Ford scores three of the top 10 vehicles in Canada in 2001
OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 3 /CNW/ - Canadian consumers purchased 22,318 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in December, a 4.6 per cent increase from the same month last year. Truck sales increased 7.7 per cent to 15,513 units while car sales were down slightly by 1.9 per cent to 6,805 units."We built momentum in the final months of 2001 with strong products in key market segments - compact and mid-size car, SUVs and pickups - preserving Ford's title as the best-selling brand in Canada," said Robert Girard, vice president of sales, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "We've worked hard with our dealers to offer the right mix of features and value to Canadian consumers. Staying tuned-in to our customers will drive sales growth in 2002."
Ford of Canada rings in the New Year with three vehicles on Canada's top- ten list in terms of sales -- Ford Focus, Windstar and F-Series.
2001 Sales
Overall, Ford of Canada sales in 2001 totaled 251,684, an 11 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. Truck sales dropped 7.8 per cent to 169,094 units while car sales declined 17.2 per cent with a total of 82,590 units.
"Last year, we saw unprecedented competition in the small car market which accounts for more than half of all vehicle sales in Canada. We're meeting this challenge and are now seeing Ford Focus sales grow with the introduction of the new ZX5 and the enhanced value of the wagon. In fact, Focus set a new December sales record last month."
In truck sales in 2001, Ford dominated the sport-utility market capturing the two top spots in the segment. Explorer is Canada's top-selling SUV for the fifth consecutive year and Escape secured the No. 2 spot in the SUV segment in its first full year of sales. Overall, Ford and Lincoln SUV sales increased 20 per cent in 2001 compared to the previous year.
And, Ford F-Series remains the number-one selling pick up truck nameplate in Canada - a title it has held for 36 years.
December Highlights - Ford Focus set a new December sales record with 3,739 units. - Ford Explorer sales increased 18.3 per cent compared to last December. - Ford Escape sales jumped 40.4 per cent over the same month in 2000. - Ford Taurus sales climbed 7.3 per cent compared to the same month last year. - Total Lincoln sales were up 25 per cent over the previous December. 2001 Highlights - Ford Explorer is the best-selling SUV in Canada for the fifth consecutive year. - Ford Escape captured the No. 2 spot in the Canadian SUV market. - Ford F-Series is the top-selling pick up truck nameplate again in 2001 - its 36th year as number one. - Total Ford and Lincoln SUV sales increased 20 per cent in 2001 compared to the previous year. - Ford Ranger sales jumped 12.4 per cent compared to 2000 sales. - Ford Econoline is the best-selling vehicle in Canada's small bus/van segment. Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited December 2001 and Calendar Year Vehicle Sales 2001 2000 % Change Total Vehicles -------------- December 22,318 21,346 4.6% January - December 251,684 283,042 -11.1% Total Cars ---------- December 6,805 6,937 -1.9% January - December 82,590 99,738 -17.2% Total Trucks ------------ December 15,513 14,409 7.7% January - December 169,094 183,304 -7.8%