http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050401/auto_sales.html?.v=4
Associated Press
Ford Sales Down Despite Recovery Hopes
Friday April 1, 1:45 pm ET
By Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Auto Writer
Ford Sees Decline in U.S. Sales in March Despite Hopes for Recovery After Tough Winter
DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. reported a 5 percent decline in U.S. sales in March despite hopes for a recovery after a tough winter.
Ford, the nation's No. 2 automaker behind General Motors Corp., said Friday that sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury trucks and sport utility vehicles, which have been the company's bread and butter, fell 6.6 percent in March and are down 7.9 percent for the year.
Car sales were down 1.75 percent for the month, but are up 5.1 percent for the year, helped by the hot-selling Ford Mustang. Ford also said the Mercury Montego sedan achieved its best sales since it went on sale last fall.
Ford's North American vice president Earl Hesterberg said higher gas prices "seem to be accelerating the demand for small and crossover sport utility vehicles."
Its overall sales of cars and trucks are down 3.8 percent for the year to date.
Ford shares fell 16 cents to $11.17 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, approaching their 52-week low of $10.94.
Ford Motor Co., http://www.ford.com
General Motors Corp., http://www.gm.com
DaimlerChrysler AG, http://www.daimlerchrysler.com
Associated Press
Ford Sales Down Despite Recovery Hopes
Friday April 1, 1:45 pm ET
By Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Auto Writer
Ford Sees Decline in U.S. Sales in March Despite Hopes for Recovery After Tough Winter
DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. reported a 5 percent decline in U.S. sales in March despite hopes for a recovery after a tough winter.
Ford, the nation's No. 2 automaker behind General Motors Corp., said Friday that sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury trucks and sport utility vehicles, which have been the company's bread and butter, fell 6.6 percent in March and are down 7.9 percent for the year.
Car sales were down 1.75 percent for the month, but are up 5.1 percent for the year, helped by the hot-selling Ford Mustang. Ford also said the Mercury Montego sedan achieved its best sales since it went on sale last fall.
Ford's North American vice president Earl Hesterberg said higher gas prices "seem to be accelerating the demand for small and crossover sport utility vehicles."
Its overall sales of cars and trucks are down 3.8 percent for the year to date.
Ford shares fell 16 cents to $11.17 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, approaching their 52-week low of $10.94.
Ford Motor Co., http://www.ford.com
General Motors Corp., http://www.gm.com
DaimlerChrysler AG, http://www.daimlerchrysler.com
