Ford F-Series Continues to Dominate U.S. Vehicle Sales

BEVERLY, MASS (09/09/2010)(readMedia)-- For the month of August, Ford F-Series truck sales grew and the automaker improved its brand share even as overall U.S. auto sales dipped. Ford truck sales grew by 5% over August 2009, and the F-Series led the way with a 4.5% sales increase. Ford's market share of U.S. auto sales grew for the 22nd time in the past 23 months.

Across the industry, year-over-year auto sales posted a sharp decline in August, in part because the Cash for Clunkers program provided a major sales boost during 2009. So far this year, Ford sales are up by 18%, double the industry average.

"We continue to see very strong demand for Ford trucks and cars," said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Thomas Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. "Cash for Clunkers really inflated August sales last year, when everyone rushed out to be a part of the program. This past August was much closer to normal for us."

Klein also noted that Ford recently released an upgrade for 2011 Super Duty Diesel models that will increase the output of the 6.7-liter turbocharged V-8 to a best-in-class 400 horsepower and 800 pound feet of torque, improving towing and payload capacities while getting 20% better fuel economy than the 2010 model. Owners of 2011 Super Duty Ford trucks with the diesel engine can bring them to Thomas Ford for a free software upgrade that will recalibrate the powertrain controls with the higher settings.

Ford's F-Series trucks were the top-selling vehicles in the United States in August, with 47,652 units sold. The F-Series has been America's best-selling truck for the past 33 years and the best-selling vehicle in all classes for 28 years.

Through the end of August, Ford sold 338,446 F-Series trucks, making the F-Series the only vehicle line to top 300,000 unit sales in the United States through the first 8 months of 2010. F-Series sales are up 29.4% through the end of August when compared with the same period last year.

"Customization options set the F-Series apart and keep customers coming back," Klein said. "Whether you need a truck for a landscaping business, a plow, a dump truck or a lift truck, there is an F-Series that will get the job done reliably. Once you have the model picked out, you can choose trim levels that go from practical to luxurious. It's almost like building the truck you always wanted from scratch."

Improved fuel economy is one of the highlights of the 2011 F-Series lineup, but Ford will also continue to build performance trucks. Ford recently revealed its purpose-built and Baja-proven Raptor Crew Cab off-road truck, which will ship with a 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 as standard equipment.

About Thomas Ford:

Thomas Ford, located in Beverly MA, has been a fixture in the North Shore of Massachusetts for over 40 years. They base their success on their dedicated sales staff and service department, both of whom are committed to ensuring their customers' satisfaction. It's never been a better time to be a Ford owner, and Thomas Ford encourages you to stop by their dealership to discover why. For more information, call them at 1-800-910-1082, visit their website at www.thomasford.com, or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA.