Ford #1 in 1997 California Sales
10 February 1998
Ford Wins 1997 California Sales Leadership Race
ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 10 -- Ford Motor Company
again sold more cars and trucks during 1997 than any other automotive company
in the important trend-setting California market.
The company's Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers have been the California
sales leaders in four of the past five years. And, for the 15th straight
year, Ford Division captured the 1997 sales crown as the car and truck sales
leader among all automotive divisions in California.
According to registration figures released by R. L. Polk Company, Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers sold 370,155 cars and trucks in the state during
1997 -- 2,523 more units than second-place General Motors.
Ford Division sold 324,302 cars and trucks last year -- 127,645 more than
second-place Toyota and 133,451 more than third place Chevrolet.
"The popularity of Ford products in this important market is
unmistakable," said John Mendel, Ford Division Los Angeles regional sales
manager. "The combination of our appealing products, like the four-door
Ranger and sporty ZX2, and our service-oriented dealer body, deliver what
Californians want," he said.
Four of the state's 10 best-selling vehicles are Ford Division products:
F-Series trucks, Explorer, Taurus and Ranger. Taurus, Escort and Mustang are
among the top 10 best-selling cars in the state. F-Series, Explorer, Ranger
and Expedition are among the top 10 best-selling trucks.
The importance of the California market also is reflected in the company's
recent announcement to move Lincoln Mercury's national headquarters this
summer to Irvine, California.
"Moving our headquarters into the heart of one of the world's largest
automotive markets and a hotbed of creativity and innovation puts us exactly
where we need to be," said Jim O'Connor, Ford vice president and general
manager of Lincoln Mercury.
In 1997, Lincoln Mercury's California sales were highlighted by strong
showings for both luxury cars and trucks. The new luxury utility vehicle,
Lincoln Navigator, burst onto the scene with California sales of 2,029 units,
leading the burgeoning luxury segment in its first six months on the market.
Ford news releases and photographs are available on the Ford News Service
web site ( http://media.ford.com ). High resolution photographs may be
downloaded from the web site or from Wieck Photo Database (972-392-0888) at no
charge.
SALES LEADERS IN CALIFORNIA
1997
(Total Calendar Year Registrations)
Top Five Manufacturers
1. FORD MOTOR COMPANY 370,155
2. General Motors 367,632
3. Toyota 214,411
4. Chrysler 185,495
5. Honda 157,947
Top 10 Cars
1. Honda Civic 61,551
2. Toyota Camry 58,999
3. Honda Accord 57,453
4. Toyota Corolla 36,134
5. FORD TAURUS 34,194
6. FORD ESCORT 25,192
7. Saturn 23,103
8. Chevrolet Cavalier 18,851
9. FORD MUSTANG 17,141
10. Pontiac Grand Am 15,746
Top 10 Trucks
1. FORD F-SERIES 54,290
2. FORD EXPLORER 42,888
3. Chevrolet C/K 36,599
4. FORD RANGER 30,997
5. Toyota Pickup 28,853
6. Dodge Caravan 26,940
7. Toyota 4 Runner 26,702
8. Dodge D150/350 26,655
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee 25,013
10. FORD EXPEDITION 24,669
Top 10 Vehicles
1. Honda Civic 61,551
2. Toyota Camry 58,999
3. FORD F-SERIES 58,539
4. Honda Accord 57,453
5. FORD EXPLORER 42,888
6. Chevrolet C/K 36,599
7. Toyota Corolla 36,134
8. FORD TAURUS 34,194
9. FORD RANGER 30,997
10. Toyota Pickup 28,853
Source: R. L. Polk Company
SOURCE Ford Motor Company