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Ford Canada truck sales increase 7% in May as Explorer breaks record

OAKVILLE, ON, June 3 /CNW/ - Consumers in Canada purchased 27,060 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in May, down slightly by 0.9 per cent from the same month last year. Truck sales increased 7.0 per cent to 17,964 units while car sales declined 13.6 per cent to 9,096 units.

"Sport utility vehicles make up the fastest-growing segment in Canada and Ford Explorer continues to be Canadians' top choice in this crucial market," said Robert Girard, vice president of sales, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. Explorer sales set a new record in May at 2,834 units - a 54.5 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.

"And as we head into the hot summer months, Ford of Canada leads in convertible sales with two automotive icons," Girard added. "Ford Mustang is Canada's most popular convertible and there are now nearly 500 legendary Ford Thunderbirds cruising Canadian roads - with the top-down, of course."

Ford of Canada calendar-year-to-date sales are up 3.9 per cent overall, with truck sales up 5.8 per cent and car sales holding steady with last year's pace.

	    May Highlights
	    - Ford Explorer set a new record for May sales with a 54.5 per cent
	      increase.
	    - Both Ford Ranger and Ford Mustang recorded their best May sales in
	      eight years with a 12.6 per cent increase and 2 per cent increase
	      respectively.
	    - Lincoln Town Car sales were up 59.5 per cent - its best May since 1989.
	    - May sales of the St. Thomas, Ont.-built Mercury Grand Marquis were up
	      17.6 per cent.
	    - Ford F-Series sales were up 14.4 per cent.

	    <<

	                    Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

	                  May 2002 and Calendar Year Vehicle Sales


	                                    2002          2001        % Change

	    Total Vehicles
	    --------------

	    May                           27,060        27,317           -0.9%
	    January - May                109,415       105,336            3.9%


	    Total Cars
	    ----------

	    May                            9,096        10,527          -13.6%
	    January - May                 35,051        35,055            0.0%


	    Total Trucks
	    ------------

	    May                           17,964        16,790            7.0%
	    January - May                 74,364        70,281            5.8%
	    >>