Ford Tops Vehicle Sales in 2010

BEVERLY, MA (01/28/2011)(readMedia)-- For the 34th consecutive year, the top-selling vehicle in the United States is the Ford F-Series. Ford also ended 2010 with the top-selling car from an American brand, the Ford Fusion.

Ford delivered 528,349 F-Series trucks in 2010, growing sales for the year by 27.7% over 2009 and beating out the second place Chevrolet Silverado by more than 150,000 units. The Ford Fusion, which was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2010, topped all domestic manufacturers with 219,219 vehicles sold, good enough to finish eighth on the top 10 sales list. With sales growth of 21.3% in 2010, the Fusion increased sales faster than any other car on the list.

That 2010 momentum continued into the new year, as the 2011 Ford Fusion was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Fusion earned highest-possible "Good" ratings for front and side impacts, roof strength and head restraint in rear crashes, and meets the additional Top Safety Pick criteria by offering electronic stability control as a standard feature.

"The Motor Trend award drove a lot of interest in the Fusion, and the Top Safety Pick reminded car buyers again why this sedan sold so many models last year," said Jeff Klein, general sales manager of Massachusetts Ford dealer Thomas Ford of Beverly. "Plus, Ford has also started the year by winning the North American Truck of the Year award for the 2011 Explorer. These awards speak volumes about the quality, innovation and value that Ford offers, and they're why we're expecting a strong 2011."

With seven models to choose from, the Fusion presents a wide array of excellent designs and amenities, including a capless fuel filler and MyKey with the Belt-Minder system, a feature that mutes the audio system if seat belts are not buckled. Also available is the innovative Ford SYNC, which allows hands-free calls and music control with voice commands, and a reverse sensing system to alert drivers to obstacles behind them.

Drivers also have a choice of powertrain packages that range from ultra-economical to thrilling. Urban commuters can steer clear of the gas pump with the Fusion Hybrid, which gets 41 mpg in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Those who want performance can choose a Fusion equipped with a V-6 DuraTec engine that generates 240 horsepower, while Greater Boston Ford buyers who want to corral sticker prices can choose the base model, which offers a 4-cylinder DuraTec that pushes out 170 horsepower.

Owners who want extra stability on the road can choose the Ford Fusion SEL, which adds all-wheel drive as an available option, ideal for coping with slick and snowy winter roads.

"Ford Fusion owners have a tremendous selection of choices, all built around the idea of creating the perfect sedan," Klein said. "Ford gives you the option of having the same styling, technology and engineering with an engine that fits your personality. Starting with a simple concept and adding extras that improve it is a big part of the reason why Ford is winning awards and customers for the Fusion."

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 and service departments' commitment to customer 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 web site at www.thomasford.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThomasFordAuto or stop by their dealership at 211 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA.