Ford Motor Company Sales Up 9 Percent, Best February In Six Years; Fusion, Escape Set Sales Records

DEARBORN, MI--March 1, 2013:

• Ford Motor Company U.S. February sales up 9 percent -- best February in six years, with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent
• Fusion sets an all-time February sales record, surpasses last year's record by 28 percent
• Escape produces its best February sales ever; Explorer reaches best February sales since 2006, up 59 percent
• America's best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts 15 percent gain
• Ford announces 2013 second-quarter production of 800,000 vehicles, up 9 percent from the prior year

Ford Motor Company's U.S. February sales grew 9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold. This marks Ford's best February sales in six years -- with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent.

"As more new vehicle buyers continue returning to the marketplace, our fresh new product portfolio of fuel-efficient vehicles is winning over customers," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "People are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, thanks to strong fuel economy and innovative new technologies."

Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles. This is a 28 percent gain over last February's record.

Escape followed January's record sales with a new February sales record of 24,110 vehicles -- a 29 percent increase over last year. Plus, Explorer boosted its sales 59 percent in February, with 16,586 vehicles sold -- its best February sales results in seven years.

America's best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, sold 54,489 pickups in February, a 15 percent increase over last year. F-Series had its best February sales results since 2007. This marks F-Series' 19^th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect also continues to strengthen, selling 3,610 vehicles in February -- a 57 percent increase over last year.

Ford also announced its 2013 second-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 800,000 vehicles in the second quarter, up 9 percent (63,000 vehicles) from 2012's second quarter. First quarter production of 770,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.