Ford expects to retain edge over Toyota

12/30/2013
DETROIT FREE PRESS

DETROIT — Ford has sold more than 2.4 million vehicles in 2013 and expects to retain its best-selling title in North America in 2013 over Toyota.

The automaker expects to widen its lead with record sales of the Fusion, Escape, and Fiesta, strong demand for the Focus, and a tripling of hybrid sales in 2013. Ford also has the single-best selling vehicle in the United States with the F-Series pickup, sales of which will easily exceed 700,000 this year, boosted by an improving economy with more housing starts and increased commercial construction.

In 2012, customers bought 329,677 more Fords than Toyotas. While December sales will not be released until Friday, Ford expects a much bigger lead. Through November, the Ford brand had sold 396,041 more vehicles than Toyota.

“The great news is that we are not overly reliant on any one segment — we’re seeing double-digit sales growth in cars, trucks, and utilities,” said John Felice, Ford vice president for U.S. marketing, sales, and service.