euro-Focus as a Mercury and BAM, Mercury is relevant again.

Edit: I like the *look* of the Astra, but the engine and weird option combinations give me pause. I'd have to drive it first. If we had gotten the Astra Twintop, then yeah, I'd go Saturn.

You put that car in Mercury's showroom and ask ~$30K for it and you'll sell 5 units per year, if you're lucky.

[91z4me]

You put that car in Mercury's showroom and ask ~$30K for it and you'll sell 5 units per year, if you're lucky.

I disagree but at this point it is just pissing in the wind since neither of us has any numbers or frames of references to go by.

Edit:

And I would take the old Focus over the 3, I just don't care for the styling. The Rabbit on the other hand would be in my top 2 of 3 doors (w/ C1 Focus being the other).

Edited December 5, 2007 by 91z4me

[regfootball]

even if you take that focus at 33k with the current rate and say you are able to sell it for 23 grand, you still won't get a lot of sales. one, people (the image conscious hipsters) spending that much on a compact don't want a ford label on their car, no matter how good it is. paranoid hipsters preserving their hipness simply want a better name on their car. 2, it crosses too far over in fusion territory price wise. fusion is ford's volume seller and needs to sell in volume and at a decent price. this is pretty much ford's entire model, selling mid market vehicles in volume for accessible prices. as good as the focus SVT was they still couldn't sell any of them because the price was way too high. There is a price ceiling for a compact ford, no matter how good it is....just like there is a price ceiling for a car like the phaeton.

Ford won't try to sell compact cars in price slots of the boutique compacts, like the A3 that can't even crack 10k units a year.

Ford's business model requires volume and competitive pricing. They did the math and figured it was less cash (that they did not have to begin with) to reskin the US version and that they would have a better chance meeting price point and volume figures with the US model also. They also needed to save money to somewhat reskin a bunch of other models as well because they had no money for all new models.

Considering Jac Nasser left the company with zero resources, you can understand it wasn't a bunch of fat old guys in a room saying, 'we're really gonna screw that Oldsmoboi guy, I think we'll teach him a lesson and keep the US version'.

Also keep in mind that the diesel would have never been an option anyways. It wasn't until like this year we had clean diesel and Ford would not have invested in making any of their diesels salable here due to cost of that. Even VW had to take tdi of the market for a year.

Edited December 5, 2007 by regfootball

[Member55]

even if you take that focus at 33k with the current rate and say you are able to sell it for 23 grand, you still won't get a lot of sales. one, people (the image conscious hipsters) spending that much on a compact don't want a ford label on their car, no matter how good it is. paranoid hipsters preserving their hipness simply want a better name on their car. 2, it crosses too far over in fusion territory price wise. fusion is ford's volume seller and needs to sell in volume and at a decent price. this is pretty much ford's entire model, selling mid market vehicles in volume for accessible prices. as good as the focus SVT was they still couldn't sell any of them because the price was way too high. There is a price ceiling for a compact ford, no matter how good it is....just like there is a price ceiling for a car like the phaeton.

Ford won't try to sell compact cars in price slots of the boutique compacts, like the A3 that can't even crack 10k units a year.

Ford's business model requires volume and competitive pricing. They did the math and figured it was less cash (that they did not have to begin with) to reskin the US version and that they would have a better chance meeting price point and volume figures with the US model also. They also needed to save money to somewhat reskin a bunch of other models as well because they had no money for all new models.

Considering Jac Nasser left the company with zero resources, you can understand it wasn't a bunch of fat old guys in a room saying, 'we're really gonna screw that Oldsmoboi guy, I think we'll teach him a lesson and keep the US version'.

Also keep in mind that the diesel would have never been an option anyways. It wasn't until like this year we had clean diesel and Ford would not have invested in making any of their diesels salable here due to cost of that. Even VW had to take tdi of the market for a year.

One more thing, Ford can't move up the Focus until it has a car smaller than Focus in the lineup.

[regfootball]

that too. to me, the focus is as small as a car should get to begin with, but i know some think ford needs an aveo fighter.

[91z4me]

Take your pic of Fiesta or Ka, both are smaller and both are great for their home markets.