Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) continues to sell a ton of the Fusion mid-size sedans, as the passenger car set a sales record for itself for the fifth consecutive month in August. In addition, the average selling prices have been increasing. In the playing field with the Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) Camry and Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) Accord, it's impressive to see the Fusion doing so well.The Fusion is all-new for the 2010 model year, so it could continue selling well into the latter half of 2009 when the new model arrives on dealer floors. Anything Ford can do to continue breaking into one of the largest segments of the U.S. auto market, though, would be a huge plus for the automaker.
Ford's Chantel Lenard said "It's a very tough segment to be in. It's been dominated by the imports over the last several years . . . we are starting to break through and break that grip the imports have had on that segment." It has not been an easy ride, though. Just the names Camry and Accord scare the competition.
But a snapshot of year-to-date sales shows how far the Fusion would need to go in order to catch the two larger import sellers: Camry ,184, 216; Accord, 160,817; Fusion, 102, 756. The Fusion didn't crack the top-10 list of new cars purchased under the recent "Cash for Clunkers" program, although its younger sibling, the Ford Focus, did. One of the more interesting notes: Half of the Fusions sold in 2010 have been the more expensive SEL, Sport or Hybrid versions -- up from a 23% sales figure in 2009.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-06-2009 @ 3:09PM
Ruth Krieger said...
Ford was was the first company to grant me credit in the 1990's. I leased, enjoying a new car every 24 or 36 months. Payments were always low. I follow the maintanence plan meticulousy. Mileage has always been great. I have never had a mechanical problem and have never needed road service.I currently drive a 2008 Focus, with 25.6 mpg. I am due for routine maintanence which I am confident will up my mpg. In the past I have had 34.6 mpg which was usually on longer trips. Currently my health has limited my driving to 90 miles round trip as the longest, and frequent short trips.
I intend to remain focused on Ford!