Ford Reports September 2008 Sales

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2008 - Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers reported total sales of 116,734 in September, down 34 percent versus a year ago.

September was the lowest sales month for Ford and the industry this year.

"Consumers and businesses are in a very fragile place," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "An already weak economy compounded by very tight credit conditions has created an atmosphere of caution."

The national marketing launch for the Ford Flex crossover and Lincoln MKS sedan began in September. Both new products have steadily increased their share of segment. The Ford Flex has the highest conquest rate of any Ford product (except for Escape Hybrid), and also is attracting the highest rate of premium and import buyers. The Lincoln MKS ranks third in the mid-size luxury car segment behind only the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class.

The 2009 model Ford F-150 has class leading capability (11,300 pounds towing and 3,030 pounds payload) and unsurpassed fuel economy of 21 mpg highway with the SFE package.

"The sell down of the current model F-150 is ahead of schedule, and the first shipments of the new F-150 will arrive soon at Ford dealers," said Farley.

Ford's F-Series is America's No. 1 selling truck for 31 years in a row and the new F-150 is designed and engineered to raise the bar in the light-duty pickup market.