Ford Maintains Sales Leadership in Michigan
31 March 2000
Ford Maintains Sales Leadership in Michigan
DETROIT, March 31 According to R.L. Polk's 1999 vehicle
registrations, Ford had five of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in Michigan.
The Ford F-Series and Ford Taurus maintained their no. 1 positions as best-
selling truck and car in the state. Ford Explorer came in second for best-
selling truck-proving that Michiganders are still crazy about their Ford
trucks.
Ford F-Series trucks have occupied the top spot nationally for 18-straight
years, making it the best-selling vehicle overall in 1999 with a total of over
869,313 sold-the most for any model in the U.S. in the past two decades.
In 1999, Michigan drivers registered approximately 265,628 new Ford,
Lincoln and Mercury brand cars and trucks. Ford Motor Company's
Ford Division had 208,585 registrations, of which 62,223 were cars and 146,362
were trucks. Ford Division has 160 dealers in the state.
Lincoln and Mercury had approximately 57,043 registrations in the state,
of which 39,995 were cars and 17,038 were trucks. Lincoln Mercury has 103
dealerships in Michigan, some of which are shared with Ford Division.
Ford Motor Company maintained its number one position in its home state
after completing some of the most important product launches in the company's
97-year history. In 1999, Ford's Southeast Michigan-based hourly and salaried
employees smoothly launched new or significantly refreshed several vehicles,
including the 2000 Ford Focus (Wayne Assembly) and the 2000 Lincoln LS (Wixom
Assembly).
Ford is one of Michigan's largest private-sector employers. In 1999, the
company paid its 81,332 Michigan-based employees over $6.4 billion in salaries
and wages.
Ford has a diverse workforce with employees at 27 manufacturing facilities
and additional administrative offices in the state. Manufacturing and
assembly facilities are located in 17 cities in the state.
During the past year, Ford significantly contributed to Michigan's economy
in several other areas. The company paid the state more than $175 million in
real estate and personal (machinery and equipment) property taxes. In
addition, Ford spent over $14 billion for production components from
approximately 590 Michigan-based suppliers.
As a consumer focused company, Ford's activities include the sales of
vehicles, auto parts and auto services, financial services, steel and plastic
stamping operations, the production of iron castings, the manufacture of
engines and engine components, the manufacture of transmissions and
transmission components, and the assembly of cars and trucks.
Ford made significant investments in Michigan during 1999, including $400
million to upgrade the Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant for new inline
engines which will be produced in the third quarter of 2000. Wixom Assembly
Plant, the largest Ford assembly plant in North America, added 500,000 square
feet and more than 125 employees to produce the new Lincoln LS sports sedan.
The Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant added 250 robots to its body shop and
modernized the paint shop for the new Ford Focus.
Ford Motor Credit Company, the world's largest automotive financing
company, employs 2,400 people working in six branches and other facilities in
the state. Ford Credit has won more J.D. Power quality awards for customer
satisfaction in automotive financing than any other finance provider.
Finally, Ford Motor Company Fund supported state charities with
contributions exceeding $15.2 million. In 1999, Ford and its employees
contributed approximately $2.5 million to 63 Michigan institutions for
programs to advance education. Also, Ford financially supported Michigan
environmental efforts, arts and humanities, health and social welfare, civic
activities, and public policy initiatives.
To get the latest information about Ford Motor Company, click on
http://www.ford.com .
Top 10 Truck Nameplates Top 10 Car Nameplates
(In Michigan, CY 1999) (In Michigan, CY 1999)
1.) F-Series 44,724 1.) Taurus 28,695
2.) Explorer 31,072 2.) Grand Am 19,156
3.) Silverado 26,603 3.) Escort 14,899
4.) Ranger 25,047 4.) Grand Prix 13,147
5.) S-10 22,160 5.) Cavalier 13,114
6.) Grand Cherokee 22,160 6.) Malibu 12,486
7.) Cherokee 21,866 7.) Alero 10,976
8.) Ram 20,414 8.) Sable 10,057
9.) Windstar 20,281 9.) Intrigue 9,475
10.) Blazer 19,478 10.) LeSabre 8,785
Top 10 Car & Truck Nameplates (in Michigan, CY 1999)
1.) F-Series 44,724
2.) Explorer 31,072
3.) Taurus 28,695
4.) Silverado 26,603
5.) Ranger 25,047
6.) S-10 22,160
7.) Grand Cherokee 22,160
8.) Cherokee 21,866
9.) Ram 20,414
10.) Windstar 20,281