Fuel-Efficient Fords Push Sales to New Heights

LONDONDERRY, N.H. (05/12/2011)(readMedia)-- LONDONDERRY, N.H., May 12, 2011 -- The last time Ford Motor Company saw the kind of profits it had in the first quarter of 2011, Bill Clinton was president and neighbors competed over who could buy the bigger and bolder SUV. However, Ford's $2.55 billion-dollar first-quarter profit, their best since 1998, was announced as the automaker's sales increasingly shift to smaller, fuel-efficient models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

While fuel economy was a low priority for most buyers during Ford's SUV-fueled success in 1998, today's skyrocketing gas prices have made it a leading concern for customers at Ford dealers. This has opened up new markets for the automaker's subcompact Ford Fiesta and the hybrid Ford Fusion. A recent report by market research and forecasting firm Baum and Associates found that first-quarter sales of hybrids and subcompact cars in the United States were up 33.9 and 23.3 percent, respectively, compared to 2010.

"Today's car buyers are looking at more than the initial price of the vehicle -- they want to know what it's going to cost them in their daily travels," said Jim McGovern, general manager of New Hampshire Ford dealer Ford of Londonderry. "Ford has a number of loaded vehicles that get the best gas mileage in their class and are cheap to maintain. That ticks a lot of important boxes with buyers."

Ford's comprehensive push toward fuel efficiency, with 12 vehicles now leading their segments in fuel economy, helped the automaker achieve a 16-percent increase in sales in the first quarter of 2011. The revamped 2011 Ford Explorer, now with a best-in-class fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, more than doubled in sales compared to the first quarter last year. Meanwhile, sales of the Ford Fusion, including the Fusion Hybrid, America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, grew 27 percent.

With high gas prices expected to continue, Ford recently revealed details regarding the 2013 Ford Taurus, which promises better fuel economy and more technology features. The 2013 Taurus will be the first vehicle in Ford's North American lineup to be powered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, as opposed to the current 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost available in the 2011 Taurus SHO (Super High Output) and the F-150 pickup truck. The new 2013 Taurus, which Ford says will deliver a class-leading 31 mpg or more on the highway, should also get an estimated 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.

While Ford is making inroads in fuel consumption with its EcoBoost engines, its innovation in regards to electric powertrains has also been receiving attention. Ford's first all-electric vehicle, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, will be released in 19 markets later this year.

"Everywhere you turn on our lot, there is a success story around fuel efficiency, whether it's a completely revamped Ford Explorer that has shed its fuel-guzzling past, or our newer compacts and hybrids," McGovern added. "Ford now has EcoBoost engines that do the same work as larger, thirstier powertrains, and soon we'll see all-electric Fords that don't need fossil fuels at all."

About Ford of Londonderry:

Ford of Londonderry is the premier Southern New Hampshire Ford dealer, serving those in nearby Derry, Concord, Nashua and Manchester. Ford of Londonderry has the extensive new and used Ford inventory New Hampshire drivers desire, with amazing prices and specials on all the latest models. You can preview their wide selection of Fords at www.fordoflondonderry.com, call them at 888-871-1155, "like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FordofLondonderry, or visit their Ford dealership at 33 Nashua Road in Londonderry, N.H.